The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is the only degree that qualifies you to practice veterinary medicine
To become a veterinarian, you must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school. This is a professional doctorate, not a bachelor's degree — it typically takes four years to complete after you finish your undergraduate education. The DVM is the legal requirement in all 50 states and Canada to diagnose and treat animals, perform surgery, and prescribe medication.
Some veterinarians go on to earn additional degrees after the DVM — a master's degree, a board certification, or a PhD — but these are optional and depend on your career goals. The DVM itself is what you need to start working as a veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
- A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school is required to practice veterinary medicine in any state.
- The DVM program takes four years to complete and requires a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite, making the total education path six to eight years.
- Veterinary schools require specific prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and other sciences, not just any bachelor's degree.
- After earning your DVM, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to receive your license.
- Some veterinarians pursue board certification or a master's degree in a specialty area, but these are optional additions beyond the DVM.
What you need before veterinary school: the bachelor's degree and prerequisites
Before you can enroll in a DVM program, you must complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Veterinary schools do not require a specific major — you can earn your bachelor's in biology, chemistry, animal science, or any other field — but they do require you to complete specific prerequisite courses during your undergraduate years.
These prerequisites typically include general biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics. Some schools also require courses in microbiology, genetics, and animal science. The exact list varies by veterinary school, so you should check the requirements of the schools you are interested in before choosing your undergraduate courses. Most students take four years to complete both their bachelor's degree and these prerequisites, though some finish in three years or take longer.
Veterinary schools also look at your grade point average (GPA) in these prerequisite courses, your overall undergraduate GPA, and your performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, though this varies by school.
The four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program
The DVM program itself is a four-year professional degree offered only by accredited veterinary schools. In the United States, there are 32 accredited veterinary schools recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Each program combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical experience with animals.
The first two years typically focus on foundational sciences — anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology — along with courses in veterinary medicine and surgery. The second two years shift toward clinical practice, where you work directly with animals under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. By the end of the program, you will have diagnosed and treated hundreds of animals across different species and conditions.
Admission to veterinary school is competitive. Most schools receive thousands of applications for a few hundred spots. In addition to your GPA and GRE score, schools consider your veterinary experience (working or volunteering in animal clinics or farms), your animal husbandry experience, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement.
Licensing: the NAVLE exam and state requirements
After you graduate with your DVM, you cannot legally practice veterinary medicine until you pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). This is a computerized exam administered by the North American Association of State Veterinary Boards (NASVB) and covers all areas of veterinary medicine — anatomy, pharmacology, surgery, internal medicine, and more.
Most graduates take the NAVLE within a few months of finishing their DVM program. The exam costs several hundred dollars and is offered multiple times per year at testing centers across North America. After you pass, you submit your passing score to your state's veterinary board along with an process for licensure. Each state has slightly different requirements, but all require the NAVLE pass and the DVM degree.
Some states also require a practical exam or additional state-specific testing, though this is becoming less common. Once your state board approves your process, you receive your veterinary license and can legally practice.
Board certification and specialty degrees (optional)
After earning your DVM and passing the NAVLE, you may choose to pursue additional training in a specialty area — surgery, dermatology, cardiology, emergency medicine, or another field. To become board-certified in a specialty, you typically complete a two- to four-year residency program at a veterinary school or large animal hospital, then pass a board certification exam in that specialty.
Some veterinarians also earn a master's degree or PhD in areas like veterinary public health, epidemiology, or research. These additional degrees are not required to practice as a veterinarian, but they open doors to careers in research, public health, academia, or specialized clinical practice.
Timeline: how long the entire path takes
The minimum time to become a licensed veterinarian is six years: four years for your bachelor's degree (including veterinary prerequisites) and four years for the DVM. Most students take closer to seven or eight years because they may need extra time to complete prerequisites, take gap years before explore to veterinary school, or pursue additional training after graduation.
If you want to become board-certified in a specialty, add another two to four years for a residency program. The total path from high school to board-certified specialist can take 10 to 12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a veterinarian with just a bachelor's degree?
No. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite, but you must also complete a four-year DVM program at an accredited veterinary school and pass the NAVLE exam. The DVM is the professional degree that qualifies you to practice veterinary medicine.
What if I did not take the right prerequisite courses in college?
You can take the missing prerequisite courses after you finish your bachelor's degree. Many students take prerequisite courses at community colleges or through post-baccalaureate programs. Veterinary schools will consider these courses as long as they are from accredited institutions and meet the school's requirements.
Do all veterinary schools require the same prerequisites?
Most require similar core courses — biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics — but the specific requirements and number of credits vary. Check the prerequisites for each school you are interested in, as some may require additional courses in microbiology, genetics, or animal science.
Is the NAVLE exam hard to pass?
The NAVLE is a comprehensive exam that covers four years of veterinary education. Most graduates pass on their first attempt, though the pass rate varies by school. Your DVM program will prepare you for the exam through coursework and practice tests.
Can I practice veterinary medicine in another country with a US DVM?
It depends on the country. Some countries recognize the US DVM, while others require additional exams or credentials. If you plan to practice internationally, research the licensing requirements of that country before or during your DVM program.