Vet school how many years of college

Veterinarians can work in a variety of settings. Many veterinarians work in private practice, treating pets like cats and dogs. Some veterinarians specialize in farm animals like cows, horses and pigs and pay visits to farmers rather than seeing patients in an office.

Veterinarians also work for zoos, universities and animal preserves to both treat and study the animals that live there. Finally, some veterinarians work in labs assisting with animal research to treat diseases. Vet school takes about eight years of higher education to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree DVM , including four years of relevant study in college or university and four years in veterinarian school.

Specialized veterinarian sciences can require additional training that can add two or more years of school before practicing as a vet. Related: Veterinarian Cover Letter Sample. During high school, focus on math and science. If possible, take honors or AP classes in these fields to increase your knowledge. Some high schools allow students to take college-level courses.

Consider this option if it is available. Some people who go on to become veterinarians do major in other areas, but it takes them longer to complete the prerequisite courses for veterinary school.

Most undergraduate programs take four years to complete. Veterinary school usually takes four years to complete. Before you can practice veterinary medicine, you have to take a certification exam to earn your license. Veterinary school will prepare you for the exam, but independent study is also recommended.

Many veterinarians choose to complete an internship with a seasoned veterinarian once they are licensed. This allows new veterinarians to practice with guidance before opening their own practice or working independently at an existing practice. Most internships last for a year. These opportunities are actually quite common at SGU for students in their first, second, or third year. The third year is sort of a transitional period before clinical rotations.

The vet degree programs focus on teaching students how to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and providing opportunities to develop technical surgical skills. The number and nature of third-year experiences vary widely by school. SGU, for instance, offers students an abundance of opportunities to work with patients and perform procedures. For Dr. Petit, working in the SAC was particularly beneficial.

If you are still in high school, take science classes like biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics and animal science, if available. Consider taking complex math classes such as trigonometry and calculus that teach critical thinking skills. Advanced placement classes can also provide a solid foundation for the rigorous college math and science classes that await you. Enrolling in summer classes online, or on campus, can also help you graduate on schedule.

Aspiring veterinarians often major in one of the sciences because veterinary schools generally require good grades in undergraduate science courses like biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, zoology and animal science. Depending on the particular veterinary school, you may also need certain classes in math, social studies and humanities. Get Free Consultation. Your Cart.

Product is not available in this quantity. Admissions Consulting. Test Prep. Inspira Advantage Admissions Consulting. About Us. Our Team Our Process Parents. Introduction 2. Bachelor's Degree 3. Typical Vet School Timeline 4. Online Vet School Programs 5. Internships 6. Certifications and Examinations 7. Is Vet School Worth It? FAQs 9. Conclusion Introduction Vet school is no easy feat. Typical Vet School Timeline Vet school requires an additional four years of education.

First Year The first year of vet school consists of the basics. Second Year The second year of vet school expands on your existing knowledge of veterinary medicine while also diving deeper into pathology. Third Year The third year of vet school introduces your technical skills, such as diagnosis and treatment, while also giving you the opportunity to develop surgical skills. Fourth Year The fourth and final year of vet school fully immerses you in the life of a veterinarian. Online Vet School Programs We understand the draw of online education and the ability to earn a degree from the comfort of your home where you can work at your own pace.

Internships Internships are not a requirement of vet school graduates, but they do give you a few more years of practice as a veterinarian before you get a job in a clinic or animal hospital. The University of Georgia offers a variety of internships and residency programs to improve your veterinary skills, ranging from programs focusing on large animals to programs dealing with pathology. Cornell University offers one-year internships that are typically necessary when pursuing a residency.

This school offers an internship dedicated to the medical care of exotic animals and would be a great experience if you were interested in that specialty. FAQs 1. How many years in total will it take to become a vet?

Is there an age limit for vet school? How much do vets make?