What You Need to Study to Become a Veterinarian

To become a veterinarian, you need a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school, plus prerequisite coursework completed before you explore. Most veterinary schools require two to three years of undergraduate science classes — biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics — before you can enroll in the DVM program itself. After graduation, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice.

The total time from high school to a working veterinarian is typically seven to eight years: four years of undergraduate study (though you can complete prerequisites in two to three years if you focus), four years of veterinary school, and a few months for licensing exams and state registration. Some veterinarians pursue additional specialization after the DVM, which adds one to five more years depending on the field.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete specific undergraduate science courses — biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics — before veterinary school will consider your process.
  • Veterinary school itself is a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program that includes classroom learning, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical experience with animals.
  • After graduation, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meet your state's registration requirements before you can legally practice.
  • Veterinary schools are competitive and typically require strong grades in science courses, veterinary experience (such as shadowing or working in a clinic), and letters of recommendation.
  • Specialization in fields like surgery, dentistry, or exotic animal medicine requires additional training after the DVM, extending your education by one to five years.

Undergraduate Prerequisites and GPA Requirements

Before you explore to veterinary school, you need to complete specific science courses at the undergraduate level. These almost always include general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Many schools also require microbiology, genetics, and animal science or zoology. The exact list varies by school, so you should check the requirements of the veterinary schools you are interested in before choosing your courses.

Veterinary schools are selective, and your grades in these science courses matter significantly. Most accredited veterinary schools look for a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, though competitive schools often see admitted students with GPAs of 3.5 or above. Your science GPA (the average of only your science and math courses) is usually weighted more heavily than your overall GPA. If you take a science course and do poorly, retaking it can help, but the original grade typically still appears on your transcript.

You do not have to major in biology or chemistry to attend veterinary school — you can major in any subject as long as you complete all the prerequisite courses. Some students major in animal science, others in chemistry, and some in completely unrelated fields. What matters is finishing the required science courses with strong grades.

The Four-Year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program

Veterinary school is a four-year professional program that combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience. The first year and part of the second year typically focus on foundational sciences: 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.

The second half of veterinary school shifts toward clinical skills. You work in teaching hospitals and clinics, examining real animals under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. You learn how to diagnose illness, perform surgery, take X-rays, draw blood, and communicate with animal owners. By the final year, you are often the primary veterinarian on cases, with an instructor available to review your work and step in if needed.

Veterinary schools are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Graduating from an AVMA-accredited school is necessary to sit for the NAVLE and practice in the United States. There are currently 34 accredited veterinary schools in the United States, plus several in Canada and other countries. Admission is competitive — most schools receive thousands of applications for a few hundred spots.

Veterinary Experience Before and During School

Veterinary schools expect applicants to have hands-on experience with animals and veterinary medicine. This does not mean you need a job as a veterinarian (you cannot have one without the degree), but you should have worked or volunteered in a setting where you see how veterinarians actually practice. Common ways to gain this experience include shadowing a veterinarian, working as a veterinary assistant or technician, volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue, or interning at a zoo or wildlife facility.

Most competitive applicants have at least 100 to 200 hours of veterinary experience before explore to school, though some have significantly more. This experience serves two purposes: it shows admissions committees that you understand what the job actually involves, and it helps you confirm that you want to do it. Many people discover during this experience that veterinary medicine is not the right path for them, which is valuable information before you commit to four years and significant debt.

During veterinary school, you continue to gain experience through required clinical rotations. These rotations place you in different areas — small animal medicine, large animal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, and others — so you can explore different career paths and build your skills across species and conditions.

Licensing Exams and State Registration

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 administered by the North American Veterinary Licensing and Regulatory Board (NAVLRB). It covers the knowledge and skills needed to practice veterinary medicine safely. Most graduates take the exam within a few months of graduation, and most pass on their first attempt, though some require a second try.

In addition to the NAVLE, each state has its own registration and licensing requirements. Some states require a state-specific exam in addition to the NAVLE; others accept the NAVLE as sufficient. You must register with your state's veterinary board before you can legally practice. The process typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on your state and how quickly you submit your paperwork.

Specialization and Advanced Training

After earning your DVM and passing the NAVLE, you can work as a general veterinarian when ready. However, if you want to specialize — in surgery, dentistry, dermatology, cardiology, exotic animal medicine, or another field — you need additional training. Specialization typically requires a residency program that lasts one to five years, depending on the specialty. During a residency, you work under the supervision of board-certified specialists while treating cases in your chosen field.

After completing a residency, you can sit for board certification exams in your specialty. Board certification is not required to practice in a specialty field, but it signals to employers and clients that you have advanced training and informed. Some specialties are more competitive and harder to enter than others; for example, orthopedic surgery residencies are highly sought after, while some less common specialties have more available positions.

Cost and Time Commitment

Veterinary school is expensive. Tuition and fees at public veterinary schools typically range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year, while private schools often cost $35,000 to $50,000 per year. Over four years, total tuition alone can reach $60,000 to $200,000 before you add living expenses, books, and equipment. Many veterinary graduates carry significant student debt, which influences their career choices and starting salary expectations.

The time commitment is also substantial. Undergraduate prerequisites take two to four years. Veterinary school takes four years. Licensing exams and registration take a few months. If you pursue specialization, add another one to five years. From the time you start college to the time you are a board-certified specialist, you could be in school for 12 to 15 years. For a general veterinarian without specialization, the timeline is typically seven to eight years from high school graduation.

Alternative Routes and Considerations

There is no shortcut to becoming a veterinarian in the United States. You cannot become a veterinarian through apprenticeship, online education, or a shorter program. The DVM degree from an AVMA-accredited school and the NAVLE are the only paths. Some countries have different requirements, but if you want to practice in the United States, you must follow this route.

If the time or cost of veterinary school feels prohibitive, you might consider related careers that require less education. Veterinary technicians complete a two-year associate degree and can perform many clinical tasks under a veterinarian's supervision. Veterinary assistants typically need only a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Animal health inspectors, zoo keepers, and animal behavior specialists are other options that do not require a DVM. These paths offer different rewards and limitations, but they are worth exploring if you are uncertain about committing to veterinary school.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can major in any subject as long as you complete all the required prerequisite science courses with strong grades. Some successful veterinary school applicants majored in chemistry, animal science, or even unrelated fields like business or English. The prerequisite courses matter more than your major.

How many times can I retake the NAVLE if I fail?

You can retake the NAVLE multiple times, but each attempt costs money and delays your licensing. Most states allow unlimited retakes, though some have restrictions. Failing the exam is uncommon — most graduates pass on the first attempt — but it is possible to retake it if needed.

Can I work as a veterinarian while still in school?

No, you cannot legally practice veterinary medicine without a DVM degree and a passing NAVLE score. During school, you work under supervision as a student, not as a licensed veterinarian. After graduation and licensing, you can work independently.

What if I do not get into veterinary school on my first try?

Many successful veterinarians were not admitted on their first process. You can reapply the following year, strengthen your process by gaining more veterinary experience or improving your grades, and try again. Some people explore multiple times before being admitted. Taking a gap year to work and gain experience can actually strengthen your process.

Is there a difference between a DVM and a VMD degree?

No. DVM stands for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and VMD stands for Veterinariae Medicinae Doctor (the Latin version). Both are the same degree and may have access to you to practice veterinary medicine. The difference is just the school's choice of how to label the degree.