Yes, you need a degree to practice as a veterinarian in the United States
To work as a licensed veterinarian, you must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school and pass a licensing exam in your state. There is no shortcut around this requirement — you cannot become a veterinarian through apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or alternative credentials. The DVM is a professional degree, similar to a medical doctor's MD or a dentist's DDS.
The path takes a minimum of eight years after high school: four years of undergraduate coursework, then four years of veterinary school. Some people take longer if they work between steps or attend school part-time, but the degree itself cannot be compressed.
Key Takeaways
- A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited school is legally required to practice as a veterinarian in any U.S. state.
- The DVM program takes four years to complete, and most programs require four years of undergraduate preparation beforehand.
- Veterinary school admission is competitive and typically requires strong grades in science courses, a passing score on the GRE or veterinary-specific entrance exam, and documented animal experience.
- After graduation, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) and meet your state's specific licensing requirements before you can legally treat animals.
- Related careers like veterinary technician or veterinary assistant do not require a DVM and offer entry points into animal healthcare with less education.
What the undergraduate years involve
Before you explore to veterinary school, you need to complete a four-year bachelor's degree. You do not have to major in biology or chemistry, but you must complete specific prerequisite courses that veterinary schools require. These typically include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics through calculus.
Most students take these courses as part of a biology, chemistry, or animal science major because that makes it easier to fit them all in. However, you could major in something else — English, business, psychology — as long as you complete the prerequisites on top of it. Veterinary schools care more about your grades in those science courses than about your major itself.
During these four years, you should also gain hands-on experience with animals. This means volunteering at animal shelters, shadowing a veterinarian, working at a zoo or wildlife facility, or interning at a veterinary clinic. Schools want to see that you have spent real time around animals and understand what the job actually involves.
The veterinary school process and admission process
Veterinary school is competitive. Most programs receive far more applications than they have seats. To stand out, you need strong grades (especially in science courses), a good score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Veterinary Medical College Admission Test (VMCAT), and documented animal experience.
The process process typically opens in the spring for programs starting the following fall. You submit your transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement explaining why you want to be a veterinarian. Many schools also conduct interviews with candidates they are considering.
There are 34 accredited veterinary schools in the United States. Some are state schools that prioritize residents of that state; others accept students from anywhere. If you do not get in on your first attempt, you can reapply the following year, often with stronger credentials or additional animal experience.
What happens during the four years of veterinary school
Veterinary school combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical work. In your first two years, you take courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and other foundational sciences. You also begin working with animals in teaching hospitals and clinics on campus.
In your third and fourth years, you spend much more time in clinical rotations — working directly with animals under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. You might spend a month in surgery, a month in internal medicine, a month in emergency care, and so on. By the time you graduate, you have treated hundreds of animals and made thousands of clinical decisions under supervision.
The curriculum is rigorous and time-intensive. Most students study 30 to 40 hours per week outside of class and clinical time. The workload is comparable to medical school for human doctors.
Licensing and the exam you must pass
After you graduate with your DVM, you cannot legally practice as a veterinarian until you pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). This is a computer-based test administered by the North American Association of State Veterinary Medical Boards (NASVCMB). It covers all areas of veterinary medicine and typically takes six to seven hours to complete.
Most graduates take the NAVLE within a few months of graduation. The pass rate is high — around 90 percent — for people who attended accredited schools, but you must still study and prepare. Some states also require additional exams or paperwork specific to that state before they issue your license.
Once you pass the NAVLE and meet your state's requirements, you receive a veterinary license. This license is what allows you to legally diagnose diseases, prescribe medications, and perform surgery on animals. Without it, you cannot practice veterinary medicine, even if you have a DVM degree.
Specialization and advanced degrees
After you become a licensed veterinarian, you can work when ready in general practice. However, if you want to specialize — in surgery, cardiology, emergency medicine, or another field — you typically pursue a residency program. These residencies take two to four additional years and are competitive to enter.
Some veterinarians also pursue a master's degree or PhD in a research area like epidemiology, public health, or animal behavior. These advanced degrees are optional and are pursued only if you want to work in research, teaching, or specialized clinical practice.
Alternatives if you do not want to become a veterinarian
If you are interested in animal healthcare but do not want to commit to eight years of education and the cost of veterinary school, there are related careers that require less training. A veterinary technician completes a two-year associate degree and assists veterinarians with exams, lab work, and surgery. A veterinary assistant typically requires only a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though some employers prefer a certificate program.
These roles let you work directly with animals and support veterinary care without the time and expense of a DVM. Many people start as veterinary assistants, decide whether they want to pursue more education, and then move into technician or veterinarian roles if they choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a veterinarian without going to veterinary school?
No. A DVM from an accredited veterinary school is a legal requirement to practice as a veterinarian in the United States. There is no alternative pathway, apprenticeship, or credential that substitutes for it. If you want to work with animals but do not want to attend veterinary school, consider becoming a veterinary technician or assistant instead.
How much does veterinary school cost?
Tuition and fees vary widely by school. Public veterinary schools typically cost $15,000 to $30,000 per year for residents and more for out-of-state students. Private schools often cost $35,000 to $50,000 per year. Over four years, total debt for graduates ranges from $60,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on the school and whether you take out loans.
What if I do not get into veterinary school the first time?
You can reapply the following year. Many successful applicants are rejected initially and get in on their second or third attempt. Between applications, strengthen your profile by retaking the GRE or VMCAT, gaining more animal experience, improving your grades in any remaining courses, or working in a veterinary clinic to deepen your understanding of the profession.
Do I need to major in biology to get into veterinary school?
No. You need to complete the prerequisite science courses, but you can major in anything else. Some students major in chemistry, animal science, or biology because it is convenient, but schools do not require a specific major — only that you finish the required courses with strong grades.
Can I work while attending veterinary school?
Most veterinary students do not work during school because the program is full-time and demanding. Some students work part-time during their first year or during breaks, but the clinical rotations in years three and four make outside work very difficult. Plan to focus on school during these four years.