How to Become a Veterinary Specialist in Tennessee

Not all states have an in-state veterinary college. Fortunately, Tennessee is home to one of the best. Each year the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine accepts new applicants into its 4-year program. But it doesn’t begin—or end—there.Becoming a veterinary specialist is a long, intense process. If you are committed to maintaining and improving the health of animals, the choice may seem easy and the journey worthwhile.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Graduate from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (UTK) with a degree from the preprofessional program in veterinary medicine. This program satisfies the entrance requirements for admission to the veterinary school program.

2. Graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and pass the board exam.

3. Contact the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS), which falls under the auspices of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). ABVS is the organization responsible for accrediting veterinary residency programs and certifying graduates of those programs who have passed the board exam in their field of concentration.Apply for admission to the residency program in the specialty of your choice.

4. Complete the required 1-year internship. The ABVS organization responsible for your residency program will link you to an internship nearest your home in Tennessee.

5. Successfully complete the residency program mandated for your area of specialty. Residencies consist of up to 3 years of work and clinical practice with a veterinary certified in your specialty who meets certain other ABVS qualifications. You can serve your residency at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

6. Collect the documentation necessary for your credentials packet and submit the packet to your specialty organization. When the packet is accepted, you can register for your specialty board exam.

7. Pass the specialty board examination to become a "Diplomate" in your specialty field.

Resources

• Learn about the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
• American Veterinary Medical Association: ABVS-recognized specialty organizations