To work as a veterinarian, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete at least two years of pre-veterinary study;
• graduate from veterinary medicine school; and
• pass a state licensing exam.

Education after high school

Veterinary medicine programs usually take four years to complete. They award a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree. In veterinary school, you take courses in basic sciences such as anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. In the last two years of study, you learn to diagnose and treat animals. You also learn to perform surgery on animals.

You need at least two years of pre-veterinary courses, primarily science classes, before enrolling in veterinary school. Many veterinary students have at least a bachelor's degree when they apply.

On-the-job training

You must complete a one-year internship after veterinary school if you want to specialize in an area, such as internal medicine, radiology, or exotic small animal medicine. Interns usually receive a small salary.

To become board certified in a specialty area of veterinary medicine, you must complete a residency program. Residencies last two to three years, depending on the specialty.