Becoming a veterinarian requires years of focused education, hands-on experience, and licensure. Whether you’re a student exploring the field or an adult planning a career change, understanding each step of the veterinary education pathway will help you plan your journey. This guide covers everything from high school preparation to professional licensing.

High School Preparation

A strong foundation in high school is the first step. Aspiring veterinarians should focus on courses such as:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Algebra and Pre-Calculus

• English and Communication

Extracurricular activities like volunteering at shelters, shadowing veterinarians, 4-H, or FFA can strengthen your early experience.

 Undergraduate Prerequisites

Before applying to veterinary school, students must complete required undergraduate coursework. Some schools accept applicants without a full degree, but most applicants complete at least 2–4 years of college.

 Bachelor’s Degree (Optional but Common)

While a bachelor’s degree is not strictly required for all veterinary schools, most competitive applicants have one. Popular majors include:

• Animal Science

• Biology

• Zoology

• Chemistry

What matters most is meeting prerequisite courses and maintaining a strong GPA.

 Required Pre-Veterinary Coursework

Veterinary schools typically require the following college-level courses:

• General Biology with labs

• General and Organic Chemistry

• Physics

• Microbiology

• Genetics

• Biochemistry

• Statistics

• English/Communication

• Humanities/Social Sciences

These courses ensure students are academically prepared for the rigors of veterinary school.

 Gaining Animal and Veterinary Experience

Experience is a crucial part of the application. Most veterinary schools require hundreds of hours working with animals.

Recommended experience includes:

• Shadowing veterinarians

• Working in clinics, farms, zoos, or shelters

• Research experience (optional but beneficial)

 Veterinary College Admission Requirements

To apply to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, applicants typically need:

• Completed prerequisite coursework

• Competitive GPA (often 3.3–3.8+)

• Letters of recommendation

• Veterinary and animal experience hours

• Personal statement

• Interview

Some schools require additional exams such as CASPer; the GRE is now optional or discontinued at many programs.

 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program

A DVM program usually takes four years and includes:

• Foundational veterinary science coursework

• Anatomy, physiology, pathology

• Pharmacology

• Surgery and diagnostic imaging

• Preventive and internal medicine

Students gradually move from lecture-based learning to hands-on practice.

 Clinical Rotations and Hands-On Training

The final year of veterinary school consists of clinical rotations in areas such as:

• Small animal medicine

• Large animal medicine

• Surgery

• Emergency care

• Radiology

• Exotic/avian medicine

These rotations give students real-world experience under licensed veterinarians.

 Licensing Examination (NAVLE)

To practice as a veterinarian in the United States or Canada, graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Additional state requirements may include jurisprudence exams.

Optional Post-Graduate Training

Some veterinarians pursue further specialization through:

• Internships (1 year)

• Residencies (3–4 years)

Specialties include surgery, cardiology, oncology, dermatology, neurology, and more.

 Continuing Education Requirements

Even after becoming licensed, veterinarians must complete continuing education (CE) annually or biannually to stay current in their field and maintain licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a veterinarian?

Typically 7–9 years, including undergraduate education plus four years of veterinary school.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to get into vet school?

Not always—but most applicants do have one, and it makes you more competitive.

Is veterinary school harder to get into than medical school?

Vet school acceptance rates are often lower due to fewer schools and high demand.

What GPA do I need for veterinary school?

Most admitted students have a GPA between 3.3 and 3.8, though requirements vary.

Can I become a veterinarian without going to vet school?

No. A DVM degree and passing the NAVLE are mandatory to practice.

What high-paying veterinary specialties exist?

Surgery, radiology, cardiology, internal medicine, and emergency/critical care rank among the highest-paid specialties.