Schooling Needed to Be a Vet

As it is with most fields of medicine, the schooling needed to become a veterinarian is extensive. Additionally, the competition to get into a veterinary program is quite fierce, as there are only about 28 veterinary schools in the United States. A prospective veterinary doctor must complete her studies at one of these schools. There is, however, an exception for those not trained in the U.S. who can meet certain requirements to the satisfaction of the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates. These requirements include proficiency with both clinical skills and the English language.

High School

Anyone who might like to be a veterinarian should probably have an interest in science. High grades in high school science and math are generally a good start.

College

Veterinary schools usually have course requirements that need to be met at a four year-college before admission. The subject areas of these courses include communication, science (including both physical and biological) and math. It would probably be wise for a person interested in attending a veterinary college to confirm the necessary courses needed for admission.

Veterinary School Academics

Veterinary schools generally have educational programs that have two different parts. As with most medical schools, there is the academic and the clinical phases. During the first part, courses in pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology and other clinical sciences are commonly taken.

Veterinary School Clinical

The second phase of study at veterinary school is usually the clinical portion, where what has been learned in the classroom is put into use. Students commonly treat both infectious and noninfectious afflictions in animals. They also communicate with the animals' owners regarding their condition. This is done under close the supervision of veterinary school faculty.

Internships

A new trend for veterinary school graduates seems to be seeking an internship to advance their education and give them more hands-on experience. The internships can allow the future veterinarian to become board certified in a particular area of veterinary medicine. Students often find that, although the salary may be small, the internship can often lead to a better job in the future.

Ph.D.

Research and teaching careers in veterinary medicine generally require a Ph.D. A Ph.D. is commonly obtained by completing a residency program that usually lasts from two to five years. An examination must be passed following successful completion of the program.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is both required and important for veterinarians to stay current with new trends in veterinary medicine. At least half of the states in the U.S. require continued education in order to maintain a license. Furthermore, as knowledge and techniques in the field of veterinary medicine continue to advance, both future and professional veterinarians may keep up-to-date by such means as attending meetings and reading the scientific journals of the trade.