How Long is Veterinary School?
Thinking about becoming a veterinarian? Perhaps you’re curious about what it takes to get there. After all, there’s more than one way to become a vet. You could study biology in college and then dive straight into veterinary school or you could get an associates degree and complete the prerequisites for vet school at the same time.
Regardless of your educational path, it won’t be easy. Vet school is challenging. It’s also expensive and time-consuming, often lasting between 4 and 6 years. But don’t let those downsides scare you off just yet. Once you see what being a vet entails, you might find yourself even more intrigued by this remarkable career path.
What is Veterinary School?
Veterinary school is a program that trains future veterinarians in all aspects of animal health and care. It will also prepare you with the skills you need to start a career as a vet. Vet school is typically broken up into two parts: pre-veterinary school and veterinary school.
Pre-veterinary school is often a 2-year program that teaches students the science they need to succeed in vet school. Veterinary school itself is a 4-year program in which students gain clinical experience by working at veterinary hospitals, treating and diagnosing animals as if they were vets.
Pre-Veterinary School Requirements
As with any specialty, it’s important to choose your degree program wisely. Knowing what goes into pre-veterinary school can help you decide what degree to pursue and prepare you for veterinary school.
– Biology – You’ll need a strong background in biology to succeed in vet school. You should be familiar with everything from microbiology and genetics to zoology and biochemistry.
– Foreign Languages – You’ll also need knowledge of a foreign language. While many vet schools don’t require you to know a language, they do recommend it. The more languages you know, the more opportunities you have as a vet.
– Math – You’ll also need to know your way around a few math concepts. You should have a strong grasp on algebra and be comfortable with basic geometry.
Vet School Admission Requirements
The admissions requirements for veterinary school vary depending on the program, the school, and even where you live. But there are a few central characteristics that every vet school applicant should have:
- – A Strong Academic Background – Veterinary school is hard. It’s not something you can dive into without a strong academic background. Your pre-veterinary coursework should reflect that.
- – Diversified Experience – A well-rounded experience is important in every application. But it’s especially important for vet school applicants. Get out there and explore the world as much as you can.
- – A Supportive Network – Vet schools look for applicants who have a supportive network of family, friends, and mentors in their lives. A strong support network will help you stay positive and motivated throughout vet school.
Vet School Basics
Veterinary school is broken up into two parts: the first two years and the clinical year. During the first two years, you’ll take a variety of courses that teach you the basics of veterinary medicine. Once you’re in the clinical year, you’ll be assigned to a clinical site.
There you’ll work alongside vets and other students to gain hands-on experience and prepare you for the real world. Veterinary school is challenging, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Once you graduate, you’ll have a career with a median salary of $89,000. You’ll also have the opportunity to do meaningful work every day and help animals in need.
Becoming a veterinarian: Is it worth it?
Becoming a veterinarian is a challenging, but rewarding path. It’s also one of the most in-demand jobs in the United States with a projected growth rate of 15% between now and 2026. If you become a vet, you’ll have a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Veterinarians treat animals from all walks of life, from zoo animals to pets at home. You’ll also earn a decent salary, with a median pay of $89,000 per year. Veterinary school can be expensive, but it has many lucrative benefits.