About Vet School
A career in veterinary medicine requires more than just a desire to care for animals. It will take hard work and a dedication to being the best you can be to secure a spot at one of the very few schools of veterinary medicine in the United States. Considering that there are only 28 veterinary schools in the entire country, your chances of becoming a vet will depend on more than your academic record. Persistence, drive and a list of accomplishments will also be helpful.
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Features
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Most veterinary schools in the United States are located within state universities. If you live in a state that has a vet school, you have a slight advantage. But it doesn't mean you're out of luck if you live in a state that doesn't. Many states that do not have a school of veterinary medicine will contract with other states that do. Veterinary schools will allow a set number of students from other states to enroll, as long as your state is partnered with one of those schools.
Identification
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As a student of veterinary medicine, you will learn about a variety of animals and the diseases that are related to each. Surgical procedures will also be explained and conducted. Upon completion of vet school, you will have spent approximately 4,000 hours in classroom, lab and clinical studies.
Veterinary school will provide you with the skills necessary to diagnose infectious and non-infectious diseases; perform surgery; determine pregnancy and provide care and assist in live births; perform radiology procedures; provide preventative medicine; administer anesthesia; understand toxicology reports; and learn the proper work ethic and good business practices.
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Types
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There are two phases of study for veterinary students. In Phase One, a good portion of the learning is done in labs and in the classroom environment. Microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, preclinical studies and anatomy are all part of the curriculum. In Phase Two, students treat animals in a clinic setting, performing surgeries and learning interpersonal relations with pet owners.
Misconceptions
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A common misconception is that an aspiring veterinary student will pursue enrollment into a veterinary school right out of high school, but this is not how the system works. Students must first complete "preveterinary" coursework prior to submitting an application for enrollment in one of the 28 veterinary schools. Course requirements vary, so it is important to check with the veterinary school to which you plan to apply and find out which courses will be required.
Warning
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You must begin preparing for veterinary school while you are still in middle school and high school. Veterinary schools are highly competitive, and considering the limited number of them that exist in the United States, you will need to stand out in the crowd to be considered for acceptance. Proficiency in science, biology and math is extremely important, and making sure your overall grade average does not fall below a B is imperative. Volunteering, public-service projects and participation in clubs and extracurricular activities can also strengthen your chances.
Expert Insight
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Once you graduate from veterinary school, you must first pass a state examination before you can go to work in a private practice. The exam must be taken in the state in which you have chosen to work. Licensing varies from state to state, and just because you have passed an exam and received a license in one state, it doesn't necessarily make you legal to practice in another.
Considerations
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After completing veterinary school and passing the state licensing exam, you may want to consider an internship. Many veterinary clinics offer internships to recent graduates, and the rewards are great for those who take advantage of the opportunity. You can gain hands-on skills that will better prepare you for private practice. You can also earn extra certifications as a result of the experience.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Jonae Fredericks
