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Veterinary Academy Blog

Getting into Veterinary School: A Guide for High School Students

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If you love animals and have a dream of becoming a vet, you’re probably wondering how to get into vet school. It might seem like a big challenge, but with the right advice and preparation, your chances of getting into veterinary school can significantly improve. In this guide, we’ll break down the process of getting into vet school into easy-to-understand steps, from knowing what’s required to preparing for interviews. This guide is perfect for high school students who are considering a career in veterinary medicine or those who are thinking about a career change later in life—we’ve got plenty of tips to help you on your journey towards a successful career in veterinary medicine.

What Do You Need to Get into Vet School?

Before you can start your journey to becoming a vet, you need to understand the requirements to get into vet school. Meeting these requirements can increase your chances of getting accepted and set you on the right path to becoming a successful vet.

Courses you need to take: Veterinary schools usually require you to complete certain courses before you apply. These often include subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and/or math. Remember to check the specific requirements of your desired schools and consider taking advanced high school or college classes to strengthen your application.

GPA requirements: Along with the necessary courses, most vet schools have minimum GPA requirements. While these can vary, you’re generally expected to have strong grades, especially in related fields like science. Maintaining a high GPA throughout high school and college is key to showing your dedication to the field.

Extracurricular activities: Veterinary schools appreciate applicants who have involved themselves in activities related to veterinary medicine. This could be volunteering at animal shelters, working at a vet clinic, or joining an animal welfare organization. These activities not only show your passion for the field, but also help you gain practical experience.

How to Prepare Your Vet School Application

Applying for vet school involves several important components, much like applying to any college. When preparing to begin the application process, give yourself a leg up by compiling the necessary materials in advance:

Personal statement: This is your chance to tell the admissions committee about your passion for veterinary medicine and why you’ll make a great vet. You should spend time reflecting on your experiences and goals, and craft a statement that highlights your dedication to the field.

Letters of recommendation: These should come from people who know you well and can speak to your abilities and commitment. This could be a teacher, a veterinarian you’ve worked with, or an employer. Make sure to give them plenty of time to write the letters! At least one month is preferable.

Preparing for the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT): The VCAT is a standardized test that checks your knowledge and skills in various areas of veterinary medicine. To prepare for the exam, you might want to consider enrolling in a test prep course or using study resources such as practice exams and review books. Make sure you dedicate enough time to studying!

How to Get Relevant, Hands-On Experience

Getting into veterinary school isn’t just about having good grades. Your dedication to caring for animals should be demonstrated through your own practical experience in the field. Here are some ways you can gain that experience:

Volunteer at an animal shelter or clinic. This will give you the chance to work directly with animals and learn from experienced professionals.

Look for internships or shadowing opportunities at vet clinics or hospitals. This can give you a firsthand look at the daily life of a vet.

Participate in research or animal-related projects . These can help you develop important skills and learn about new developments in veterinary medicine.

Veterinary Academy programs can help you earn valuable, hands-on experience with animals. You can even earn up to 60 veterinary hours to include with your vet school application!

Picking the Right Vet School

Choosing the right vet school is a big decision and an important step towards achieving your dream of becoming a vet. Here’s what you should think about:

Looking into accredited programs . Make sure you look into vet schools that are accredited by the relevant regulatory bodies. This ensures that the program meets certain standards and will prepare you for a successful career as a vet.

Considering location and cost. The location and cost of the vet school are practical considerations that can have a big impact on your experience. Think about whether you’d prefer to study close to home or are open to exploring new places. Also, consider the cost of tuition, living expenses, and the availability of scholarships or financial aid.

Evaluating specific program offerings . Each vet school may have unique offerings and areas of specialization. Think about your interests and career goals to find a program that suits you. Look into the curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and any specialized tracks or concentrations that might interest you.

How to Go to Vet School and Become a Veterinarian

Compassion, resilience, good communication and self-care go a long way in veterinary education and the profession, experts say.

How to Get Into Vet School, Become a Vet

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Vets need to be adept at interacting with both humans and animals.

For those who love animals and enjoy science, a career as a veterinarian might be a good fit. These health care providers have doctorates in veterinary medicine, and their doctoral education includes lessons on how to care for a variety of nonhuman creatures ranging from household pets and farm animals to aquatic creatures and zoo animals.

"You get to learn about the large and small animals," says Dr. Jim Carlson, a veterinarian outside Chicago who provides conventional and alternative therapies to animals.

"That's unique to our profession, because we come out (of vet school) having a basic knowledge of all animals, from ants to elephants," says Carlson, adding that most of his patients are small animals like dogs and cats.

Dr. Tony DeMarco – a veterinarian who owns the Lee's Summit, Missouri, branch of GoodVets, a national network of animal hospitals – says one of the best aspects of being a vet is the broad variety of patients. "I might see a cute new family puppy first thing in the morning and then evaluate a sick cat for surgery," he wrote in an email.

Communication can be a challenge in the veterinary field, DeMarco notes.

"Veterinarians are often compared to pediatricians because our patients aren't able to talk to us," he says. "We often have to perform some detective work in collaboration with the owner to deduce a pet's problem from medical history, behavior, and symptoms."

Vets need to be adept at interacting with both humans and animals, says Dr. Becky Krull, a Wisconsin-based veterinarian and co-owner of a veterinary practice.

"I think loving animals is a given but what is often overlooked is that you must be a people person," Krull wrote in an email. "There is a person affiliated with every patient I have and that person is paying the bill! You need to be able to communicate effectively to educate and provide value to your services."

How to Get Into Vet School

To become a competitive veterinary school applicant, it is essential to take all of the prerequisite courses for your target school, experts say, and it's important to understand that different vet schools have different prerequisite requirements.

Dr. Robin Solomon, a licensed and practicing veterinarian in New York who wrote a chapter about the profession for the book, "Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide," notes that to qualify for vet school, it's typically necessary to take undergraduate courses in advanced math, basic sciences like biology and chemistry, plus animal science.

The American Veterinary Medical Association notes in its admissions 101 guide for aspiring veterinarians that there is no particular college major that someone needs to pursue in order to qualify for vet school. The association suggests that vet school applicants highlight their experience with animals, as well as leadership and communication skills.

Solid grades are essential in order to be a competitive applicant, the association adds, with the caveat that vet schools don't expect a perfect GPA. "Although a 4.0 will certainly help you, it's not an absolute necessity," the association states.

Participation in 4-H, the National FFA Organization – formerly Future Farmers of America – and other similar organizations is "great experience" for vet school hopefuls, according to the association. So is volunteering at animal shelters or animal rescues, the association notes, adding that it's "very important" to either volunteer or work for a veterinarian.

"Not only does it expose you to your potential career (so you know what you're getting into, so to speak), but it also might provide a good recommendation for you from the veterinarian," the association states on its website. If you gain research lab experience or work with veterinarians who treat different species of animals, "that's a bonus that can make you more appealing to a veterinary school admissions committee," the association explains.

Dr. Brian Collins, a veterinarian on the faculty of the highly ranked Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in New York, says Cornell looks for a variety of traits when assessing applicants.

"Half of our admissions review is dedicated to making sure the applicant has the academic background to succeed in our curriculum," he wrote in an email, noting that the rest of the admissions process is designed to assess the applicant as an individual. "Scientific curiosity, compassion, empathy, resilience, demonstrated problem-solving skills and people-skills are additional characteristics we value and look for in an applicant."

Krull suggests that showcasing positive personality traits is one way to improve the odds of vet school acceptance.

"Some schools do personal interviews as well, so you must be charismatic and present yourself in a way that convinces them you are a good fit," she says. "Since burnout, compassion fatigue and suicide rates are rampantly on the rise in this profession, schools may also now be looking at students who have resilience, grit and the self-care needed to survive school and the profession."

Most vet schools require applicants to submit GRE General Test scores, and some also require a GRE Subject Test in biology. It is occasionally possible to submit scores from the MCAT medical school entrance exam instead of the GRE General Test, but that depends on a vet school's admissions policies.

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges provides a free " Profile of Admitted Students " online tool that prospective vet students can use to find out what credentials are typical among accepted students at individual vet schools.

What to Expect in Vet School

Students enrolled in vet school will take an array of classes relevant to animal health, experts say.

"Within the veterinary school curriculum," Solomon wrote in an email, "classes include the anatomy and physiology of many species (cats, dogs, horses, cows and exotic species), nutrition, microbiology, infectious diseases, internal medicine and surgery. Elective courses are also offered in areas of aquatic and zoo animal medicine, conservation of endangered species, rehabilitation medicine and Eastern medicine such as acupuncture."

Krull describes the amount of material that vet students need to absorb as "astronomical," since students must gain an understanding of multiple species and learn about both male and female animals. "Being a veterinary student is extremely difficult but rewarding," she says.

Vet school involves not only science classes but also clinical skills training, experts say.

"Throughout, students must learn to diagnose and treat diseases in a wide range of species that go beyond dogs, cats, cows and horses, including birds and exotic pets such as reptiles and amphibians," Collins says.

Collins describes veterinary education as "a full-time job" and says students can expect to spend significant time in classes, labs and study sessions.

"Having said that, our students are involved in many extracurricular activities, most of which are clubs related to the veterinary profession," he says.

Steps to Take to Become a Vet

Experts on veterinary medical education emphasize that it is highly rigorous, but they say the vet school workload is manageable for hardworking, bright students.

Dr. Carmen Fuentealba, dean of the Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine in New York, says students who have done well in college and high school should not fear vet school since they have already proven themselves academically.

"There is not going to be any reason why you shouldn't succeed when you go to vet school," she says.

Veterinary school typically lasts for four years and veterinary students usually have a bachelor's degree, which means that the journey into the veterinary profession is a long one. Aspiring vets can expect to devote about eight years to their higher education if they spend four years in college and four years in vet school earning a doctor of veterinary medicine, or D.V.M., degree.

Further, people who wish to specialize within a particular field of veterinary medicine such as surgery or pathology often seek extra training after vet school through veterinary internship and residency programs. For those individuals, over a decade of education after high school is typical.

"Advanced training programs such as internships and residencies are not required," Collins explains. "Residency programs allow veterinarians to receive advanced training and certification in a clinical discipline."

Successful completion of an internship is a prerequisite for most residency programs, Collins adds.

Although someone can become a vet without completing a veterinary internship or residency, he or she must have a license.

"Graduates of accredited U.S. veterinary colleges must be licensed in the state(s) in which they intend to practice, through an application process determined by that state," Collins says. "The most important requirements for licensure are successful completion of the veterinary degree and a passing score on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination," or NAVLE, he adds.

Is Vet School Worth It?

The educational pathway to a veterinary career is not only lengthy and strenuous, it's also pricey.

According to the AVMA, the average educational debt among 2019 graduates of U.S. veterinary schools who found full-time employment prior to graduation was about $150,000. Their average entry-level starting salary was significantly less, slightly under $85,000.

Experts on the veterinary profession say that money is not typically the primary motivation for entering this field. "Money can be a touchy subject, especially since we work in a caring profession and generally prefer to tackle medical rather than financial challenges," DeMarco says.

"Honestly, the salary-to-debt ratio is poor," DeMarco says, but veterinarians "don’t usually enter the field because they expect it to be lucrative."

It's important for vet school hopefuls to understand that veterinarians typically earn far less than physicians. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for U.S veterinarians was $93,830 in May 2018 while it was $208,000 or more for physicians and surgeons within human medicine.

The BLS predicts that the number of U.S. veterinary jobs by 2028 will be 18% higher than in 2018. That is much better than the norm among U.S. professions, since the average projected growth rate across all fields is only 5%.

Dr. Katie Woodley, a Colorado-based general practice veterinarian who incorporates holistic treatment methods into her practice, says one of the advantages of the veterinary profession is that there are many types of jobs within the veterinary field. Vets, then, can choose the path that suits them.

The career path that most people imagine when they think of veterinarians is the role of a general practitioner who takes care of personal pets, Solomon says, but vets may treat small animals, food animals or exotic animals.

Additionally, although a majority of vets work in private practice, that isn't true for all vets. "Veterinarians can also be found in research, public health, the military and regulatory medicine (such as the CDC, EPA and FDA)," Solomon wrote in an email, referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration, respectively.

