What You Need to Do to Become a Veterinarian
Becoming a veterinarian requires four years of undergraduate study, then four years of veterinary school. You do not need a specific major in high school, but you will need strong grades in science and math, and you should start building experience with animals as soon as possible. Most veterinary schools look at your overall academic record, your performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and your hands-on experience working with or around animals.
The timeline is long — typically eight years from the end of high school — and the cost is substantial. Veterinary school tuition ranges widely depending on whether you attend a public or private school and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Many graduates carry student debt of $100,000 to $200,000 or more. Understanding the full path before you commit helps you make a realistic decision about whether this career fits your goals and circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- You need a four-year bachelor's degree with strong grades in biology, chemistry, and other sciences before you can explore to veterinary school.
- Veterinary school itself takes four years and is highly competitive; most schools accept fewer than 10 percent of applicants.
- You must gain hands-on experience working with animals — through internships, volunteer work, or jobs at animal clinics or shelters — before you explore to veterinary school.
- The GRE is required for most veterinary school programs, and you typically take it during your junior or senior year of college.
- After graduation, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice as a licensed veterinarian.
Choosing and Completing Your Undergraduate Degree
Your undergraduate major does not have to be biology or chemistry, but your coursework must include specific science classes that veterinary schools require. These typically include general biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and sometimes microbiology or genetics. Check the prerequisites for the veterinary schools you are interested in, because requirements vary slightly between programs.
During your undergraduate years, focus on earning strong grades, especially in science courses. Veterinary schools are competitive and often look for a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, though some students with lower GPAs have been admitted if they had exceptional experience or an upward trend in their grades. Take your science courses seriously — schools pay close attention to how you performed in those classes specifically.
You do not have to attend a four-year university. Some students complete their prerequisite courses at a community college and then transfer to a four-year school to finish their degree. This can reduce costs, but make sure the credits transfer and that you complete your prerequisites at an accredited institution, because some veterinary schools have restrictions on where prerequisite courses can be taken.
Building Animal Experience Before Veterinary School
Veterinary schools expect you to have real experience working with animals. This is one of the most important parts of your process. Start gaining this experience as early as possible — ideally in high school or during your first year of college — so you have a substantial record by the time you explore.
Common ways to build experience include working as a veterinary assistant at an animal clinic, volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue organization, interning at a zoo or wildlife facility, or working at a farm or equine facility if you are interested in large-animal medicine. Some students shadow veterinarians to see what the job actually involves. The goal is to show that you understand what veterinary medicine entails and that you have spent time in that environment.
Most successful applicants have at least 200 to 500 hours of animal-related experience, though some have significantly more. The type of experience matters less than the depth — veterinary schools want to see that you have committed time and thought to this career, not just that you like animals. If you can, seek out experiences that expose you to different types of animals or different areas of veterinary medicine, such as small-animal practice, large-animal medicine, or exotic animals.
Taking the GRE and Preparing Your process
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by most veterinary schools in the United States. You typically take it during your junior or senior year of undergraduate school. The GRE tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. There is no specific score that guarantees admission, but competitive scores are typically in the 150th percentile or higher for each section, though this varies by school.
You can take the GRE multiple times, and most schools will consider your highest score. Many students take a GRE prep course or use study materials to prepare. The test costs around $205, and you can register through the official GRE website.
Your veterinary school process will also include your undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation (usually three), a personal statement explaining why you want to be a veterinarian, and sometimes a video interview or additional essays. Start building relationships with professors and supervisors who can write strong letters for you. Your personal statement should be honest about your motivation and should reflect your animal experience and understanding of the profession.
Understanding Veterinary School Admissions
There are 34 accredited veterinary schools in the United States, and admission is highly competitive. Most schools receive thousands of applications and admit only a few hundred students. Your chances improve if you have a strong GPA, a solid GRE score, substantial animal experience, and a clear sense of why you want this career.
Some veterinary schools give preference to in-state applicants, which can affect your chances depending on where you live and where you explore. A few schools are more accessible to out-of-state students, but you should research each school's admissions policies. Some schools also have special programs for students from underrepresented backgrounds or rural areas.
The process cycle typically opens in the spring, and you submit applications through the Veterinary Medical College process Service (VMCAS), which is the centralized system used by most schools. important date vary, but many schools have important date in September or October. Plan to explore early in the cycle, because some schools fill their classes on a rolling basis.
Completing Veterinary School and Licensing
Veterinary school is four years of intensive study and hands-on training. The first two years typically focus on classroom learning and laboratory work in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. The last two years include clinical rotations where you work with real animals under supervision, diagnosing and treating patients.
During veterinary school, you will also prepare for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which you take after graduation. This is a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge of veterinary medicine. You must pass the NAVLE to be licensed to practice as a veterinarian. Most graduates take the exam within a few months of graduation, and most pass on their first attempt, though some take it multiple times.
After you are licensed, you can work as a veterinarian at an animal clinic, hospital, zoo, research facility, or government agency. Some veterinarians pursue additional training in a specialty, such as surgery, dentistry, or emergency medicine, which requires a residency program lasting two to four years.
Cost and Financial Considerations
Veterinary school is expensive. Tuition at public schools ranges from roughly $15,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students and $30,000 to $50,000 per year for out-of-state students. Private veterinary schools typically cost $40,000 to $60,000 per year. Over four years, the total cost of tuition alone can exceed $200,000 before living expenses.
Many students take out federal or private student loans to cover these costs. Some employers, including the military and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offer loan repayment programs for veterinarians who commit to working for them. A few veterinary schools offer scholarships or grants, though these are often limited and competitive.
Before you commit to this path, research the actual job market and salary expectations in your area. Veterinarian salaries vary by location, type of practice, and experience, but the median annual salary is in the range of $90,000 to $120,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Understand that you will likely spend several years paying off debt after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to major in biology or chemistry to become a veterinarian?
No. You can major in any subject as long as you complete the required science courses — typically general biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Many successful veterinary students major in biology, but others major in chemistry, animal science, or even unrelated fields. What matters is that you take the prerequisite courses and earn strong grades in them.
What if I do not have animal experience yet?
Start now. Look for volunteer positions at local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or veterinary clinics. Even a few hours per week adds up over time. If you are still in high school, this is the perfect time to build experience before college. Veterinary schools understand that not everyone has extensive experience, but they do expect you to have made a genuine effort to gain some.
Can I become a veterinarian if I did not do well in high school?
Veterinary schools look at your college grades, not your high school grades. If you struggled in high school but perform well in college, especially in science courses, you can still pursue this career. However, you will need to demonstrate strong academic performance in your undergraduate work and on the GRE to be competitive.
How long does it take to become a veterinarian after high school?
The minimum is eight years: four years for your undergraduate degree and four years for veterinary school. If you pursue a specialty after graduation, add two to four more years for a residency program. Some students take longer if they need to retake courses, work while studying, or take time off between degrees.
What is the difference between a veterinarian and a veterinary technician?
A veterinarian is a licensed doctor who diagnoses diseases, prescribes medications, and performs surgery. A veterinary technician assists the veterinarian and typically requires a two-year associate degree. Veterinary technicians earn less and have fewer responsibilities, but the path is shorter and less expensive. Both are valid careers in animal medicine.