How to Be a Veterinarian Pathologist

A veterinarian cares for a sea lion.

Veterinary pathologists diagnose and treat diseases in animals including pets, livestock and wildlife. If you'd like to become a veterinary pathologist, you must hold a bachelor's degree, complete a veterinary medicine doctorate, complete residency programs, and pass a certifying examination.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate Records Examination, Veterinary College Admission Test or Medical College Admission Test
• Veterinary medicine doctorate
• Veterinary pathology examination

Instructions

1. Attend a four-year university and earn a bachelor's degree. Taking upper-level anatomy & physiology, zoology, microbiology, animal science/animal production, nutrition, and histology courses may help your chances of getting accepted into a college of veterinary medicine. While technically you can major in any subject, life science majors such as biology, animal science or zoology.

2. Take the Graduate Records Examination, Veterinary College Admission Test or Medical College Admission Test. Taking one of these three tests is needed to get accepted into a college of veterinary medicine.

3. Apply to a veterinary pathology university program. Each school has different admission requirements so research each school's policies. In 2007, there were 45 university programs in the United States.

4. Earn a four-year veterinary medicine doctorate.

5. Train an additional thee to six years after veterinary school. Your residency can take place at universities throughout the country including Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Colorado State University. The American College of Veterinary Pathologist's website lists available residency programs.

6. Pass a veterinary pathology examination. This exam is held at Iowa State University in September, and open to to those studying anatomic pathology or clinical pathology. You must register for the exam by January of the year you plan to take the exam.

References

• American College of Veterinary Pathologists: Certifying Exam Information
• Medical News Today:The Field of Veterinary Pathology Is Growing; June 16, 2007
• Education-portal.com: Veterinary Pathologist: Job Outlook and Information About a Career in Veterinary Pathology
• American College Veterinary Medical Association: Vet School Admission 101
• American College of Veterinary Pathologists: Training Center
• American College of Veterinary Pathologists: Dates and Deadlines