DeMarco says the job outlook for vets is positive. "There are many potential career paths, from small animal doctor to state health inspector, and from researcher to relief vet."

Plus, according to the AVMA, there are 22 types of veterinary specialists , vets who have pursued veterinary training beyond vet school, developed expertise within a particular area of veterinary medicine and passed an exam in that field.

For example, poultry veterinarians are experts on caring for turkeys, chickens and ducks, and theriogenologists concentrate on animal reproduction.

Though the veterinary field is diverse and includes many types of jobs, one thing that nearly every veterinary specialty shares in common is an abundance of intellectually demanding work. Krull notes that the veterinary field is a challenging one "with long hours, tough cases, lots to know."

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The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Veterinary Colleges

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Applying to veterinary school can be a daunting (& expensive process). But, don’t worry! We did a deep-dive into each veterinary school, what it’ll cost, acceptance rates, and debt information, to help you make an informed decision. And, on some, we even got to talk to actual students there about what life is like & what they would improve about their experience!

Before we jump into that, let’s look at the top 5 most affordable school & the 5 with the highest acceptance rates.

What’s the most affordable veterinary school?

When we think of affordability, there are a few different factors. First, resident tuition will always be cheaper. So it’s smart to try to get into schools in your state of residence, if applicable. 

Second, tuition is only one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also need to factor in living expenses, fees, and other costs related to your attendance. With that in mind, we’ve split up affordability into 4 categories:

Most affordable resident tuition:

• North Carolina State University : $78,479
• Purdue University : $80,734
• University Of Georgia : $87,316
• Texas Tech University : $88,000
• Kansas State University : $91,184

Most affordable resident total cost:

• St. George’s University : $163,479
• Purdue University : $170,742
• Ross University : $175,372
• University Of Georgia : $181,227
• North Carolina State University : $182,627

Most affordable non-resident tuition:

• North Carolina State University : $106,520
• Texas Tech University : $131,200
• Washington State University : $135,271
• University Of Missouri-Columbia : $142,881
• The Ohio State University : $149,601

Most affordable non-resident total cost:

• North Carolina State University : $214,731
• Washington State University : $240,718 ‍
• Texas Tech University : $247,070

Which veterinary school is easiest to get into?

• Tuskegee University : 19.5% acceptance rate 
• Western University : 17% acceptance rate
• Louisiana State University : 16.1% acceptance rate
• Texas A&M University : 14.7% acceptance rate
• Oklahoma State University : 13.1% acceptance rate

The full list:

Auburn University Colorado State University Cornell University Iowa State University Kansas State University Lincoln Memorial University Long Island University Louisiana State University Michigan State University Midwestern University Mississippi State University North Carolina State University Oklahoma State University Oregon State University Purdue University Ross University St. George’s University Texas A&M University Texas Tech University The Ohio State University Tufts University Tuskegee University University Of Arizona University Of California University Of Florida University Of Georgia University Of Illinois University Of Minnesota University Of Missouri-Columbia University Of Pennsylvania University Of Tennessee University Of Wisconsin-Madison Virginia-Maryland College Of Veterinary Medicine Washington State University Western University ‍

‍ Auburn University

📍 Auburn, Alabama 

🖥️ vetmed.auburn.edu

admissions statistics

Average class size: 131 

# of applications:  1,217

Average GPA: 3.7

tuition & fees

Total Tuition Cost: $102,960

Total Cost: $225,580

non-resident

Total Tuition Cost: $220,680

Total Cost: $360,356

debt information 

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 85.2%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $165,315

what’s life like as a student?

What do you like most about your program.

I really enjoy the atmosphere of AUCVM. I know friends at other vet schools have said that their community can be really competitive and have a very "every man for himself" mentality, but I've had the exact opposite experience at Auburn. 

Every class varies a little bit, but we very much operate as a team. We all share resources and study guides as we find and create them and are always eager to help one another. It's a really supportive community, both among classmates and clinicians, and it's really improved my vet school experience.

What are some areas for improvement?

Auburn focuses very heavily on didactic education and doesn't provide as much clinical experience as early on as other vet schools. I'm in my clinical year currently, and while I feel well prepared for my rotations in terms of working knowledge, I've been out of practice with my hands-on skills since starting vet school. 

While club events can help provide more hands-on experience, it can get really tiring only working with animals from time to time. I wish there was more clinical experience incorporated into the didactic portion of our education.

What advice would you give to students looking at going here?

Everyone talks about how hard vet school is, but it's so hard to understand the challenges that come with being in such a rigorous program until you're already in it. Everyone looks for different things when applying to school: in-state versus out-of-state tuition; proximity to family and friends; tracking or non-tracking; the list goes on. 

Don't forget to consider the community of the schools you apply to. Your classmates and faculty become your family from the second you start first year all the way through graduation and beyond. Things like tuition are very important, but don't forget to consider who you will end up working alongside for the next four years.

Tuskegee University

📍 Tuskegee, Alabama 

🖥️ tuskegee.edu

Average class size: 69

# of applications: 353

Average GPA: 3.5

Total Tuition Cost: $187,129

Total Cost: $312,186

Total Cost: $312,386

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 100%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $95,425

I love the Big/Little Program we have at TUCVM! Each incoming first year has the opportunity to request a “big”, who is a second year student that mentors them throughout vet school. It's helpful to have someone who already knows how the school operates and the best way to prepare for different courses or professors. Also, it’s inspirational to see what is in store for me next — one of the highlights of last school year was watching my big and the rest of the Class of 2024 receive their white coats!

I also love the diversity at TUCVM; we are the most racially diverse veterinary school in the United States. Being surrounded by classmates and professors who look like me has been invaluable in minimizing imposter syndrome. I have never felt like I don’t belong here.

Clinical skills is an area with room for improvement. We had only a short time within our Clinical Skills course dedicated to hands-on learning. However, TUCVM has begun implementing some changes in the curriculum, so the classes behind us can have more hands-on experiences to apply didactic instruction.

Technology is another key area where advancements can be made. As a small, private school, Tuskegee has less funding compared to larger and/or state schools. But recent donations from alumni, corporations, and nonprofits have helped provide financial support to the CVM.

I would recommend getting involved in different clubs on campus. It’s a great way to learn about different areas of veterinary medicine, make friends and professional connections, and take on leadership roles. If there’s a club you would like to see at Tuskegee that is not already active, take the initiative to start (or restart) it! That's something I did in restarting our Internal Medicine Club (Student Chapter of ACVIM).

Further advice for prospective students is to work in collaboration with your classmates! We all have the same goal to graduate and become successful doctors. Working together, sharing notes, resources, and opportunities is better than competing against each other.

Midwestern University

📍 Glendale, Arizona 

🖥️ midwestern.edu

Average class size: 130

# of applications: 1,574 

Average GPA: 3.6

Total Tuition Cost: $259,720

Total Cost: $453,669

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 99.0%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $347,415

University Of Arizona

📍 Tucson, AZ 

🖥️ arizona.edu

Average class size: 107

# of applications: 1,783 

Average GPA: 3.4

Total Tuition Cost: $141,657

Total Cost: $258,631

Total Tuition Cost: $218,157

Total Cost: $347,574

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: N/A

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: N/A

One of my favorite things is that we have an accelerated program that’s completed in 3 years, rather than the traditional 4 years of most programs. This allows you to get started in your career an entire year earlier!

I love that UACVM embraces diversity and inclusion within our program, but also finds ways to actively increase DEI and representation within the veterinary profession.

Finally, part of being a new program means that students have had the opportunity to constantly engage in dialogue, provide feedback, and help improve the curriculum via open communication with faculty and program directors—which is such an exciting opportunity and continually improves the experiences for the next class of students.

One of the biggest areas for improvement would be the exotics curriculum. I think that we had very few opportunities to learn more about exotics in the same way that we learned about small or large animals.

Additionally, while I love the flexibility and real-world experiences provided with a distributive model clinical year, I think that there is a huge financial burden that comes with this model. Each month moving to various clinic locations can require additional costs for housing, transportation, food, car repairs, pet expenses, etc. This is something to consider when planning your clinical year.

The biggest piece of advice I can give to students within this program, despite sounding cliché is that—you really do get out of it what you’re willing to put in! This program is not a lecture-based program but rather is based on the concept of team-based learning (TBL). This means you spend most of your day collaborating with your team members to work through cadavers, cases, and group projects. Your success within the program is dependent on your ability to not only learn the material, but also how well you work with others around you.

Putting egos aside and recognizing that everyone has strengths, weaknesses, and lifting up the people around you is something that will take you far—as a student but also as someone entering this profession. I think this model of learning is most like the reality of the workplace where you will need to speak up, participate, and work with people from all different backgrounds. Being a team player is absolutely essential to your success!

University Of California

📍 Davis, California 

🖥️ vetmed.ucdavis.edu

Average class size: 150

# of applications: 1,199

Average GPA: 3.3

Total Tuition Cost: $132,100

Total Cost: $289,597

Total Tuition Cost: $181,080

Total Cost: $345,674

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 69.0%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $150,396

Western University Of Health Sciences

📍 Pomona, California 

🖥️ westernu.edu/veterinary

Average class size: 109

# of applications: 641

Total Tuition Cost: $223,102

Total Cost: $370,983

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 87.9%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $312,620

Our curriculum is SO unique!! Like every university curriculum, it has its pros and cons, but overall works really well.

From the very first day, the problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum starts teaching us how to actually work through cases from learning to prioritize important facts, problems, work through differentials, and come up with plans and next steps - it's not just memorizing a ton of information (I mean yes, but also) it's actually learning information not just for exams, but for life too. In addition, we also work with live animals from our very first block because we do rotations through the on-campus clinic and the mobile low-cost clinic, and we visit a local barn for large animal experience too.

Honorable mentions: Southern CA has so much to offer! Campus is close to beaches, LA, and Disneyland, there's a lot of racial diversity in each class, and there's a super close-knit and supportive class environment since our curriculum forces us to be so close to our classmates.

What are some areas of improvement?

Honestly - inconsistency in communication between faculty and students, depending on the faculty member. Many faculty members are open to talking to students and hearing whatever feedback they have about the curriculum, changes, and concerns, but not every single faculty member is the most receptive or action-driven, so you have to be familiar with which faculty members to talk to to really feel heard.

The curriculum really works... if you let it. Don't resist the methods! This curriculum is the definition of student-centered learning and really puts you in the driver's seat and teaches you how to be independent.

You need help finding resources? The help is there, but you have to have the self-discipline to reach out.

Not succeeding solo-studying? Create your own friend groups and study groups. Because it's so student-centered, the most important thing is that you need to find what works best for YOU and sometimes figuring that out can take time - you definitely won't have it down the first week, or even month.

Colorado State University

📍 Fort Collins, Colorado 

🖥️ csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu

Average class size: 156

# of applications: 4,128

Total Tuition Cost: $155,295

Total Cost: $269,863

Total Tuition Cost: $250,200

Total Cost: $378,518

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 84.6%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $179,367

What do you like most about your program? 

Colorado State University is an amazing place for any student who wants to enjoy the outdoors while getting an amazing education rooted in both science and medicine which is seldom found many other places. 

It is the plethora of opportunities to further your education in both of the aforementioned areas of science and medicine which make this program unique. I was fortunate enough to take advantage of one of the dual-degree programs here as I wrap up a Masters in Animal Science w/ a concentration in Ruminant Nutrition, which has allowed me to understand the full breadth of what veterinarians do both in and out of the clinical environment. 

It is due to experiences such as those dual-degree programs which allow CSU to maintain its status as a pillar in the veterinary research community which is a tremendous advantage. While those are things that directly impact me, more importantly, the veterinary school has continued to innovate and be forward-thinking in all areas, which brings me hope for those coming after me; this includes a $300 million expansion to our veterinary hospital and a complete curriculum renewal which will create "day one" ready veterinarians to fulfill the needs in our industry. 

Colorado State continues to trend towards incorporating more positive well-being practices while maintaining quality education which makes me extremely proud to be a Ram. 

What are some areas for improvement? 

There is a shared area of improvement for all universities, including my own, and that is the area of diversity and inclusion or rather lack thereof which is contributing to the veterinary shortage around the country. It's not enough nor has it ever been to simply ask a statement about diversity in the application or to mention it during orientation; DEI has to be put into practice in a way that benefits everyone. 

