How to Become a Veterinarian in Oregon

You need several years of training before becoming a veterinarian in Oregon.

Becoming a veterinarian is just as hard as becoming a doctor, since it takes the same kind of passion, hard work and commitment. Just like all other dreams, it becomes a reachable goal once all the steps before you are clear. If you want to become a veterinarian in Oregon, you will have to follow a certain path and fulfill a certain plan. Like in all other U.S. states, becoming a veterinarian in Oregon is a task that lasts many years but in the end is very rewarding.

Instructions

1. Choose one of many Oregon-based zoos and veterinary offices to volunteer in. You can do this even during high school, which will then be not only a great experience, but also helpful in getting into a good veterinary school. Note that the state of Oregon has many prestigious veterinary practices, so try to get into the best possible office or ambulance in order to start building your resume early.

2. Complete your education up to a point of enrolling into veterinary school. In Oregon, there are many great colleges that offer pre-veterinary programs that can help you achieve your goal of becoming a veterinarian. If you can't find a specialized pre-veterinary program around your area, concentrate on programs that are based on biology, zoology or even biochemistry. During college, try to keep a high grade point average since Oregon veterinary schools are highly competitive. Also, try to keep a volunteering job that requires working with animals since that can be something to make your application stand out in the crowd.

3. Enroll in the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This is the only veterinary college in Oregon accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). It is one of the few AVMA-accredited colleges in the United States for veterinary medicine. Since it is the only of its kind in Oregon, you will need extraordinary grades and work experience to enroll.

4. Complete your education at Oregon State University, making sure to keep your grades high and enhance and broaden your work experience as well. Focus on the courses that interest you the most, and choose an area of expertise if you want to. Note that it is very hard to find a good veterinary job in Oregon because the competition is tough, Oregon being one of the 27 U.S. states with an accredited veterinary college. Therefore, try to distinguish yourself from the rest of the students by taking various classes and working on your volunteering and work experience at the same time.

5. Get your College of Veterinary Medicine diploma after you complete your education. It takes four years to get a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) at Oregon State University.

6. Apply for and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. It is a necessity if you want to become a licensed veterinarian in Oregon, as well as in other states.

7. Apply for and pass the Oregon state exam that is required in order to become a certified doctor of veterinary medicine. This state exam will cover the specific laws and regulation that are valid in the state of Oregon.

Tips & Warnings

• Join an organization such as Oregon veterinary medical association in order to become a full member of Oregon's veterinary medicine community.

• Working with animals can be dangerous, so make sure always to follow procedure to keep yourself and others as safe as possible.

References

• Oregon VMA: Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
• Oregon Live: The Long, Winding Road to Becoming a Veterinarian
• Pet Place: How to Become a Veterinarian