Veterinarians earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree

A veterinarian holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree. Both titles refer to the same qualification—the choice of initials depends on which school awards it. This is a professional doctorate, similar in level to a medical doctor's MD, but it takes four years of veterinary school after your undergraduate degree to complete.

The DVM or VMD is the only degree that allows someone to practice veterinary medicine and call themselves a veterinarian. You cannot work as a veterinarian with a bachelor's degree alone, even if you have studied animal science or biology. After earning the DVM, most states require you to pass a licensing exam before you can legally treat animals.

Key Takeaways

  • Veterinarians must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree from an accredited veterinary school.
  • The DVM program is four years long and requires a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite, so the total education is typically eight years.
  • Veterinary school includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical experience with real animals.
  • After graduation, veterinarians must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meet state-specific requirements to practice.

What you study in veterinary school

The DVM curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, surgery, and pathology—the science of disease. You learn how to diagnose illness, perform surgery, prescribe medication, and manage animal health across different species. The first two years focus heavily on classroom and laboratory work, while the final two years emphasize clinical practice where you work directly with animals under supervision.

Most veterinary schools require you to rotate through different clinical areas: small animal medicine (dogs and cats), large animal medicine (horses and cattle), exotic animals, and sometimes wildlife or zoo medicine. You also learn about public health, food safety, and disease prevention. The exact curriculum varies slightly between schools, but all accredited programs must meet standards set by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Prerequisites before veterinary school

You need a bachelor's degree from any field before you can enter veterinary school, but most schools require specific prerequisite courses. These typically include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics. Some schools also require courses in animal science, microbiology, or genetics.

Beyond coursework, veterinary schools look at your overall academic record, performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and hands-on experience with animals. Many schools require or strongly prefer that you have worked with animals—either as a veterinary assistant, at an animal shelter, on a farm, or in research. This experience shows you understand what the job actually involves.

How long it takes to become a veterinarian

The total path typically takes eight years: four years for your bachelor's degree and four years for the DVM. However, some students take longer to complete their bachelor's degree if they need to retake prerequisite courses or change majors. Others may take a gap year or two between their bachelor's and veterinary school to gain more animal experience or improve their process.

Once you graduate with your DVM, you are not yet licensed to practice. You must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which is a computer-based test covering the knowledge needed to practice safely. Most states also require you to pass a state-specific jurisprudence exam about local veterinary laws. The entire licensing process usually takes a few months after graduation.

Specialization and advanced degrees

After earning your DVM and becoming licensed, you can pursue additional training in a specialty. A residency in a specific area—such as surgery, dermatology, cardiology, or emergency medicine—typically takes three to four years. During a residency, you work under experienced specialists while continuing your education. Upon completion, you can become board-certified in that specialty through an organization like the American College of Veterinary Surgeons or the American College of Veterinary Dermatologists.

Some veterinarians also earn a Master's degree or PhD in fields like veterinary public health, epidemiology, or animal behavior. These advanced degrees are usually pursued by veterinarians interested in research, teaching, or public health work rather than clinical practice with individual animals.

Accreditation and where you can study

The AVMA accredits veterinary schools in the United States. There are currently 32 accredited DVM programs across the country. Each school has its own admissions standards, tuition costs, and curriculum emphasis, though all must meet AVMA standards. Some schools focus more on small animal practice, while others emphasize large animal or mixed-animal medicine.

If you are interested in studying outside the United States, many countries have their own veterinary schools and licensing systems. Some U.S. states recognize veterinary degrees from certain foreign schools, but this varies by state and school. If you earned your degree outside the United States, you may need to pass additional exams or complete additional training to practice in the U.S.

Cost and financial considerations

Veterinary school is expensive. Tuition and fees at accredited U.S. programs range widely depending on whether the school is public or private and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Many graduates leave school with significant student loan debt. Some veterinarians work in rural areas or for government agencies that offer loan forgiveness programs in exchange for a commitment to work in underserved regions.

Scholarships and grants for veterinary students exist but are competitive. Some are offered by the schools themselves, while others come from veterinary organizations, breed clubs, or private foundations. Working as a veterinary assistant or technician while completing your bachelor's degree can help offset costs and also strengthen your process to veterinary school.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite, but you must complete a four-year DVM program at an accredited veterinary school and pass licensing exams. The bachelor's degree alone does not may have access to you to practice veterinary medicine.

What is the difference between a DVM and a VMD?

There is no practical difference. DVM stands for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and VMD stands for Veterinary Medical Doctor. Both are the same professional degree; the initials just depend on which school awards it. The University of Pennsylvania uses VMD, while most other schools use DVM.

Do you need to specialize after getting your DVM?

No. You can practice as a general veterinarian with just your DVM and license. Specialization through a residency is optional and is usually pursued by veterinarians who want to focus on a specific area like surgery or emergency medicine.

How hard is it to get into veterinary school?

Veterinary school is competitive. Most schools look at your GPA, GRE scores, prerequisite course grades, and hands-on animal experience. Having strong grades in science courses and documented experience working with animals significantly improves your chances of admission.

Can you practice as a veterinarian without passing the NAVLE?

No. You must pass the NAVLE and meet your state's specific licensing requirements before you can legally practice veterinary medicine. Practicing without a license is illegal.