Education Required for Veterinary Jobs
Veterinarians care for many types of animals, including zoo animals, family pets and livestock. They provide medical care by diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases, performing surgery and offering advice to owners. Most work in private practice, making approximately $79,000 annually, as of May 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers in related occupations earn $19,000 to $29,000 per year, depending on specific job titles, duties and training. Veterinarians complete at least four years of education beyond the undergraduate level, in addition to state-required testing.
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Undergraduate Education
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Preveterinary studies consist of at least 45 hours of coursework at the undergraduate level, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most students complete an entire bachelor's degree program however, and those without such a degree will find acceptance to veterinary school difficult. Typical courses taken include math, English, business, career development and humanities, but most focus on science topics. These include several biology and chemistry courses in addition to animal-focused classes such as embryology, animal nutrition and zoology.
Veterinary School
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Veterinary school takes four years, ending in the awarding of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree. Slightly more than two dozen programs exist, accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association, with acceptance being very competitive. Veterinary schools also require scores from the Graduate Record Examination, Veterinary College Admission Test or Medical College Admission Test prior to acceptance.
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Additional Requirements
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Veterinary school graduates may complete a one-year internship to increase job opportunities and salary offers, with some even completing a three- or four-year residency program, required for board certification in one of 39 specialties. Licensing laws vary by state, but most require a D.V.M. degree, an acceptable grade on the national North American Veterinary Licensing Exam and an exam covering state laws and regulations governing veterinary practice. Most states also require continuing education for licensing renewal.
Related Jobs
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Other veterinary-related jobs require differing levels of education. Veterinary technologists and technicians perform many of the hands-on animal care duties in a veterinary clinic. Technicians complete two-year programs, while technologists complete a four-year degree, giving them the option of working in research-related fields. Animal caretakers at kennels, shelters and pet sitting services often learn skills on the job while others such as groomers or those working in zoos may complete job-specific training provided by the employer.
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