Veterinarians earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a four-year professional program after undergraduate study

A veterinarian holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree — the two names mean the same thing and are used interchangeably depending on the school. Both require four years of graduate-level study after completing a four-year bachelor's degree, so the total path is eight years of university education before a veterinarian can practice.

The DVM or VMD is a professional degree, similar to an MD for physicians or a JD for lawyers. It is not a research doctorate (PhD). Veterinarians who want to specialize in research or teach at universities may pursue a PhD in addition to their DVM, but that is optional and not required for clinical practice.

Key Takeaways

  • Veterinarians must complete a four-year DVM or VMD degree from an accredited veterinary school, which comes after a four-year bachelor's degree.
  • The DVM curriculum includes classroom instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, and disease, plus hands-on clinical work with animals in the final years.
  • Admission to veterinary school is competitive and requires prerequisite science courses, a passing score on the GRE or veterinary-specific entrance exam, and animal experience.
  • After graduation, veterinarians must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to obtain a state license and practice legally.
  • Some veterinarians pursue additional certifications or specializations after their DVM, which can take two to five more years depending on the field.

What the DVM curriculum covers

The first two years of veterinary school focus on foundational science: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Students learn how animal bodies work, how diseases develop, and how medications affect different species. Much of this is classroom and laboratory work.

The final two years shift toward clinical practice. Students work directly with animals in teaching hospitals and clinics, diagnosing conditions, performing surgeries, and learning to communicate with animal owners. By the end of the program, a graduate has seen hundreds of cases across multiple species and has performed many procedures under supervision.

The exact course sequence and emphasis varies by school. Some programs specialize in large animals (livestock and horses), small animals (dogs and cats), exotic animals, or wildlife. Most schools require students to gain exposure across multiple species even if they plan to focus on one area later.

Prerequisites and admission requirements

Before explore to veterinary school, students must complete a four-year bachelor's degree in any major, but they must finish specific prerequisite courses: biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and sometimes microbiology or genetics. These prerequisites take two to three years to complete and are often part of a biology or chemistry major, though not always.

Veterinary school admission is highly competitive. Most programs require a passing score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Veterinary Medical College Admission Test (VMCAT), depending on the school. Applicants also need documented animal experience — this can be veterinary clinic work, farm experience, research with animals, or volunteer work at shelters or rescues. Schools typically want to see at least 200 to 500 hours of animal contact before admission.

Grades in prerequisite science courses matter significantly. Most accepted applicants have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their science courses. Schools also review personal statements and interviews to assess whether an applicant understands what veterinary work actually involves.

How long it takes from start to practice

The minimum timeline is eight years: four years for a bachelor's degree plus four years for the DVM. However, many students take longer because they need time to complete prerequisites, work to gain animal experience, or retake entrance exams. A realistic timeline for most people is nine to ten years from high school to the point of becoming a licensed veterinarian.

After graduation, a new veterinarian must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to obtain a state license. This is a computerized exam administered multiple times per year. Most graduates pass on their first attempt, and the exam can be taken within a few months of graduation. Once licensed, a veterinarian can begin working when ready.

Some states also require a separate state-specific exam or jurisprudence test covering state veterinary laws. These are usually shorter and easier than the NAVLE and are completed within the first year of practice.

Specializations and additional credentials

A DVM alone qualifies someone to work as a general practitioner in small animal, large animal, or mixed-animal medicine. However, veterinarians who want to specialize — such as in surgery, dermatology, cardiology, or exotic animal medicine — must complete additional training called a residency. A residency typically lasts two to four years and involves intensive study and hands-on work in a specific field under the supervision of board-certified specialists.

After completing a residency, a veterinarian can sit for board certification exams administered by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) or similar bodies. Board certification is not required to practice in a specialty, but it signals advanced informed and is often expected in academic or referral settings.

Some veterinarians also pursue a master's degree or PhD in a related field such as public health, epidemiology, or animal behavior. These are usually completed alongside or after the DVM and are most common for those planning careers in research, teaching, or government work.

Accreditation and where veterinary schools are located

In the United States and Canada, veterinary schools must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) for their graduates to be may be able to access for licensing. There are 32 AVMA-accredited schools in the United States and 5 in Canada. Attending an accredited school is essential — graduates from unaccredited programs cannot sit for the NAVLE or practice legally in North America.

Admission to in-state veterinary schools is often easier than out-of-state admission because many schools reserve spots for residents. Some states have no veterinary school and have agreements with schools in other states to reserve seats for their residents at a lower tuition rate. If you are considering veterinary school, checking whether your state has a school or a reciprocal agreement can affect both cost and admission odds.

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 $35,000 to $50,000 for out-of-state students. Private schools typically cost $40,000 to $60,000 per year. Over four years, total tuition alone can reach $60,000 to $240,000 depending on the school and residency status.

Most veterinary students borrow money to pay for school. Federal student loans and private loans are both common. Some students work part-time during school, though the DVM curriculum is demanding and full-time study is the norm. A few schools offer scholarships or grants, but these are limited and highly competitive.

Starting salaries for new veterinarians vary by location and specialty but typically range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year. Loan repayment can take ten to twenty years depending on the amount borrowed and the repayment plan chosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become a veterinarian with just a bachelor's degree?

No. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite, but the DVM or VMD is required to practice veterinary medicine. The DVM is a separate four-year professional degree that comes after the bachelor's. Without it, you cannot diagnose or treat animals or obtain a veterinary license.

Is a DVM the same as a PhD in veterinary science?

No. A DVM is a professional degree for clinical practice. A PhD is a research degree. Some veterinarians earn both — the DVM for clinical work and a PhD for research or teaching — but they are different credentials earned separately. A PhD alone does not may have access to you to practice veterinary medicine.

How hard is it to get into veterinary school?

Veterinary school admission is highly competitive. Most accepted applicants have science GPAs of 3.5 or higher, strong entrance exam scores, and 200 to 500 hours of documented animal experience. Acceptance rates at most schools are between 5 and 15 percent, making it as competitive as or more competitive than medical school.

Can you practice as a veterinarian in another country with a US DVM?

Not automatically. Each country has its own licensing requirements and exams. A US DVM is recognized in Canada and some other countries, but you typically must pass that country's veterinary licensing exam and meet their specific requirements. Some countries require additional training or a local degree.

What if I don't pass the NAVLE on my first attempt?

You can retake the exam. Most states allow multiple attempts, though some limit the number of retakes or require a waiting period between attempts. Failing the NAVLE delays licensure but does not prevent you from eventually becoming a licensed veterinarian if you pass on a subsequent attempt.