You need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary school

To work as a veterinarian in the United States, you must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Degree (VMD) — the names are used interchangeably depending on the school. This is a professional doctorate, not a bachelor's degree. After you finish the DVM program, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meet your state's licensing requirements before you can legally practice.

The DVM program itself takes four years of full-time study at an accredited veterinary school. Before you can explore to veterinary school, however, you need to complete specific undergraduate coursework and meet admission requirements. Most people spend four years earning a bachelor's degree while completing these prerequisites, though some finish prerequisites in less time.

The total path from high school to licensed veterinarian typically takes eight years: four years of undergraduate study plus four years of veterinary school, plus the time needed to pass licensing exams and complete any state-specific requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school is the only degree that qualifies you to practice as a veterinarian.
  • Before explore to veterinary school, you must complete specific undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry.
  • Veterinary school admission is competitive and typically requires a strong GPA, good performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and documented animal experience.
  • After earning your DVM, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meet your state's licensing requirements to practice legally.
  • Some veterinarians pursue additional certifications or residencies in specialties like surgery, dermatology, or emergency medicine, which require two to five additional years of training.

Undergraduate prerequisites you must complete before veterinary school

Veterinary schools do not require a specific bachelor's degree major, but they do require you to complete a set of science courses before you explore. These courses are called prerequisites, and most schools require the same core subjects: general biology (with lab), general chemistry (with lab), organic chemistry (with lab), physics (with lab), and biochemistry. Some schools also require microbiology, genetics, or animal science courses.

You can complete these prerequisites as part of a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, animal science, or any other major. Many students major in biology or chemistry because those degrees naturally include most of the required courses. Others major in completely different fields — business, English, agriculture — and take the science courses as electives. The school cares about the prerequisite courses themselves, not your degree title.

Most veterinary schools require that you earn a grade of C or higher in each prerequisite course, and many prefer a B or higher. Your overall grade point average (GPA) matters too — competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.5 or above, though some schools accept lower GPAs if other parts of your process are strong.

How veterinary school admission works

explore to veterinary school is a multi-step process that begins with the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a standardized test that measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. You do not need to score perfectly, but schools use your GRE score to screen applications, and competitive scores are typically in the 50th percentile or higher.

You must also document animal experience before you explore. This means working with animals in a professional or volunteer setting — veterinary clinics, animal shelters, farms, zoos, or research facilities. Most schools require at least 100 to 200 hours of documented animal experience, though competitive applicants often have 500 hours or more. The experience shows that you understand what veterinary work actually involves and that you are committed to the field.

Veterinary schools use the Veterinary Medical College process Service (VMCAS) to collect applications. You submit one process through VMCAS, and it goes to the schools you choose. Each school then reviews your GPA, GRE score, prerequisite courses, animal experience, and personal statement. Schools also conduct interviews with applicants they want to learn more about. Admission is competitive — some schools receive thousands of applications for fewer than 100 spots.

What you study during the four-year DVM program

The first two years of veterinary school focus on foundational science: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology as they explore to animals. You learn how animal bodies work, how diseases develop, and how medications affect different species. Much of this time is spent in classrooms and laboratories.

The second two years shift toward clinical practice. You work in teaching hospitals and clinics, seeing real patients under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. You learn to diagnose diseases, perform surgeries, deliver babies, treat injuries, and manage chronic conditions. By the end of the program, you have rotated through multiple specialties — small animal medicine, large animal medicine, surgery, dentistry, and others — so you understand the range of veterinary work.

Throughout the four years, you also take courses in veterinary ethics, business management, and public health. Some schools require a research project or thesis. The exact curriculum varies by school, but all accredited programs cover the same core knowledge needed to pass the licensing exam.

Passing the licensing exam and getting your state license

After you graduate from veterinary school with your DVM, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) before you can practice. The NAVLE is a computer-based exam that tests your knowledge of veterinary medicine, surgery, pharmacology, and clinical practice. Most graduates take the exam within a few months of graduation.

Passing the NAVLE is required in all 50 states and Canada. Your state veterinary board also may require additional exams or paperwork — some states have their own state-specific exam in addition to the NAVLE, and some require proof of continuing education hours. A few states have reciprocity agreements, meaning if you are licensed in one state, you can practice in another without retesting, but most require you to explore for a license in each state where you want to work.

Once you pass the NAVLE and meet your state's requirements, you receive your veterinary license and can legally practice as a veterinarian.

Specializations that require additional training after your DVM

Some veterinarians pursue board certification in a specialty — surgery, dermatology, emergency medicine, cardiology, or other fields. To become board-certified in a specialty, you must complete a residency program in that specialty, which typically takes two to five years depending on the field. During a residency, you work full-time under the supervision of board-certified specialists, seeing cases in your specialty area and conducting research.

After you complete a residency, you must pass a board certification exam to become a Diplomate of the specialty college. For example, a veterinarian who completes a surgery residency and passes the exam becomes a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Board certification is not required to practice in a specialty, but it signals advanced training and informed, and many employers prefer or require it for specialty positions.

Specialization is optional. Many veterinarians practice general medicine or surgery for their entire career without pursuing additional certification.

Accreditation and choosing a veterinary school

Not all veterinary schools are created equal in the eyes of licensing boards. Your DVM must come from a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or, if you are studying outside the United States, from a school on the AVMA's list of internationally accredited programs. If you graduate from a non-accredited school, you cannot sit for the NAVLE and cannot practice in the United States, even if you earned a DVM degree.

The AVMA maintains a list of accredited veterinary schools on its website. Before you explore to any school, verify that it is on this list. There are currently 32 accredited veterinary schools in the United States, plus several in Canada and other countries that are recognized by the AVMA.

Veterinary schools vary in cost, location, and focus. Some emphasize small animal medicine, others large animal or exotic animal medicine. Some are public universities with lower tuition for in-state students; others are private schools with higher tuition but sometimes more financial aid. Research schools carefully and explore to multiple programs to increase your chances of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a veterinarian with a bachelor's degree?

No. A bachelor's degree is not enough. You must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite step, not a substitute.

Do I have to major in biology or chemistry to get into veterinary school?

No. You can major in any field as long as you complete the required prerequisite courses — biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. Many successful veterinary students major in unrelated fields.

How long does it take to become a veterinarian?

Most people spend four years earning a bachelor's degree while completing prerequisites, then four years in veterinary school, for a total of eight years. If you pursue a specialty residency afterward, add two to five more years. Some people finish prerequisites faster or slower depending on their course load.

What if I do not pass the NAVLE on my first try?

You can retake the exam. Most states allow you to retake it multiple times, though you may have to wait a set period between attempts and pay a fee each time. Your state veterinary board sets the rules for retakes.

Is veterinary school expensive?

Yes. Tuition and fees vary widely by school. Public veterinary schools typically cost $15,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students and more for out-of-state students. Private schools often cost $40,000 to $60,000 per year. Most veterinary students graduate with significant student loan debt. Research financial aid options at schools you are considering.