I am currently the only black man at the veterinary school here at Colorado State; there are no black faculty members either, which negatively impacts my experience but drives me to push for more diversity in this space. This doesn't mean that CSU isn't trying, we've had our most diverse class in the history of the institution since 1907 this year, but as we continue to grow, we have to continue the trend of not just accepting students from marginalized backgrounds, we have to support them while they're here. 

Our peer institutions have implemented steps that demonstrate this perfectly through the inclusion of required diversity credits for every student, alumni mentorship for students from marginalized backgrounds or even doing community service in areas that are negatively impacted by the stigma surrounding the least diverse health profession in the country. 

Colorado State isn't there yet, but they can be, and I know that just as most institutions in the country, they are trying to be. 

What advice would you give to students looking at going here? 

Attempting to gain entry into any veterinary institution is tough, CSU gets more applications than just about any other school, which statistically makes it even tougher, but not impossible. 

My biggest advice is to relax more, stress less, and build your mind for veterinary school. It's not all about grades, although they are a big factor, it's about who you are. There's an unpopular opinion I often share with pre-vet students, "Veterinary medicine is a job, not your life (even though it seems that way sometimes), you are more than that organic chemistry grade or how many pre-vet meetings you go to, and no one cares how good of a veterinarian you are if you're not a good person." 

I say these things not to be mean; pre-vet clubs across the country have their place in connecting you with like-minded people; however, when it comes to admissions and life, I would encourage you to venture outside and find your passion beyond animals. Continue to ask yourself a few questions. How do I care for myself? How do I care for people? How do I care for the environment around me? These are the pillars of a well-rounded good veterinarian and student. 

Make sure you're going out to do that monthly hike, you're getting involved in advocacy, or even sitting down with your grandmother and asking her about her childhood. Veterinary school requires mental fortitude and not just due to the heavy workload, but because your mental health will be stretched in every way imaginable; don't be a stagnant student because if you're anything like me, you don't want to go to a stagnant school.

University Of Florida

📍 Gainesville, Florida 

🖥️ vetmed.ufl.edu

# of applications: 1,922

Total Tuition Cost: $115,160

Total Cost: $248,051

Total Tuition Cost: $182,000

Total Cost: $324,576

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 73.5%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $143,720

What I like most about my program is the support received from the faculty and staff because I firmly believe that sets the foundation. It has formed a nurturing environment that has allowed me to feel a sense of comfortability, calmness, and love in a pre-established stressful environment due to grades and exams.

I also love UFCVM’s Aquatic Animal Health Certificate program. Although other veterinary colleges offer certificate programs, UFCVM is the only veterinary college that offers this certificate program. It was one of the deciding factors in me ultimately committing to UFCVM, as it is for many other students as well. As a student enrolled in courses offered in the program, I have gained knowledge and an introduction to aquatic animal medicine. It has also helped me form new skills concentrated on animals I would like to build a career around one day such as marine mammals, fish, aquatic invertebrates. Upon completion the program will increase the likelihood of my success in aquatics internships, residencies, and veterinary positions that include aquatic animal care.

As a kinesthetic learner, I would have liked to have gained early exposure by the incorporation of a few “engaging group days” per semester. Split into groups students would be allowed to get hands-on experience in different departments throughout UF Small Animal Hospitals and Large Animal Hospitals that aligns with on some of the courses they are taking such as Respiration, Reproduction, Cardiology, Parasitology and many more.

This incorporation would be done with hopes to further enhance what we learned in the classroom as 1st year veterinary students. It also would allow students to be more confident in their capabilities of what is being presented to them in the classroom.

I would say utilize the pre-veterinary resources UFCVM Admissions offers early on, they were my best friend as a pre-vet student!

Some resources I utilized were the PreVet Pawscast that gave me tons of advice on how to perfect my application, tips on interviews, and knowledge in different veterinary career fields. They also have a Pre-Vet Tool Kit that includes an interview prep e-book which was helpful while preparing for my interview as well as other pre-vet essentials.

There is also an Instagram and YouTube page that provides virtual tours, advice from current veterinary students & admissions, and the life behind the scenes of veterinary school at UFCVM!

University Of Georgia

📍 Athens, Georgia 

🖥️ vet.uga.edu

# of applications: 1,360

Total Tuition Cost: $87,316

Total Cost: $181,227

Total Tuition Cost: $203,185

Total Cost: $313,884

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 71.7%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $138,167

University Of Illinois

📍 Urbana, Illinois 

🖥️ vetmed.illinois.edu

Average class size: 135

# of applications: 2,039

Total Tuition Cost: $123,926

Total Cost: $226,315

Total Tuition Cost: $212,216

Total Cost: $327,397

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 81.9%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $203,311

Purdue University

📍 West Lafayette, Indiana 

🖥️ vet.purdue.edu

Average class size: 87

# of applications: 1,537

Total Tuition Cost: $80,734

Total Cost: $170,742

Total Tuition Cost: $180,089

Total Cost: $284,492

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 86.4%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $131,553

Iowa State University

📍 Ames, Iowa 

🖥️ vetmed.iastate.edu

Average class size: 162

# of applications: 1,967

Total Tuition Cost: $110,352

Total Cost: $192,405

Total Tuition Cost: $222,324

Total Cost: $320,601

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 86.2%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $146,796

Kansas State University

📍 Manhattan, Kansas 

🖥️ vet.k-state.edu

Average class size:  118

# of applications: 1,496

Total Tuition Cost: $91,184

Total Cost: $188,952

Total Tuition Cost: $206,043

Total Cost: $320,453

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 81.7%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $191,907

Louisiana State University

📍 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

🖥️ lsu.edu/vetmed

Average class size: 120

# of applications: 746

Total Tuition Cost: $109,127

Total Cost: $242,917

Total Tuition Cost: $225,527

Total Cost: $376,182

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 79.5%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $191,580

The support of the faculty/staff and the environment at LSU. LSU SVM also has various opportunities for hands on experience through wet labs, clubs, and clinical skills which I find very helpful as a vet student.

LSU has a great reputation for graduates that have a lot of clinical expertise. The time we have in clinical skills could be increased to allow us more opportunity to improve these skills. I do believe the new curriculum that is officially launching this fall addresses this.

Network and reach out to everyone in the vet community here. For some people it may feel uncomfortable, but this is the time to get out of your comfort zone! Everyone here is rooting for you to succeed in the program and even after you graduate.

Tufts University

📍 North Grafton, Massachusetts 

🖥️ tufts.edu/vet

Average class size: 103

# of applications: 1,109

Average GPA: 3.8

Total Tuition Cost: $203,939

Total Cost: $350,701

Total Cost: $381,410

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 80.4%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $222,864

Michigan State University

📍 East Lansing, Michigan 

🖥️ cvm.msu.edu

Average class size: 115

# of applications: 2,114

Total Tuition Cost: $138,666

Total Cost: $252,436

Total Tuition Cost: $238,967

Total Cost: $367,270

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 88.6%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $177,326

University Of Minnesota

📍 Saint Paul, Minnesota 

🖥️ cvm.umn.edu

Average class size: 126

# of applications: 1,192

Total Tuition Cost: $140,231

Total Cost: $265,242

Total Tuition Cost: $252,056

Total Cost: $393,269

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 81.4%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $194,648

Mississippi State University

📍 Mississippi State, Mississippi 

🖥️ cvm.msstate.edu

Average class size: 114

# of applications: 1,319

Total Tuition Cost: $106,896

Total Cost: $210,861

Total Tuition Cost: $191,696

Total Cost: $307,947

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $169,759

University Of Missouri-Columbia

📍 Columbia, Missouri 

🖥️ cvm.missouri.edu

# of applications: 1,725

Total Tuition Cost: $107,596

Total Cost: $217,561

Total Tuition Cost: $142,881

Total Cost: $257,958

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $164,222

My favorite aspect of student life at University of Missouri is the approachability of the faculty members throughout didactic curriculum. During my undergrad experience at Mizzou, none of my professors knew my name, let alone who I was. 

At Missouri CVM, the vast majority of instructors know most students personally on a first-name basis and are incredibly accommodating in hopes to see students succeed. Whether it be reaching out to meet one-on-one after a tough exam, sending weekly check-in emails to ensure our emotional well-being, tutoring in the anatomy lab on weekends, or hosting exam reviews after-hours -- faculty members are always there to ensure our success throughout our rigorous coursework and beyond.

Most well-established veterinary schools implement hands-on skill assessments throughout didactic curriculum, often termed Objective Structured Clinical Examinations or (OSCEs). 

Although Missouri CVM does sprinkle in clinical skills throughout our didactic curriculum, there is no standardized grading system to ensure mastery of such skills, some as simple as removing a scalpel from a scalpel blade. 

As a student member of our CVM's curriculum committee, we are already taking steps towards implementation of standardized clinical skill evaluation in the near future!

My #1 tip for those looking to attend Missouri CVM (and any veterinary school honestly) is to not be afraid to use your resources and ask for help-- whether it be academically or mentally. 

Both our faculty members and full-time counselors at the CVM are invaluable resources I would encourage you to take full advantage of. Be proactive! Our faculty and staff is always there to help you succeed in any way you see fit throughout the rigors of veterinary curriculum.

Cornell University

📍 Ithaca, New York 

🖥️ vet.cornell.edu

# of applications: 1,828

Total Tuition Cost: $146,102

Total Cost: $256,572

Total Tuition Cost: $217,323

Total Cost: $338,122

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 73.7%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $162,000

Long Island University

📍 Brookville, NY 

🖥️ liu.edu/vetmed

# of applications: 1,058

Total Tuition Cost: $224,400

Total Cost: $535,808

Total Tuition Cost: $224,000

North Carolina State University

📍 Raleigh, North Carolina 

🖥️ cvm.ncsu.edu

Average class size: 99

# of applications: 1,963

Total Tuition Cost: $78,479

Total Cost: $182,627

Total Tuition Cost: $106,520

Total Cost: $214,731

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 80.8%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $140,367

What I like the most about the program is that there is an array of resources and opportunities available to us and I always feel supported by the faculty and staff.  

An area of improvement for the program is increasing the diversity and representation of the faculty — especially having more people of color. 

The advice I would give to a student looking to attend NC State’s DVM program is to be open to new ideas and experiences. You will be surrounded by people from all different walks of life and it is important that you are able to learn from one another and learn new perspectives. Also, be willing to work hard, there are many resources here to help you succeed you just have to be willing to use them to your advantage!

The Ohio State University

📍 Columbus, Ohio 

🖥️ vet.osu.edu

Average class size: 165

# of applications: 2,482

Total Tuition Cost: $149,601

Total Cost: $269,032

Total Cost: $424,468

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 89.2%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $194,417

Oklahoma State University

📍 Stillwater, Oklahoma 

🖥️ cvm.okstate.edu

Average class size: 106

# of applications: 810

Total Tuition Cost: $95,450

Total Cost: $231,531

Total Tuition Cost: $200,140

Total Cost: $351,389

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 83.0%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $156,871

One of the things that I love most about our program is that every incoming first year student is paired with someone from the previous year’s class as a mentor. It’s so great going into a new environment to already have a built-in support system and someone trustworthy that you can go to with any questions! It really helps build that sense of community early on in the program and I know it gave me a lot of reassurance as a first year!

I would say that an area for improvement would be our clinical skills. During the first two years of the program, classroom work is the focus. During third year, you make the jump into learning surgical skills without first making sure that everyone has already learned the “basics” such as catheter placement, blood draws, etc. Fortunately, they are addressing this beginning this fall with our new curriculum being put in place, with a clinical skills lab being required for incoming first years in the program from here on out! So excited to see this change take place at our school!

