How to Become an Equine Veterinarian
If you grew up with horses, own your own or simply admire the beauty of the various breeds, becoming an equine veterinarian is a career that might scratch that horsey itch in a lucrative and satisfying way. It helps if you have a knack for the biological sciences as well as a great love for the horse. With the degree you can go into surgery, teaching, research or epidemiology. Becoming an equine vet allows you to have daily contact with horses, as well as contribute to their ongoing heath and well being.
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Instructions
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As early as junior high school, excel in general science and biology classes. In high school, take advanced placement classes and achieve strong science, math and biology scores.
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Attend college and major In pre-veterinary studies, biology or some other related field of study. Classes will include social sciences, humanities, math, biology, chemistry and physics. If your state university doesn't have a vet college, you may need to consider going to school in another state.
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After earning your undergraduate degree, apply to veterinary school. You must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before applying. Admission is competitive and only about one-third of all applicants are accepted. There are 35 colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States and Canada. The programs are usually divided into two stages: pre-clinical and clinical. In the pre-clinical stage, students study anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology and pharmacology in the classroom and in the lab. In the clinical stage, students do hands-on training in real situations. A student spends about 4,000 hours in class, lab and clinical studies over the program's four years.
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Graduates can check out the American Association of Equine Practitioners for internships and additional training. After graduating, there is no residency required, although a graduate may choose to become involved with an established practice as an intern. Graduates will be required to pass state-required exams to be licensed. Once licensed, most graduates begin working within a public or private vet practice, or within a veterinary school or government-run organization.
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