Becoming a Veterinarian, a person should love all types of animals. Veterinarians are not only seen in private practice but can work on farms or in a lab studying human and animal diseases. Before making the final decision to become a Veterinarian, volunteer at a local animal shelter or Veterinarian’s office.
Not all colleges offer a Veterinary program. In this case, an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, biology or other science is strongly recommended. While obtaining an undergraduate degree, contact the American Veterinary Medical Association and see which college courses are required. Veterinary schools will also have a list of required courses. A four-year undergraduate degree accompanied by a four-year Veterinary degree is required.
The competition for Veterinarians is very tight. Getting the highest grades possible and maintaining a good grade point average is a necessity. Study for any standardized tests and find out if it’s possible to take the test more than one time, just in case the grades aren’t up to par the first time around.
There are 28 colleges in the United States with Veterinary programs. Apply at the college that is of greatest interest and find out what the minimum and recommended qualifications for that particular school are. Becoming a Veterinarian is easier if you like the school you are going to. Veterinary colleges also look at things such as extracurricular activities and experience working with animals when deciding on admission.
After Veterinary school it is advisable to participate in a residency or internship program, especially if you want to obtain some sort of specialty certification or an advanced qualification. Residency programs vary in length and normally the college can lead you in the right direction.
A Veterinary degree is a four-year degree. When the program is completed the degree earned is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or D.V.M. When schooling is completed there are a couple of tests that will need to be taken prior to becoming a Veterinarian. The first test is called the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. This exam has to be taken in order to become licensed in the field of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to the National exam, there may be state exams required. Each state is different.
Prior to Becoming a Veterinarian, the person has to take a Veterinary Oath. The oath is similar to the Hippocratic Oath but pertains to animals rather than humans. This oath states you will minimize suffering by animals and will follow Veterinary ethics.
Maintaining a Veterinary license requires some continuing education to be completed each year. Failure to complete continuing education, through courses at home or by seminars, will result in the inability to renew your license.