At this school, you get to know your classmates well and form close connections, even with people from other class years in the program. Students are genuine and want each other to succeed. It’s not a cutthroat competitive environment, but instead a supportive atmosphere where you feel like everyone is trying to help each other achieve our goals of becoming the best doctors we can be! My advice is to truly be yourself and to push yourself outside of your comfort zone with extracurriculars, study groups, and/or elective classes. You will absolutely succeed here if you embrace that mentality! We’re really all in this to learn and grow together!:)

Oregon State University

📍 Corvallis, Oregon 

🖥️ oregonstate.edu/vetmed

Average class size: 79

# of applications: 1,798

Total Tuition Cost: $107,432

Total Cost: $214,799

Total Tuition Cost: $206,177

Total Cost: $327,851

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $164,116

University Of Pennsylvania

📍 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

🖥️ vet.upenn.edu

Average class size: 137

# of applications: 1,546

Total Tuition Cost: $202,506

Total Cost: $360,816

Total Tuition Cost: $242,506

Total Cost: $406,612

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 76.7%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $249,071

University Of Tennessee

📍 Knoxville, Tennessee 

🖥️ vet.utk.edu

Average class size: 89

# of applications:  1,607

Total Tuition Cost: $116,716

Total Cost: $239,479

Total Tuition Cost: $226,320

Total Cost: $364,963

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 87.2%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $168,667

Lincoln Memorial University

📍 Harrogate, Tennessee 

🖥️ lmunet.edu

# of applications: 1,825

Total Tuition Cost: $189,684

Total Cost: $326,641

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 90.7%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $296,345

The close-knit atmosphere and distributive clinical year model of Lincoln Memorial University really make the school shine. Professors are always more than willing to lend a hand and will take time out of their own days to work with students one on one. 

Both professors and administration know students by name and are easily reachable. We get to be hands-on with animals from our first semester thanks to our on-site dairy and equine herds and dogs brought in from local shelters. When we can’t use live animals, our innovative model shop team works to allow us to practice skills such as spays, castrations, vessel ligation, equine endoscopy, and more. 

Because the school does not have a teaching hospital, LMU partners with hundreds of veterinary practices around the country, allowing students to “build their own adventure” as far as their clinical year. This allows students to focus on what they’re passionate about, get real-world experience, and potentially job offers.

Lincoln Memorial is located in the heart of Appalachia, with endless views and adventures for nature lovers. The small-town atmosphere and local businesses really make the area unique but can come as a culture shock to students coming from larger cities. Expect to drive a little over an hour to the nearest big city of Knoxville, TN. 

I would highly recommend touring the school and checking out the area before committing if possible. My tour is what made me fall in love with LMU, but as a rural Indiana native, it felt a lot like home.

Texas A&M University

📍 College Station, Texas 

🖥️ vetmed.tamu.edu

Average class size: 174

# of applications: 1,185

Total Tuition Cost: $99,929

Total Cost: $211,018

Total Tuition Cost: $153,809

Total Cost: $272,704

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 63.2%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $143,724

Texas Tech University

📍 Amarillo, Texas 

🖥️ depts.ttu.edu/vetschool

Average class size: 88

# of applications: 864

Total Tuition Cost: $88,000

Total Cost: $197,611

Total Tuition Cost: $131,200

Total Cost: $247,070

Virginia-Maryland College Of Veterinary Medicine

📍 Blacksburg, Virginia 

🖥️ vetmed.vt.edu

Average class size: 124

# of applications: 1,899

Total Tuition Cost: $100,629

Total Cost: $212,845

Total Tuition Cost: $215,529

Total Cost: $344,393

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 78.9%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $172,369

Washington State University

📍 Pullman, Washington 

🖥️ vetmed.wsu.edu

Average class size: 131

# of applications: 2,054

Total Tuition Cost: $102,040

Total Cost: $202,673

Total Tuition Cost: $135,271

Total Cost: $240,718

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 73.8%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $118,230

University Of Wisconsin-Madison

📍 Madison, Wisconsin 

🖥️ vetmed.wisc.edu

Average class size: 96

# of applications: 1,914

Total Tuition Cost: $122,690

Total Cost: $253,590

Total Tuition Cost: $194,383

Total Cost: $335,671

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 83.3%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $143,752

Ross University 

📍 Barbados 

🖥️ vet.rossu.edu

Average class size: 215

# of applications: 1,791

Total Tuition Cost: N/A

Total Cost: $175,372

Total Tuition Cost: $219,152

Percentage of Indebted Graduates: 85.4%

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $315,010

St.George’s University

📍 Grenada, West Indies 

Total Cost: $163,479

Total Tuition Cost: $185,134

Median Debt for Indebted Graduates: $301,695

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to become a veterinarian: key steps and qualities.

General Education

It’s quite likely that your first encounter with a veterinarian happened when your pet was sick and needed a little extra care. That’s because a veterinarian’s primary job is to care for animals! Working with cute, cuddly critters is part of the appeal of the job--in fact, “ veterinarian” is one of the most common responses from kids when they’re asked what they want to do when they grow up!

If you’re interested in becoming a vet, it’s a good idea to know quite a bit about the profession. In this article, we’ll talk about what vets do, what kinds of degrees and licenses they hold, how long it takes to become a vet, and what kinds of personal qualities it takes to succeed in the profession. We’ll also walk you through the process of becoming a vet step by step to help you prepare for your dream career. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

• How long does it take to become a vet
• How to decide whether becoming a veterinarian is right for you
• What classes you should take in high school and college
• How to pick a good undergraduate university and vet school
• What vet school is like

So let’s get started!

What Is a Veterinarian and What Do They Do? 

By definition, a veterinarian is a doctor who is qualified to practice the science of prevention, cure, and alleviation of disease and injury in animals. Veterinarians work to diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions of pets, livestock, and other animals. Put another way: if it has wings, a tail, or scales, there’s probably a vet whose job it is to keep it happy and healthy.  

How Long Does It Take to Become a Vet? 

At this point, you might be wondering how long it takes to become a vet. Generally speaking, it takes about 8-10 years from when you graduate high school to become a vet.  After completing an initial four-year bachelor degree program, it takes an additional four years of vet school to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and obtain licensure to practice in your state. If you wish to concentrate on a specific niche, such as cardiology or neurology, you’ll need two or more years of specialized training on top of that. 

How long it takes to become a vet can vary, but if you really love animals and think caring for them is up your alley, then becoming a veterinarian may be the right choice for you.  

The 4 Qualities You Need to Become a Veterinarian 

The process of becoming a veterinarian and practicing veterinary medicine requires some pretty serious dedication to the field. Veterinarians spend their entire lives improving their skill sets and contributing to the field, just like doctors who treat humans. That’s why it’s important to really think about whether you’re a good fit for the profession. 

Here are four personal qualities to consider when thinking about how to become a veterinarian and if the field is right for you.

#1: Ability to Handle Emotional and Physical Stress

Unfortunately, vets don’t always encounter the animals they love in the best condition. Depending on the specialty, vets will have to see animals in distress or in the last moments of their lives. There will be tough decisions to make and there will be heartbreak. If you are unable to put aside your love for animals enough to focus on treatment, becoming a veterinarian may be more emotionally challenging for you than you might expect. 

Additionally, while the critters you help are seriously cute, you’ll also encounter the less glamorous side of veterinary medicine. Vets definitely get their hands dirty! If you are unable to handle the sight of blood and bodily fluids, this profession might not be the best fit for you. 

#2: Ability to Work With People

Many people enter in the veterinary field because they love animals...sometimes even more than they love people. However, it’s a common misconception that practicing veterinary medicine will only require interaction with animals. 

The field of veterinary medicine requires dealing with people, too. You may not be treating humans, but you will be talking with them about their beloved pets, guiding them to become better owners, and teaching them how to enhance the quality of animals’ lives. Even if you aren’t going to be working with client-owned animals, you will still have to collaborate with peers and colleagues throughout your entire career journey. 

In other words, if you’re going into the vet field because you want to completely avoid working around people, you’re out of luck. 

#3 Sound Decision-Making Skills 

An animal’s quality of life is often in your hands when you’re a veterinarian. Owners will trust you to know what to do to help their animals. As a vet, you will have to have sound decision-making and problem-solving skills. You must also be able to perform well under pressure during critical-care cases. Just like medical doctors, vets have to be able to think on their feet and act quickly even when there’s a lot at stake . 

#4: Intellectual Curiosity and Dedication

The entire process of becoming a vet begins in high school and requires serious intellectual investment. In fact, you’ll have to be prepared for 8 to 10 years of additional schooling! Additionally, the field is both challenging and competitive, so you’ll need to be prepared for that as well. If you’re truly dedicated to becoming a vet, the time and effort will be worth it in the end! 

Whether you love caring for people’s pets, educating pet owners about their beloved animals, researching livestock behavior, rehabilitating wild birds, or some other type of animal care, your love for the profession will take you a long way. While there will be challenges to becoming a vet, you will probably  find the profession very rewarding and ultimately worth it. 

How to Become a Veterinarian: High School

If you’re still here, congratulations—you might be a good fit for the veterinary profession. Now it’s time to start your journey. You can begin taking steps down this career path while you’re still in high school by planning your schedule around your goals, applying to the right colleges, and seeking hands-on volunteer opportunities. Here are some of the best ways you can start to make your dream of becoming a vet a reality before you ever step foot on a college campus. 

Planning Your Schedule

Math and science are key components when you think about how to become a vet. In fact, Purdue University recommends that you take at least four years of math (geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus), four years of English, four years of lab science (physics, biology, and chemistry), and electives like animal science if you’re serious about vet school.

It’s important that you pay attention to your schedule to ensure you’re taking the right classes and making good grades in them! It’s also a good idea to take courses that will give you college credit. AP or IB classes are a great way to earn college credit, and they also prepare you for the more rigorous courses you will encounter beyond school. 

Choosing the Right College

Speaking of college, it’s also important to think about the best institution for you to attend as you prepare for veterinary school. Your choice of college will depend primarily on what best suits your needs, but you should also consider criteria such as GPA , SAT , and ACT requirements.  

Having a good GPA and excellent ACT or SAT scores are important for getting accepted into most universities, but standards will vary between institutions. The average high school GPA for college-bound students around a 3.0, and the most competitive colleges (such as Harvard , Yale , and Princeton ) closer to a 4.0 average. Ultimately, you will need to meet the requirements specified by your institution, but it’s a good idea to make sure you have a 3.5 GPA or higher so that your options are as open as possible . 

Another part of choosing the right college is looking for a degree program that will provide you with a strong education in physical and biological science —an important part of being prepared for vet school. Most universities have the option to major in chemistry, biology, zoology, physiology, microbiology, or anatomy, which are great choices for anyone looking to become a veterinarian. A few universities, such as Ohio State University , Texas A&M University , and University of California in Davis , offer a pre-vet major to give you specific disciplinary knowledge. Many pre-vet programs will help you meet all of the prerequisites for vet school and give you some pre-professional training, too. 

The most important thing to keep in mind is that vet school is incredibly competitive. (More on that later.) With that in mind, it’s a good idea to aim for good schools with strong degree programs. That will give you a little more of an edge when you submit your vet school applications later. 

Getting Hands-On Experience 

While your test scores and grades are important, it’s a good idea to get involved in extracurricular activities that give you a glimpse into the day to day life of working with animals. Get involved with high school organizations like the 4-H or FFA to give you hands-on experience, or seek out volunteer opportunities at the humane society, zoo, or even a livestock farm. You can also job shadow a real veterinarian at a local vet clinic. All of these options will give you valuable field experience and give you insight into how to become a vet. 

Another perk to volunteering is that colleges want to see that you have a record of community service. Some colleges may also ask you to explain why you’re a good fit for your college or program. Having specific volunteer experiences to draw from can help you stand out in comparison to other potential students, too. 

How to Become A Veterinarian: College 

Once you’ve chosen the perfect college, it’s time to saddle up and get down to business. Your major, your academic performance, your relationships with your professors, and your experience with animals will ultimately determine whether you get into vet school —which is the last and most important step in how to become a vet.

Choosing a Major

Choosing the right major will help you structure your undergraduate degree to meet the right prerequisites for vet school. Schools will vary slightly in number of credits required, but according to Purdue, most U.S. vet schools require a list of the following prerequisite courses, regardless of your major:

• General education (some of which you may complete in college through AP classes)
• Two semesters of general chemistry with lab 
• Two semesters of organic chemistry with lab 
• One or two semesters of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with lab (Cell Biology may also be required) 
• Two semesters of general biology with lab
• Two semesters of physics with lab 
• Math, with the minimum requirement ranging from algebra and trigonometry to two semesters of calculus (most schools want students to take calculus) 

Some four-year universities also offer a pre-vet track, which includes on the same criteria but may also require additional coursework in animal science, genetics, or microbiology. You don’t need to be pre-vet to get into vet school, but it may be worth exploring if you know you’re interested in a specific discipline, such as equine science, zoological medicine, reptile and amphibian practice, or exotic companion mammal practice.  

