Veterinary Education
General Information
School Statistics 
Top
There are presently 28 schools of veterinary medicine in the United States graduating about 2,100 students a year, with more than 8,500 students enrolled. Approximately 75% of entering students are women.
Schools of Veterinary Medicine in the U.S. and Canada
Preparation Advice Top
Students interested in a career in veterinary medicine should begin their preparation by doing well in general science and biology in junior high school. They need to take a strong science, math, and biology program in high school. To be considered for admission to a college of veterinary medicine, a student must first complete undergraduate preveterinary medical coursework, which usually includes three to four years of college study, with specific course requirements. Each college of veterinary medicine establishes its own preveterinary requirements. Typical requirements include basic language and communication skills, social sciences, humanities, mathematics, chemistry, and the biological and physical sciences.
Preveterinary Coursework Top
Preveterinary coursework can be completed at many colleges and universities, including those at which the veterinary medical schools are located. Students should check with the veterinary college to which they plan to apply to be sure they take all required courses. They should also be certain that credits from the preveterinary courses they take at the school of their choice are acceptable to the veterinary colleges.
Completion of a preveterinary program does not guarantee admission to a college of veterinary medicine. Admission to veterinary school is highly competitive. Applicants usually have grades of "B" or better, especially in the sciences and may be required by the veterinary school admission policies to take appropriate examinations such as the Graduate Record Examination. Most colleges give preference to candidates with animal or veterinary related experience. The number of qualified applicants who are admitted to veterinary colleges nationwide varies from year to year, but the average acceptance rate is approximately 43%.
See the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Web site for additional information.
Where Most Schools are Located Top
Most veterinary schools and colleges are located at state universities, and give preference to applicants who are residents of that state. Many states without veterinary colleges contract with one or more colleges for the admission of a prescribed number of their residents each year. Many veterinary schools accept out-of-state residents.
About School Accreditation Top
The 28 accredited veterinary colleges in the United States are the only schools in the United States at which a veterinary medical degree can be earned. Each college is evaluated regularly by the American Veterinary Medical Association and must maintain high standards of excellence to keep its accreditation.
The Phases of Professional Study Top
In most colleges of veterinary medicine, the professional program comprises two phases. During the first phase, preclinical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology are emphasized. Most of the students' time is spent in classroom and laboratory study.
The second phase of professional study is principally clinical. Students learn the principles of medicine and surgery in the classroom and through hands-on clinical experience. Students learn to apply their knowledge in a clinical setting under the supervision of graduate veterinarians on the faculty. In the clinics, students treat animals, perform surgery, and deal with owners who use the school's clinical services.
The Clinical Curriculum Top
The clinical curriculum includes study of infectious and noninfectious diseases, diagnostic and clinical pathology, obstetrics, radiology, clinical medicine, anesthesiology, and surgery. Students also study public health, preventive medicine, toxicology, clinical nutrition, professional ethics, and business practices.
The Academic Experience Top
Veterinary medical study is difficult. Students learn about many different animals and diseases, and become skilled in surgical techniques and many laboratory and diagnostic procedures.
A typical veterinary medical student spends about 4,000 hours in classroom, laboratory, and clinical study. Because the time required for instruction absorbs most of a student's day, many evening and weekend hours are spent doing reading assignments, library research, and independent study.
After Graduation from Veterinary School Top
A License From the State is Needed Top
Before graduate veterinarians can engage in private clinical practice in any state, they must acquire a license issued by that state. A license is granted only to veterinarians who pass state-required examinations.
Employment Options Top
New graduate veterinarians may enter private clinical practice, usually as employees in an established practice or private industry, or become employees of the U.S. government as meat and poultry inspectors, disease control workers, or commissioned officers in the U.S. Public Health Service or the military. New graduates many also enter internships and residencies at veterinary colleges and large private and public veterinary practices.
Advantages of Internships Top
Veterinarians do not have to complete an internship before beginning practice. However, many internship and residency programs do exist, and an increasing number of new veterinarians are taking advantage of them to sharpen their skills or to achieve advanced qualification or specialty certification.
Research and Teaching Requirements Top
For positions in research and teaching, a master's or Ph.D. degree is usually required. Veterinarians who seek specialty board certification in one of the 20 specialty fields, such as ophthalmology, pathology, surgery, radiology, or laboratory animal medicine, must complete 2- to 5-year residency programs and must pass an examination.
Continuing Education Top
Continuing education is important, even after veterinarians have completed their college studies and acquired the appropriate licenses. New scientific knowledge and techniques are constantly being developed, and veterinarians must keep up to date by reading scientific journals and attending professional meetings and seminars. Approximately half the states require veterinarians to attend continuing education courses to maintain their licenses.
