Veterinarians earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a four-year professional program that requires two years of prerequisite coursework first

A veterinarian holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Doctor of Veterinary Medical Science (DVMS) degree. Both names refer to the same qualification—the DVM is more common in the United States, while DVMS appears in some schools and other countries. This is a professional doctorate, equivalent in level to a medical doctor's MD, not a research doctorate like a PhD.

The path to a DVM takes six to eight years total: typically two years of prerequisite science courses (usually taken at a four-year university), followed by four years of veterinary school itself. Some students complete prerequisites faster or slower depending on their starting point and course load. A few schools offer three-year accelerated DVM programs, but these are rare and highly competitive.

After graduation, most veterinarians must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice. Some states also require additional state-specific exams. Licensure requirements vary by state, so a veterinarian licensed in one state may need to meet different standards to practice in another.

Key Takeaways

  • A veterinarian's degree is called a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and takes four years to complete after prerequisite coursework.
  • Before veterinary school, students must complete two years of science prerequisites—usually biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics—at a university.
  • Veterinary school covers animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, surgery, and clinical practice with real animals under supervision.
  • Graduation from an accredited veterinary school does not automatically grant a license; passing the NAVLE exam and meeting state requirements is required.
  • Some veterinarians pursue additional certifications or residencies in specialties like surgery, dermatology, or emergency medicine, which add one to five years after the DVM.

What you study in veterinary school

Veterinary school curriculum is structured around both classroom learning and hands-on clinical work. The first two years focus heavily on foundational sciences: animal anatomy (how animals are built), physiology (how their bodies work), biochemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology (how drugs affect animals). Students also study pathology—what happens when things go wrong—and learn to recognize disease in different species.

The second half of veterinary school shifts toward clinical training. Students work in teaching hospitals and clinics, performing examinations, assisting in surgeries, drawing blood, taking X-rays, and treating sick and injured animals under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. By the time they graduate, they have worked with dogs, cats, horses, cattle, birds, exotic animals, and sometimes wildlife, depending on the school's focus and the student's interests.

All accredited veterinary schools in the United States follow similar core requirements set by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), so a DVM from one school is recognized as equivalent to a DVM from another. However, schools differ in their emphasis—some focus on small animal medicine (pets), others on large animal medicine (livestock), and some on exotic or wildlife medicine.

Prerequisites you need before explore

Veterinary schools require specific science courses before you explore, and you must complete them at a college or university. The standard prerequisites are one year of biology with lab, one year of chemistry with lab, one year of organic chemistry with lab, and one year of physics with lab. Some schools also require biochemistry, microbiology, or animal science courses. A few schools accept online prerequisites, but most require at least some courses to be taken in person.

You do not have to major in biology or chemistry to meet these requirements—you can major in anything and take the science courses as electives. Many students major in business, English, or other fields while completing their prerequisites. However, veterinary schools are competitive, and strong grades in prerequisite courses matter significantly for admission.

Beyond coursework, veterinary schools expect applicants to have spent time working with animals in a professional or volunteer setting. This might be a job at an animal shelter, a veterinary clinic, a farm, a zoo, or a research facility. Schools want to see that you understand what veterinary work actually involves before you commit to six to eight years of training.

How competitive veterinary school admission is

Veterinary school admission is highly selective. There are only 32 accredited veterinary schools in the United States, and they receive far more applications than they have seats. Most schools accept 50 to 150 students per year, while receiving thousands of applications. Your grades in prerequisite courses, your score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Veterinary Medical College Admission Test (VMCAT), your animal experience, and your personal statement all factor into decisions.

In-state applicants often have an advantage at state-funded schools, since those schools prioritize residents. Out-of-state applicants may face lower acceptance rates at the same school. Some schools are more competitive than others, but even the least selective veterinary schools turn away the majority of applicants.

Specializations and additional training after the DVM

A veterinarian can practice with just a DVM and a license, but many pursue additional training in a specialty. A veterinary residency is a one- to four-year program in a specific field—surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, emergency and critical care, dentistry, or dozens of others. Residencies are competitive and usually require a strong academic record and clinical experience during veterinary school.

After completing a residency, a veterinarian can sit for a board certification exam in that specialty. A board-certified veterinary surgeon, for example, has completed a surgical residency and passed the American College of Veterinary Surgeons exam. Board certification is not required to practice in a specialty, but it signals advanced training and informed.

Some veterinarians also pursue a Master's degree or PhD in a research field like epidemiology, public health, or animal behavior. These are separate from the DVM and typically take two to six additional years. A veterinarian with both a DVM and a PhD might work in research, teaching, or government agencies like the USDA.

How the DVM compares to other animal-related degrees

A DVM is different from other animal-related degrees. A veterinary technician earns an associate degree (two years) and works under a veterinarian's supervision, handling restraint, anesthesia, lab work, and nursing care. A veterinary assistant typically has a high school diploma or certificate and does basic tasks like cleaning, feeding, and restraint. A zoologist or animal scientist earns a bachelor's or master's degree and studies animal behavior, ecology, or genetics, but is not trained to diagnose and treat disease in individual animals.

Only a veterinarian with a DVM can legally diagnose disease, prescribe medications, perform surgery, or provide medical treatment to animals. This is why the degree takes so long—it is a professional license to practice medicine, not just a credential in animal knowledge.

Licensing and continuing education requirements

After graduating with a DVM, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to become licensed. This is a computer-based exam covering all aspects of veterinary medicine. Most states also require passing a state-specific jurisprudence exam that covers that state's veterinary laws and regulations. Some states have additional requirements like a practical exam or specific coursework.

Once licensed, veterinarians must complete continuing education to keep their license active. The number of hours required varies by state—typically 10 to 30 hours per year—and can be earned through conferences, online courses, workshops, or teaching. This ensures that veterinarians stay current with new treatments, drugs, and medical knowledge throughout their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A bachelor's degree is not enough. You need a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary school, plus a license. A bachelor's degree in biology or animal science can help you prepare for veterinary school, but it does not may have access to you to practice veterinary medicine.

How much does veterinary school cost?

Tuition varies widely. Public veterinary schools in your home state typically cost $15,000 to $30,000 per year, while private schools and out-of-state public schools can cost $40,000 to $60,000 per year. Over four years, total costs range from $60,000 to $240,000 or more, depending on the school and whether you live on campus. Many veterinarians graduate with significant student debt.

Do you need a master's degree to be a veterinarian?

No. The DVM is the professional degree you need to practice veterinary medicine. A master's degree is optional and is usually pursued only if you want to specialize in research, teaching, or a specific clinical field. Most practicing veterinarians have only a DVM.

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

Not automatically. Other countries have their own licensing requirements. Some countries recognize a US DVM and require only a local exam or paperwork. Others require you to repeat parts of veterinary school or take additional exams. You would need to contact the veterinary licensing board in the country where you want to practice.

How long does it take to become a board-certified veterinary specialist?

After earning your DVM and becoming licensed, a residency in your specialty takes one to four years, depending on the field. After the residency, you sit for a board certification exam. The entire process—DVM plus residency plus exam—typically takes 8 to 12 years from the start of undergraduate prerequisites.