Maintaining GPA, Getting Experience, and Building Relationships

It’s important to keep up the good academic work in college since getting into vet school is incredibly competitive. In fact, it’s as competitive as getting into med school ! The more competitive the program, the higher your cumulative GPA needs to be . Generally speaking, we recommend you aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher to give yourself the best shot. 

Remember all the extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and job shadowing sessions you pursued in high school? You should also keep that up in college. You’ll have to write a statement of purpose explaining why you’re a good fit for vet school, and you’re more likely to stand out amongst your peers during the admissions process if you have experience. Luckily, most universities offer students many opportunities to get involved. For example, you can join student organizations and club activities, volunteer initiatives, and even professional experience programs. Joining organizations (and sticking with them!) is a great way to beef up your vet school application . 

Along with participating in extracurriculars, it’s also important to build relationships with your advisors and professors, since they’ll be the ones writing your letters of recommendation . That means speaking up in class, asking questions, taking advantage of office hours, and showing a true interest in the subjects you encounter. Having a professional rapport with your advisors and professors is critical: the better they know you, the more specific and compelling their letters will be. 

All students have to apply to vet school using the VMCAS. It's kind of like the Common App for vet school!

Applying for Vet School 

Vet school applications will be due around mid-September of your senior year of college , so start thinking about the application process at the beginning of your junior year. At that point, it’s time to choose the vet schools you want to apply to and begin your applications.

There are currently 30 accredited colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States . Jot down the names of your top choices on a list so you can start researching the schools and their programs. Broadly speaking, you should consider the following criteria while choosing your vet school: 

Areas of specialty : does the school have strengths and services in the specific areas you’d like to practice? Check out AVMA’s list of veterinary specialties to see all of your options.

Class size : How many students are enrolled in each class (on average)? Consider whether you prefer bigger or smaller classes. 

Expenses : How expensive is each school? Be sure to look at the total cost of attending each college, which includes room and board, program fees, and equipment cost. 

Teaching hospital : does the school have a hospital for clinical training, and is the caseload reflective of the work you want to do in your career? 

Off campus training : will you want to seek training at other sites through externship opportunities? Training will be a big part of getting a good job after graduation. 

Because vet school is very competitive, it’s important to apply to several different institutions in order to have a backup plan. 

For example, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine program received 979 applications for the class of 2023, and only 191 of those applicants were offered admission, while 478 students applied to the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medicine program , and only 158 were admitted. It’s a good idea to rank your list of universities from most preferred to least preferred institutions, and plan to apply to at least five to seven of your top-ranked schools. 

One way to make sure you get into the school of your dreams is acing your entrance exams. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to study for the GRE or MCAT, and take the exam more than once if necessary. During the 2013 application cycle, the average vet school applicant had an average GPA of 3.56 and GRE scores of 155 (66th percentile), 154 (57th percentile) and 3.9 (54th percentile) on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical tests, respectively. You should also make sure to give your professors a few months to write your letters of recommendation. 

The good news is that you only need to fill out one singular application for vet school, which will then be sent to each institution you select. This application—called the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VCMAS)—is provided through the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). You’ll have to submit:

• General candidate information
• Proof of requisite completion 
• A reflection on experiences (i.e. a statement of purpose)
• Copies of transcripts
• Your GRE or MCAT test scores
• Letters of recommendation (sometimes referred to as letters of evaluation)
• School-specific requirements (be sure to check with each school about this) 

Luckily, the AAVMC provides a detailed application checklist to help keep you on track. Once you have submitted your application, you will be waiting a little while to hear back from the schools. If a school is interested in you, they will most likely contact you about doing an interview to proceed to the next stage of the admissions process. All students receive final decisions from schools around mid-April.

Having a Backup Plan 

Admission to vet school can be very competitive, with about 50% of applicants accepted each year. It’s important to have a backup plan in case you change your mind miss the cut. 

The good news is that the majors that prepare you for vet school also open up other excellent career opportunities. Many people who don’t want to go to vet school (but still want to work with animals!) become veterinary technicians. Vet techs provide veterinarians with technical support in all aspects of patient care and perform tasks such as taking blood samples, weighing animals, and sterilizing surgical instruments. 

Additionally, becoming a certified vet tech requires less education than becoming a vet. It requires a two-year associates degree from an accredited program in veterinary technology and practical experience in a vet hospital. If you find that you would like to work with animals but that you are not interested in attending an extensive vet program, exploring how to become a vet tech is a great idea. 

Dr. Nina Griffin gives an adorable dog an exam, which is a normal part of a veterinarian's day! (Brittany E. N. Murphy / Joint Base Langley-Eustis)  

How to Become a Veterinarian: Vet School 

Vet school is an exciting time where you will professionalize by diving into specific content knowledge and gaining more experience with clinical practice.

What Vet School Is Like

So what is vet school generally like? First and foremost, it’s usually an all-day commitment. According to Dr. Schott, a veterinarian at SGU , a typical day can last from 8 AM to 5 PM (much like a full-time job), and you’ll most likely spend that time jumping from lectures to labs . It might be tough for you to shoehorn in other responsibilities during school hours. 

Depending on the term, you’ll either go directly to class for morning lectures or to one of your labs. If you go to class first, you will most likely have several lectures in a row with ten to fifteen minute breaks in between.

When you have breaks in between classes and labs, you may use the time to look over assigned readings, prepare for your next class session, or study for quizzes (which will be given regularly in addition to scheduled midterms and final exams). Also keep an eye out for clubs and organizations and find yourself attending some of those meetings throughout your week. 

Vet School Course Curriculum

Lectures will be a good time to take notes and ask questions, while labs give you hands-on experience. While every curriculum is different, your two biggest classes your first year will likely be anatomy and physiology, and you may also have a small-animal anatomy lab. This may include dissection to learn about muscles, organs, and all the inner workings of animals. You may also be working in small groups, so labs can be a good time to get to know your classmates, form outside study groups, and discover how you best collaborate and learn with potential colleagues.

Other classes you can expect to take include neuroanatomy, general pathology, parasitology, and more. For example, at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine program, students are required to take “Foundation” courses. These include the animal body; neuroanatomy; general pathology; cell biology and genetics; function and dysfunction; host, agent, and disease; clinical rotations; and veterinary practice. Students in Cornell’s program can also take “Distribution Courses” that represent opportunities for students to pursue areas of interest in great depth or explore other professionalization aspects such as research and off campus clinical experience.

Along with your core requirements, you’ll also take classes in your specialty. For example, if you specialize in veterinary internal medicine, you’ll probably take classes like cardiology, neurology, and oncology. If you’re specializing in animal surgery, you may take orthopedics or soft tissue surgery courses.

Remember: the classes you take will all depend on your school, program, and specialization ...so be sure to research those thoroughly before you apply.

You'll learn many new skills in vet school, including how to perform surgery. 

Succeeding in Vet School

Classes and labs will become more advanced and rigorous each year, building off of previous course knowledge, so it’s important to really engage with the information you’re learning. It’s not just about memorizing definitions—it’s also about really understanding the material. Seek out tutoring if you need extra help, and make sure you meet with your professors if you’re struggling.

And because you’re going to be very busy and consumed with vet school, it’s important to also give yourself breaks to avoid burning out. Depending on the school, you’ll need to maintain a certain minimum GPA, so make sure you are living a balanced lifestyle to help you stay on top of your coursework. Get involved with something outside of school that helps you decompress.

Graduating From Vet School

While the early years of vet school are mostly spent in the classroom and laboratory, you’ll get additional experience during clinical rotations , where you’ll treat patients under the supervision of a more experienced mentor. Clinicals are a chance for you to practice what you’ve learned.

In the last year of your program, you will need to focus on studying for your North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). Administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) since 2000 , NAVLE s a requirement for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in all licensing jurisdictions in the US and Canada. The NAVLE consists of 360 clinically relevant multiple-choice questions. While you can retake the NAVLE if you don’t pass it the first time, the AAVME limits the number of times you can take the licensing exam . That’s why it’s important that you study early and often for the test.

Once you graduate, you will have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree and will be qualified to perform the duties of the profession . A number of veterinarians may go on to become board certified in a specialty area or may seek additional training in internship or residency programs. For example, a number of veterinarians also seek additional training in the form of an internship (usually one year) and/or residency (approximately 2-3 years) so they can become board certified in a specialty area.

Anyone who wants to practice veterinary medicine must be licensed in the state where they wish to practice. Some states may also require you to pass a state-specification exam to test your knowledge of state laws and regulations governing veterinary medicine. To maintain your license, you must also obtain continuing education, such as attending seminars, writing for vet publications, or pursuing further research. That means that even once you’ve graduated, you aren’t quite done with school! 

Takeaways 

Practicing veterinary medicine is an exciting career choice. You’ll help better the lives of animals every day. If you’re wondering how to become a vet or if the career is right for you, keep these things in mind: 

There are many specialties you can pursue within veterinary medicine, including pet care, equine science, zoological medicine, reptile and amphibian practice, exotic companion mammal practice, and many more. 

Becoming a vet isn’t for everyone. You have to be resilient and decisive in the face of emotional and physical challenges. You also have to be patient with those you work around, whether that’s vet techs, other vets, or pet owners. 

Understand that it takes 8 to 10 years to become a vet. 

If you think the career is right for you, the path starts in high school. Volunteer with animals, and take advanced biological science classes. Also, apply to colleges that will help you meet the required prerequisites for vet school and pursue hands-on opportunities.

Once in college, keep focusing on making good grades and staying involved. Give yourself enough time to complete the application for vet school and choose the best institution for your desired specialty. 

Through high school, college, and vet school, remember to utilize the resources and mentors around you for support and guidance at every step. 

While in vet school, be sure to stay on top of your work. You’ll need to pass the licensure exam (NAVLE) in order to practice veterinary medicine, and you’ll also need licensure in your state.

Veterinary medicine is a life-long commitment to helping other creatures. Even though becoming a vet takes work, you’ll be devoting your life to a noble and rewarding cause.

What's Next?

You’ll need to write essays for both your college and vet school applications. Application essays are one of the most important aspects of your application because they give committees the chance to get to know you, your passions, and your interests . Learn what it takes to write a great application essay here.

We have guides that can help you ace all of your entrance exams. Check out this one for the SAT , this one for the ACT , and this one for the GRE . Remember: making great test grades will help you get into your dream school!

If you want to become a vet but struggle with biological science, it’s important that you start getting extra help now . We have guides to different topics in biological science, including an introduction to animal cells , a guide to mitosis , and an overview of enzyme function.  

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How to become a veterinarian

CareerExplorer’s step-by-step guide on how to become a veterinarian.

Is becoming a veterinarian right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Still unsure if becoming a veterinarian is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a veterinarian or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

High School

If you are interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, there are several high school courses that can help prepare you for the academic rigor of veterinary school. Some of the most important courses to take include:

• Biology: As the study of life and living organisms, biology is a fundamental subject for aspiring veterinarians. It provides a foundation for understanding anatomy, physiology, genetics, and other core concepts in veterinary medicine.
• Chemistry: Chemistry is important for understanding the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. This includes topics such as biochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, which are all essential areas of study for veterinarians.
• Physics: While physics may not seem immediately relevant to veterinary medicine, it provides a foundation for understanding concepts such as mechanics and fluid dynamics. These are important for understanding how animals move and how fluids flow through their bodies.
• Math: Strong math skills are important for understanding and interpreting scientific data, which is a critical aspect of veterinary medicine. Courses such as calculus and statistics can be particularly useful.
• English: As a veterinarian, you will need to communicate effectively with animal owners, other veterinarians, and other members of the animal health care team. English courses can help you develop the writing and speaking skills you need to succeed in this field.

By taking these courses in high school, you can build a strong foundation for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities such as animal clubs or volunteering at animal shelters can also be helpful in gaining experience and demonstrating your commitment to the field.

Formal Education Steps

Becoming a veterinarian requires a significant amount of education and training. Here are the general steps to becoming a licensed veterinarian:

• Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Before applying to veterinary school, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree. Most veterinary schools require applicants to have completed a minimum of 60-90 credit hours of undergraduate coursework. While there is no specific major required to become a veterinarian, many students choose to major in biology , animal sciences , or a related field.
• Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE): The GRE is a standardized test that is often required for admission to veterinary school. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
• Attend Veterinary School: Veterinary medicine school typically lasts four years and involves both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Students learn about animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other core concepts in veterinary medicine. During their clinical rotations, they gain experience working with different types of animals and in different areas of veterinary medicine.
• Complete a Veterinary Internship or Residency: After graduating from veterinary school, many new veterinarians choose to complete an internship or residency program. These programs provide additional training and experience in a particular area of veterinary medicine, such as surgery or internal medicine.
• Obtain Licensure: To practice as a veterinarian, you must obtain a license from your state's veterinary board. This typically involves passing a national licensing exam, as well as any additional state-specific requirements.
• Continue Education: Like many healthcare professions, veterinary medicine is constantly evolving. Veterinarians are expected to participate in continuing education to stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques in the field.

Licensure is required for all veterinarians who wish to practice in the United States. Each state has its own licensing requirements, but most states follow a similar process. Here are the general steps required to obtain licensure as a veterinarian:

• Graduate from an Accredited Veterinary School: To be eligible for licensure, you must have earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards for educational quality and prepares students for a career in veterinary medicine.
• Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE): The NAVLE is a standardized exam that tests veterinary knowledge and skills. It is administered by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME) and is required by most states for licensure.
• Pass Any State-Specific Exams: Some states require additional exams beyond the NAVLE. These exams may test state-specific laws and regulations or assess your knowledge of diseases and conditions that are prevalent in the area.
• Complete Any Required Application Materials: To apply for licensure, you will need to submit an application to the state veterinary board. This may include transcripts, exam scores, and proof of graduation from an accredited veterinary school.
• Meet Any Additional State-Specific Requirements: In addition to exams and application materials, some states may have additional requirements for licensure. For example, some states require veterinarians to complete continuing education courses or obtain liability insurance.
• Once you have met all of the requirements for licensure in your state, you will be issued a license to practice veterinary medicine. It is important to maintain your license by fulfilling any continuing education or other requirements set by your state's veterinary board.

Fellowships

Veterinary fellowships typically last one to two years and provide a stipend or salary to the fellow. They are highly competitive, and applicants are typically required to have completed a residency program or have several years of experience in the field. Fellowships provide veterinarians with advanced training and expertise in a specific area of veterinary medicine, which can enhance their career prospects and enable them to make significant contributions to the field. Here are some examples of veterinary fellowships:

• Laboratory Animal Medicine Fellowship: This fellowship is designed for veterinarians who are interested in working with animals used in research. It provides training in areas such as animal husbandry, anesthesia and analgesia, and experimental techniques.
• Wildlife Medicine Fellowship: This fellowship focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of wildlife species. Fellows gain experience in wildlife capture and handling, diagnostic techniques, and the treatment of wildlife diseases and injuries.
• Equine Medicine and Surgery Fellowship: This fellowship is designed for veterinarians who wish to specialize in the care of horses. Fellows gain experience in equine medical and surgical procedures, lameness evaluations, and reproductive management.
• Public Health Fellowship: This fellowship is designed for veterinarians who are interested in working in the field of public health. Fellows gain experience in areas such as epidemiology, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness.
• One Health Fellowship: This fellowship focuses on the connections between animal, human, and environmental health. Fellows gain experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and the management of zoonotic diseases.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is a critical component of maintaining licensure and staying up-to-date with the latest advances in veterinary medicine. Continuing education requirements vary by state, but most states require veterinarians to complete a certain number of continuing education credits every year or every few years. Here are some examples of continuing education options for veterinarians:

• Conferences: Veterinary conferences are held regularly around the world and offer a wide range of topics in all areas of veterinary medicine. Attending a conference allows veterinarians to learn from experts in the field, network with colleagues, and stay up-to-date with the latest research.
• Webinars: Webinars are online seminars that allow veterinarians to learn about a specific topic from the comfort of their own home or office. Many organizations offer webinars on a variety of topics, and they are often recorded for later viewing.
• Workshops: Workshops provide hands-on training in a specific area of veterinary medicine. For example, a workshop on dental care might include instruction on how to perform a dental exam and clean teeth, as well as tips on how to educate clients about dental health.
• Online Courses: Online courses are a flexible and convenient way to earn continuing education credits. Many organizations offer courses on a wide range of topics, and veterinarians can complete them at their own pace.
• Journal Articles: Reading journal articles is a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advances in veterinary medicine. Many journals offer online access to their articles, and some even offer quizzes that can be completed for continuing education credit.

– Veterinary School Blog

What Is Vet School Like? A Day in the Life of a DVM Student

The process of becoming a veterinarian can be as rigorous as it is rewarding. And no matter how certain you are that this pursuit is your calling, you may still be wondering, “What is vet school like?”   

A typical veterinary student’s day will vary depending on their study habits and the program they attend, but you can learn a lot about what to expect in vet school by hearing from someone who’s been through it.   

We spoke with Dr. Sarah Schott, associate veterinarian at Green Meadow Veterinary Hospital and St. George’s University (SGU) graduate. She gave us the inside scoop on the veterinary student experience. Join us as we take an in-depth look at a day in the life of a vet student.   

What is vet school like? One DVM shares her experience  

Curious about what to expect in vet school? Your schedule will evolve as you progress through your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program . But Dr. Schott provides the following outline for a typical first-year veterinary student.   

Start your day thoughtfully  

Veterinary school is an all-day affair, so Dr. Schott and her peers found it useful to give themselves plenty of time in the morning to get ready. She’d typically wake up between 6:30 and 7:00 most mornings—a schedule she stuck to pretty diligently.   

“Veterinary school is pretty tolling, so you have to have a schedule,” Dr. Schott advises. “And eat a good breakfast. You’re going to be sitting in class all day, and you need something substantial so you can pay attention.”   

Head to your morning classes  

School usually starts pretty early and can last until the evening. In fact, veterinary students’ school days actually tend to last a bit longer than the standard workday many people are accustomed to. “A typical day was 8:00 am to 5:00 pm,” Dr. Schott notes.     

You’ll either go directly to class for morning lectures or to one of your labs—it depends on the term. “Let’s say you go to class first,” she explains. “We would have four lectures, but we’d get a 10- or 15-minute break between each one.”   

Though every school’s curriculum is slightly different, there are a few courses every vet student should expect to encounter during their first year. “Anatomy and physiology are probably your two most prominent classes,” Dr. Schott says, adding that anatomy is particularly important since it involves a lot of lab work.   

Take advantage of your lunch break  

When veterinary students wrap up their morning session, it’s time to take a break to refuel. You might also have some time to study before heading to your afternoon class or labs. Dr. Schotts notes that fitting in some extra time to review your coursework is always a good idea, as many programs will administer regular quizzes to assess your understanding of the material in addition to your regularly scheduled midterms and finals.   

You may also be able to use this downtime to attend events for on-campus clubs or organizations. “Sometimes they have lunch lectures,” Dr. Schott says. “A club will have a special lecturer who will Skype in and talk about a certain topic.” Taking advantage of these supplemental opportunities for learning can be smart, as veterinary medicine is a complex and evolving field, and you’ll want to remain focused on continually growing your skill set.   

Head to extracurriculars or hit the books  

When your afternoon break ends, you’ll finish out your day of courses. If you attended lectures in the morning, for example, your afternoon will be spent in labs where you’ll get to focus on gaining hands-on experience. Vet students will typically finish with classes or labs right around 5:00 pm, but that doesn’t mean the day is over.  

Evening is when study groups and different clubs meet, and a lot of students find these opportunities to be invaluable. “I got really involved,” Dr. Schotts reminisces. “I was in the Student Government Association, and I was in the Large Animal Society.”   

Aside from enjoying these unique opportunities to pursue your interests, on-campus organizations also provide some ways to advance your education. “The more clubs you join, the more experience you gain,” Dr. Schotts says, explaining that it’s not uncommon for these student groups to focus on lab work and other important aspects of veterinary medicine.   

If you’re not headed to a club or organization meeting, it’s likely you’ll be spending your evenings reviewing class material. Studying with groups is a great way to break up the monotony of solo studying. You might even learn some new study strategies that prove helpful throughout the duration of your veterinary student experience.   

Dr. Schott found study groups led by upperclassmen to be particularly useful. “I did a lot of those my first year. That helped me develop ways to study and figure out how I needed to learn.”   

Prioritize self-care  

Even the most diligent student needs to take a break, so make sure you allow yourself to have fun while in veterinary school. Dr. Schott recommends taking a night off every now and then and to participate in activities that have nothing to do with vet school. She participated in intramural volleyball, went to the beach on the weekend, and went out to dinner with friends regularly.   

“You have to reserve some time that’s not spent thinking about school. I think that’s important because if you’re constantly doing the same thing, you’re not going to get anywhere,” Dr. Schotts offers.   

Building relationships with your fellow classmates can also be helpful as you progress through veterinary school. You’ll likely make fast friends since you all have similar interests and are going through the same experiences as vet students. And you may be surprised how your professional lives intertwine later on. “They could be your colleagues in the future,” Dr. Schotts points out.   

Prepare for success in vet school  

So, what is vet school like? Not only will you be expected to absorb a lot of new material, but you’ll also need to develop the practical skills that prepare you to be successful after graduation.   

Becoming a veterinarian is going to take hard work. “You have to make a lot of sacrifices with what you want to do during vet school because it’s very time-consuming,” Dr. Schotts says. “But it’s worth it if this is what you want to do.”   

Now that you know more about what to expect in vet school, you may be ready to start seriously evaluating your options. Find out what you should be looking for in our article “ 6 Things the Top Veterinary Schools Have in Common .”  

*This article was originally published in 2018. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2022.  

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• Seek opportunities for research experience (animal and veterinary research as well as other field and/or laboratory-based research).

AAVMC Statement on Veterinary Experience Hours

Most U.S. veterinary schools require applicants to gain veterinary experience before applying for admission. These experiences will help you learn about the profession you wish to enter and will inform your decision to apply to veterinary school. There are many types of opportunities available, both paid and volunteer. Whatever you decide to pursue, your duties should be at an appropriate level that matches your skills and certifications. Each state/jurisdiction/country has its own regulations regarding the practice of veterinary medicine. You should review and discuss these with your supervisor to ensure that what you are expected to do falls within the appropriate scope of practice. If at any time, you are uncomfortable with what you are being asked to do, you should talk to your supervisor, as it is illegal for individuals to practice veterinary medicine without a license. More information, including legal consequences, can be found at the American Veterinary Medical Association website and “ Sanctions for unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine .” [American Veterinary Medical Association, 2019] Please be aware that this applies not only to experiences within the U.S. but also to other countries and includes abroad programs organized for people who would like international experiences.

In This Section

• What to Know Before You Apply Overview

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Become a Veterinarian: Steps to Take from High School

If you love working with and caring for animals, then there’s a good chance that you’ve considered becoming a veterinarian. But as a high school student, it can be challenging to figure out which steps will set you up for career success, especially when certain career paths, like becoming a vet, have so many requirements. And how do you know if being a veterinarian really is the right career choice for you?

While you shouldn’t expect to have everything figured out by the time you’re in high school, it doesn’t hurt to begin exploring careers that you’re already interested in. Most students are interested in occupations with related skills and knowledge requirements. By beginning to learn about and prepare for one career, students often discover opportunities which will help prepare them for other careers in similar fields.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you have an interest in working with animals, and many animal-related occupations have similar educational requirements. So if you’re an animal lover, looking into becoming a vet is a great place to start. By taking the right courses and gaining practical experience while you’re in high school, you’ll be exposed to the variety of animal-related careers out there and be able to hone in on whether becoming a veterinarian is the right choice for you. Here’s some information to help you get started.

What Does a Veterinarian Do?

Generally speaking, vets care for animals in the same way that physicians care for humans. Vets examine animals to assess their overall health, diagnose illnesses and treat injuries and may provide care recommendations to animal owners of all kinds. 

Veterinarians can specialize in a few different areas. Here are some to consider:

• Companion animals: Companion animal vets are the type of vet that you probably picture first. While they most often work with cats and dogs, they can also work with other common animals that someone can have as a pet, including birds, reptiles, and rodents (like rabbits).
• Food animals: Farmers and ranchers often need specialized vets who know how to work with large animals and make sure they’re not only healthy but that the animals will be safe for consumption as well. These vets often travel to farms and ranches to examine and treat animals and advise farmers and ranchers on feeding and housing practices.
• Zoo animals: Becoming a veterinarian for a zoo may sound exotic and exciting, but these vets have to do extensive training and education to be qualified for these positions. After all, they often work with animals that inherently pose a threat to their safety, including large animals such as rhinos or poisonous snakes, and they need to know how to treat these animals without endangering anyone.

How Much Does a Veterinarian Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median salary for veterinarians in 2018 was $93,830. Of course, your salary will vary depending on the type of veterinary practice you do and also where you live. It’s also important to note that in order to become a veterinarian, you will need to complete at least a doctorate-level education and may need to work on weekends or emergency hours. 

That said, the job outlook for veterinarians is promising; jobs in veterinary medicine are expected to grow 18% by 2028. There’s a good chance that once you graduate with your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, you’ll be able to find employment.

How to Become a Vet

High school.

In high school, the best thing you can do is to gain experience working with animals and honing your skills in science while maintaining a good academic performance in all of your classes. You’ll need to do well in college-level science courses to have a chance at getting into veterinary school, so it’s good to start early by taking as many science classes as you can and working to do well in them. 

You can get a leg up by taking more advanced classes as well, such as taking Honors or AP Biology or dual enrolling at your local college or university. And if you find that you’re struggling in a course, especially physics, don’t think that you’re doomed to never be a veterinarian. 

Instead, use this opportunity to problem solve by implementing new techniques and habits to supplement your studies. Attending tutoring and extra help sessions and reviewing extra material through the internet or your local library can help you to develop a strong foundation. Not only are you likely to improve your grade, but you’ll also develop important “soft skills” that will help you in college and throughout your career.

You’ll also want to get as much experience working with animals as you can. This may involve volunteering at an animal shelter or zoo or shadowing a veterinarian in a small-animal clinic. Seeking out these sorts of experiences will not only be fun but they’ll also enable you to talk to people in the profession and learn about the variety of careers that are out there. High school is the time to explore your options!

Most veterinary schools do not require you to major in any particular subject, but they do require that you demonstrate strong skills in science in addition to your overall academic excellence. Many veterinary schools will consider your overall GPA, the GPA of your most recent courses dating back to about one year (for example, the last 45 credits), and the GPA of your science classes. As you can see, you should aim to do well in all of your courses, but you should especially focus on your performance in science.

Most programs require that students have completed a certain set of science courses, whether as part of their major or as electives. Here are some of the common courses you need to take:

• Two semesters of college physics
• Two semesters of college biology with lab
• Two semesters of college chemistry with lab
• Two semesters of organic chemistry with lab
• One semester of statistics
• One semester of genetics (upper-level)
• One semester of biochemistry

There are some slight variations between schools when it comes to the necessary prerequisites. For example, NC State requires all applicants to have taken an Animal Nutrition course, while schools like UC Davis and UF do not require it. Many schools also do not allow upper-division prerequisites, such as genetics, to be completed at a two-year or community college, although you can begin your education at one.

So while you can choose to major in anything, you may find it helpful to study something with a wide variety of science courses already included in the curriculum. Popular options include biology, zoology, microbiology, and animal sciences. Some undergraduate schools offer a “pre-vet” option within one of their majors, which can be an easy way to make sure you’re getting as many prerequisites covered as possible.

Veterinary School and Residency

In addition to completing your prerequisites, some schools may require you to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. This is a general standardized test similar to the SAT or ACT you’ll take in high school, but it measures whether you have mastered college-level academic skills rather than just high school concepts. 

Most veterinary schools also require that you have some demonstrated experience working with animals throughout college, whether in a formal veterinary setting or other settings such as zoos or animal shelters. They also look for substantive recommendations and interview their applicants before making their final selection. No matter where you apply, veterinary school is a competitive process.

Once you’re in, most veterinary schools are a minimum of four-year programs, where the fourth year is spent doing clinical rotations at veterinary clinics or hospitals, and many veterinary programs combine clinical experience throughout the four-year curriculum. As a result, most veterinary students graduate with hands-on experience working alongside licensed veterinarians on live animals in the common animal disciplines as part of the standard curriculum. 

However, to specialize in certain practices, such as zoo veterinary medicine, or to be able to practice in certain states, you may need to complete a more traditional residency. While most vet schools can easily place their students in a campus-based animal clinic or hospital, you may need to apply for a residency in a more specialized skillset at another university.

Most vet schools will help their students prepare for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination , which is required to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S., as well as assist in preparing you to meet any state-specific guidelines.

Wrapping it Up

While there are some differences between veterinary schools, there are also a lot of similarities. They all require you to have a strong foundation in the sciences, and they emphasize real-world experience working with animals. As a high school student, you can begin to set yourself up on a path for success by focusing on your science classes and seeking out opportunities to work with animals.

If, after reading this, you’re not so sure you want to be a vet, that’s ok too. Many animal-focused careers start with the same two requirements of a science background and animal experience, so by taking these first steps you won’t be wasting your time barking up the wrong tree. You’ll be able to transfer your skills and experience to another career easily.

For more information about how to set yourself up for future success, check out our posts below:

High Schoolers: Here’s How You Can Shadow A Professional in Your Target Career

Do Colleges Want Well-Rounded Students?

15 STEM Internships for High Schoolers

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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Steps to Becoming a Veterinarian

There are 30 veterinary schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in the U.S. There were nearly 6,800 applicants competing for approximately 2,700 openings in 2013. In other words, it is very competitive to gain admission to a veterinary school.

Admission requirements for veterinary schools have many things in common; however the specific requirements may vary among schools. It is therefore advisable to become familiar with the entrance requirements (PDF) early in your career as this may affect course selection especially after your first year of college.

Most U.S. veterinary schools utilize the centralized application service operated by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (Veterinary Medical College Application Service-VMCAS). This application service accepts your application and your letters of evaluation and distributes them to each school you indicate. Applicants should make sure to submit their transcripts to VMCAS. Many schools have a supplemental application as well and require that this information be sent directly to the school.

Steps to Take

In high school: start preparing as early as you can.

Take all the mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics courses which are available to you in middle and high school; they will open up many career opportunities in college including veterinary medicine.

In College: Undergraduate degree program

Choose a degree program which will provide you a strong grounding in the biological and physical sciences. Make a list of degree programs at various universities and colleges and visit them individually. Find a program that will suit your needs the best. There are various undergraduate pathways to study prior to be admitted to vet schools.

Penn State Program

All the required courses for you to get admitted to most vet schools are required in the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Program at Penn State.

Essential College Criteria

Criteria that you should accomplish during your undergraduate degree before your application to Veterinary Colleges

• Grade Point Average (GPA): Maintain a competitive GPA, preferably 3.5 or higher. Most veterinary schools examine courses taken in the last 3-4 semesters closely.
• Animal and Clinical Experience: Volunteer with a veterinarian to gain wide variety of animal and clinical experience, and appreciation for the veterinary medical field. This might be an opportunity to find out if veterinary medicine is for you.
• Graduate Record Examinations: You think that you are done after taking SATs or ACTs for your college applications. Not quite! The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is widely accepted by most veterinary colleges while MCAT is another standardized test that is accepted by some in addition to by Medical Schools. Check each school's web page for their target standardized test scores.
• Letters of Recommendation: Choose three individuals to provide letters of recommendation. One is required from an academic adviser; one is required from a veterinarian; and the third one can be from an individual of your choice (typically one of your course instructors). It is important to get to know your academic adviser and/or professors during your college education. Some schools may require letters from two veterinarians. The application will give you a choice to waive your right to see letters of evaluation. You also have the choice not to waive that right and therefore request to see the letters after your application has been evaluated. While it is your right to see the letters, our advice is to waive the right to examine the letters. Evaluators will know before they write the letter if you have waived the right to see the letters or not. Some schools will think that evaluators may be hesitant to make negative comments about students do not waive their right to examine the evaluations. This can influence the evaluation of that letter by the admission committee.
• Leadership and communication skills; and co-curricular activities: It is highly recommended that you get involved in student club activities, such as, Pre-Vet club which will provide you numerous opportunities to serve in your community which will provide you to interact with people from all walks of life. Make effort to hold an officer position or to serve on a committee which will provide numerous opportunities to gain leadership and communications skills. Remember admission committee is looking for tomorrow's leaders.

Make sure to have a back-up plan!

Undergraduate course requirements

Most U.S. veterinary schools require the following college courses (specific Penn State courses are listed in parentheses):

• Two semesters of general chemistry with lab (CHEM 110, 111, 112, and 113)
• Two semesters of organic chemistry with lab (CHEM 202 and 203; or CHEM 210, 212, and 213)
• One or two semesters of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with laboratory (B M B 211, 212, and 221; or B M B 401 and 402)
• B M B 251: Molecular and Cell Biology is also required by some veterinary colleges
• Two semesters of general biology with labs (BIOL 110, and BIOL 220W, 230W, or 240W).
• Two semesters of physics with lab (PHYS 250 and 251)
• Mathematics--The minimum requirement ranges from algebra and trigonometry to two semesters of calculus and varies with each school. Note that it is a minimum requirement. Most schools do not accept students who have not taken calculus, even if their published requirement is algebra and trigonometry (MATH 140 and 141).
• General education--Penn State students rarely have difficulty meeting this requirement if they meet Penn State's General Education requirements for graduation.
• The specific number of credits required in each of the above categories may vary among veterinary schools. Thus, it is important to check the specific admissions requirements for each veterinary school.

I am finishing—or have finished—my undergraduate program. Now what?

Most college students traditionally apply to vet schools in the fall of their senior year to meet the deadline of September 15 (generally speaking). Hopefully you will have the entire junior year to prepare to take GRE test and decide on which vet schools and how many vet schools to apply.

There are many factors to consider when choosing which schools to apply. While all 30 veterinary schools are good quality schools, there are different strength(s) that each school has to offer. You just need to match your strengths and desire with theirs when making a decision. We recommend you apply to 5 to 7 schools.

Take time to evaluate schools to determine the best schools for you and save on application costs . Start your VMCAS online application as soon as it becomes available. Ask for your recommendation letters in a timely fashion. Utilize VMCAS's check-list to send a complete package to them.

After receiving interview offers from the vet schools, you start preparing for the each interview. Consult with your academic adviser, pre-vet club advisers, and career counseling advisers on your campus to prepare for your interviews. Usually Pre-Vet club holds sessions on previous year's applicants about general do's and don'ts on veterinary school applications/interviews. April 15 is a general deadline to "accept" or "decline" on admission .

Veterinary Medical Education in the U.S. is 4 years beyond undergraduate degree. After completing the D.V.M. (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) or V.M.D. ( Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris ) degree, candidates have to take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) in order to practice in the U.S. Each state has its own licensing procedures and requirements which are listed online.

There are currently 22 AVMA-recognized veterinary specialties. Applicants may pursue board certification in a particular specialty or two after obtaining a DVM/VMD degree. You may visit the website of any of the AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organizations by visiting the AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties website.

Veterinarian's Oath

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

Important Links

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
• Veterinary Medical College Application Service
• American Pre Veterinary Medical Association
• Graduate Record Examinations

College of Ag Sciences: All Majors and Minors

• Degrees & Programs
• College Directory

Information for

• Faculty & Staff
• Visitors & Public

• College of Science
• Medical Professions Institute
• MPI Homepage

Are you interested in applying to a Veterinary School? 

General Information:

If you are considering a career in veterinary, schedule an appointment with the MPI Pre-Health Advisor. By doing so you can develop a plan specific to you and clarify any doubts pertaining to veterinary school. Do your homework before you have your advising appointment, and gather as much reliable information as possible.

If you do not know where to start, browse through some of these resources:

✓   AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association ✓   The Vet School Bound ✓   Explore Health Careers - Veterinary Medicine

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions FAQ by High School and Undergraduate Students answered by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). The AAVMC is a great resource to gather reliable material; it provides detailed information divided into sections: Before Applying, Application Resources, and School Information.

Explore the Veterinary Medical College of Application Service VMCAS for information on the online application.

Admission committees are looking for applicants that meet their criteria, usually but can vary between schools, Academic Performance, and Professional Preparation. These two categories focus on (but not limited to):

Academic Performance:

• GPA – A competitive GPA at 3.5 and above
• GRE – All three section (Analytical, Quantitative and Verbal) scores count

Professional Preparation:

• Veterinary experience
• Animal exposure
• Personal Statement
• Letter of Recommendations

AAVMC: Student and Applicant Services

     Application Resources           Application Guidelines      

Pursuing a Career in Veterinary School:

Many believe that preventing disease and healing animals is what veterinarians focus on – but they engage in so much more. The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) provides a list the potential veterinary career paths, click HERE , to explore more. Veterinarians are animal health care professionals dedicated to serving the public’s health and welfare, the environment, homeland security, and undertaking research projects.

Becoming a veterinarian requires much dedication and diligent study. The veterinary medical student is required to meet a high level of performance and master a challenging curriculum. The demands on student time and effort are considerable, but the rewards and career satisfaction are personal achievements that make significant contributions to our society.

There are 30 accredited veterinary colleges in the US.

Accredited Veterinary Schools

First-Year Preparation:

✓   Establish successful study practices; remember you want to maintain your GPA as high as possible.

✓   Start looking for shadowing, volunteer opportunities, and student organizations that will provide you with enriching activities.

✓   Make sure you start establishing relationships with your science and non-science professors as soon as possible, let them know that you are an aspiring health professional.

✓   Professional shadowing is a STRICT requirement for veterinary school application, it is critical for students to complete as many shadowing hours possible.

✓   As an aspiring veterinary school applicant, one of your letter of recommendations MUST come from a veterinarian.

✓   You must take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) exam; the exam will consist of (1) Analytical Writing, (2) Verbal Reasoning, and (3) Quantitative Reasoning sections. It is a non-specific subject exam required for TEXAS veterinary programs. Figure out what veterinary school you are interested in applying to, some schools require the Biology GRE along with the General GRE.

All pre-requisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Keep in mind that pre-calculus MATH 1508 is a requisite to take any science course at UTEP.

14 semester hours of Biology , to satisfy these hours here at UTEP you can take the following courses: General Biology w/ lab BIOL 1305/1107 , Organismal Biology w/ lab BIOL 1306/1108 , and General Microbiology MICR 2340/2141

19 semester hours of Chemistry , to satisfy these hours here at UTEP you can take the following courses: General Chemistry I w/ lab CHEM 1305/1105 , General Chemistry II w/ lab CHEM 1306/1106 , Organic Chemistry I w/ lab CHEM 2324/2124 , Organic Chemistry II w/ lab CHEM 2325/2222 , Biochemistry CHEM 3330

8 semester hours of Physics , to satisfy these hours here at UTEP you can take the following courses: General Physics I PHYS 1403 and General Physics II PHYS 1404

9 semester hours of English , to satisfy these hours here at UTEP you can take the following courses: Public Speaking COMM 1301, Business/Profession Communication COMM 1302, and Technical Writing RWS 3359

7 semester hours of Math, to satisfy these hours here at UTEP you can take the following courses: Calculus I MATH 1411 , Calculus II MATH 1312, and etiher STAT 2480 or  STAT 3320

Courses listed in RED   must  have been completed or be enrolled in prior to the application.

Animal nutrition is available online at Kansas State or Oklahoma State University , or available in classroom setting at NMSU .

*** It is important to identify what veterinary schools you are interested to apply – if outside of Texas, the pre-requisite courses may vary.

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Veterinary students voice concerns over duty hours

Veterinary college is an intensive time, where students not only put in hours studying for examinations, but also spend a lot of time in the clinics to get as much direct hands-on experience as possible. But is, or should, there be limits? How much is too much?

In August 2023, a group of veterinary students and recent graduates from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) wrote a letter to their administration alleging the school routinely broke duty hour guidance from the Student AVMA (SAVMA).

According to a January 30 article in the Daily Pennsylvanian , many students were working more than 100 hours a week. They say the hours affected their own health and the level of care they could provide for patients. 

A year earlier, veterinary students at Iowa State University voiced similar concerns about working conditions in an article by the student newspaper, Iowa State Daily .

Then and now

Duty hours generally refer to clinical rotations for final-year veterinary students. This time is, for some, the first long-term exposure to the clinical setting during veterinary college. It can be challenging for students as they adapt to new tasks and settings along with a significant shift in teaching and learning methods.

Veterinary students' duty hours have varied by time and college; however, there has been a history of expecting students to put in long, hard hours, explained Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

“Clinicians tend to follow historical trends in what is expected from students,” she said. “Mentors who put in long workdays and work weeks in their academic journeys and professional lives expect the same from the students.”

Dr. Beaver continued, “In the past, a clinician usually showed compassion for an individual student who needed help, but an emphasis on personal wellbeing as applied to students as a whole is newly emerging. ‘Suck it up and do the job’ is gradually giving way to more realistic and balanced expectations.”

A study published online this February in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education (JVME) examined stressors and stress levels experienced by veterinary students at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, during their clinical training.

The primary source of stress for the veterinary students was related to intense workload and long working hours. That was true across all four unique stress profiles of the veterinary students studied: the generally stressed group, responsibilities uncertainty group, overtasked group, and unstressed group.

“Generally, some groups of students seem to not struggle at all and thus not require any support, while certain groups of students who experience higher levels of stress may require more frequent and intensive support,” the authors wrote. “In particular, the present results suggest the need for interventions targeting highly stressed students and broad measures to reduce heavy workloads. Concrete measures could include time management trainings to provide students with practical strategies and skills to effectively manage their workload during clinical training.”

Remembering his experiences in veterinary school, Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe, CEO of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), said, “We worked hard, but maybe it wasn't the healthiest thing for us or our patients. Maybe we can learn a little bit about the importance of having time to regroup and avoiding unnecessary stress and burnout.” 

Setting standards for veterinary colleges

“The overall goal is to establish an environment and a culture that is conducive to learning,” Dr. Maccabe added. “If students are overworked, they get stressed out. They don't learn and it leads to burnout.”

Veterinary schools are not required to follow SAVMA’s Duty Hours Guidelines , which suggest that students not work more than 80 hours a week, not work more than 24 consecutive hours in continuous on-site duty, and be provided with breaks when they are on call.

Similarly, the AAVMC’s Guidelines for Veterinary Intern & Resident Wellbeing , which recommend a limit on duty hours to 60 hours averaged over four weeks, are voluntary for veterinary colleges’ intern and resident programs. The AAVMC does not have guidelines for veterinary student duty hours.

Dr. Maccabe explained that one challenge with the idea of a national standard is that each veterinary school has different needs and operates in different environments with certain limitations.

“I think if we get too prescriptive with guidelines, then it's kind of a one-size-fits-all approach and that's not always appropriate,” Dr. Maccabe said. “Individual schools need to be responsive to all of their stakeholders and balance all the equities that are involved.”

All training environments should foster a culture that is beneficial to learning, he said. Managing the facility and the role of veterinary students, staff, faculty, interns, and residents is the responsibility of the institutions. However, that doesn’t mean that veterinary students aren’t allowed a say.

“I think that students at every institution can and should work with their administration and their colleges to see how best to set their own standards,” Dr. Maccabe added.

Penn Vet response

Penn Vet told AVMA News in a statement that veterinary students routinely work between 40 and 80 hours, aligning with SAVMA guidelines, citing data collected from clinical rotation leaders, along with reports from student logs. However, “Penn Vet recognizes that students may exceed 80 hours, especially during clinical rotations with high caseloads or if students are called in for emergency cases,” Penn Vet Chief Communications Officer Martin Hackett wrote.

He continued, “We have intensified our efforts to identify and address when students approach these limits. And we have moved to a proactive posture of increasing time off after on-call procedures, leveling case distribution, and making sure students are indeed taking breaks. This ensures that their in-clinics time is appropriate and serves their educational needs.”

In addition, Hackett said, Penn Vet has an embedded social work team consisting of a full-time social worker, a part-time social worker, a student counseling therapist, a social work graduate intern, and a master’s level social work volunteer.

The social work team created a wellbeing curriculum and organizes debriefing groups for students, house officers, faculty, and employees to support them when confronted with challenges as veterinary professionals.

Penn Vet spearheaded the Philadelphia ER Coalition for patient diversion in response to the high caseload stress. Controlling the caseload gives Penn Vet a mechanism to maintain an ideal teaching caseload while protecting the wellbeing of employees and students.

Finally, Penn Vet has hired a full-time nursing staff recruiter to address shortages.

Human medicine training

“It is important to acknowledge that across all health professions there is a tension between once-acceptable clinical training demands and trainee well-being; this is far from a unique issue to veterinary medicine,” Penn Vet’s Hackett wrote in a statement to AVMA News.

In human medicine, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) standards broadly state that medical schools should monitor students' time spent in academic activities. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) doesn’t provide guidance regarding duty hours in medical education.

In contrast, resident physician duty hours are closely regulated. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) developed a set of required duty hours regulations in 2003 for residents. It mandates a maximum 80-hour work week—averaged over a four-week period—along with regulations addressing shift length and time off from clinical duties. Since then, many medical schools adopted similar guidelines for their students.

In 2017, the ACGME’s Common Program Requirements underwent substantial revisions to provide greater flexibility for programs to structure their clinical education while keeping the 80-hour limit.

“Clinical and educational work hours represent only one part of the larger issue of conditions of the learning and working environment,” according to the document’s background, adding that the document was expanded to pay greater attention to patient safety and resident and faculty member well-being.

The document also states: “Ensuring that flexibility is used in an appropriate manner is a shared responsibility of the program and residents. With this flexibility comes a responsibility for residents and faculty members to recognize the need to hand off care of a patient to another provider when a resident is too fatigued to provide safe, high-quality care and for programs to ensure that residents remain within the 80-hour maximum weekly limit.”

Notably, in the revised requirements, the term “clinical experience and education” replaces the term “duty hours” in response to concerns that the previous use of the term “duty” in reference to number of hours worked may have led some to conclude that residents’ duty to “clock out” on time superseded their duty to their patients.

Balancing academics and health

For veterinary schools, too, finding a balance between providing excellent patient care as well as enough clinical experience for veterinary students to gain the necessary skills while also supporting their wellness is challenging.

“We know there will be discomfort during the training process. Even within the guidelines for duty hours that Penn Vet has been working with for years, it is important to acknowledge the rigors of medical education and training to achieve optimal patient safety and outcomes. The hours spent during a veterinary student's clinical year are demanding and can be stressful,” Hackett said.

At the same time, more veterinary colleges are putting greater emphasis on student wellbeing, from hiring mental health professionals to providing programming to develop the individual and community wellbeing of their institution’s students, staff members, residents and interns, faculty, and leadership.

Some of the impetus is from veterinary students themselves. The SAVMA Wellbeing Committee was created in response to veterinary student mental health concerns such as high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

The committee promotes student physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing at veterinary schools by encouraging chapters to become involved in student wellbeing initiatives at their respective schools and colleges. SAVMA created a new position last year, wellbeing officer, to help carry out the committee mission.  

Tara Fellows Barron , SAVMA president, said one of her platforms as president-elect was amending the SAVMA Duty Hours Guidelines, which were first introduced in 2011 and last revised in 2019. She told AVMA News that while she respects the hard work of earlier generations of veterinary students, she recognizes today that students nationwide are communicating the need for more balanced schedules.

Student wellbeing resources from AVMA

• Wellbeing assessment
• Self-care tips
• Suicide prevention training

Related content

SAVMA revises duty-hour guidelines

Waking up to fatigue in the veterinary clinic

Prioritizing well-being at the institutional level

AAVMC sessions highlight student anxiety, the overvaluing of resiliency