What are some of the specializations within this degree program?

• Equine Medicine: Equine medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with horses. Horses have very particular medical needs, especially if they are used for certain purposes. As people invest large amounts of money in their horses, these can be among the most lucrative veterinary jobs. 
• Anesthesiology: Just as people do, animals that are undergoing certain procedures need to be put under anesthesia. Therefore, veterinary anesthesiologists are necessary in animal medical offices. 
• Nutrition: Nutritional needs for animals are an important component of veterinary practice. Animal nutritionists provide guidance to pet owners and help develop and market pet foods and snacks. 
• Surgery: It is becoming more acceptable to pay large amounts of money for life saving surgeries for pets. Therefore, surgeons who specialize in veterinary medicine are in higher demand than ever.  
• Animal Behavioral Specialists: Animal behavior is a popular veterinary specialization, and is particularly helpful as it pertains to animal training. Animal behavior can be a part of veterinary sciences or psychology. 

Back to Top

What degree levels are available?

• Associate's of Veterinary Sciences: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's of Veterinary Sciences: 4 years to complete
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: 4 years after the required undergraduate coursework has been completed

Back to Top

What are the educational and certification requirements?

In the United States, veterinarians are awarded the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, which can be earned by graduating from an accredited veterinary school. There are twenty-eight such colleges in the United States that award the DVM, which is traditionally a four-year degree. In order to earn one's license, applicants must take an eight hour, 360 question test that also includes a practical visual component. Licenses must be renewed periodically. (Association of American Veterinary Medicine Colleges)

In order to become a veterinary technician, one must graduate from a two year training program, which can take place at a community college, technical training school, or at certain universities. Veterinary technologists must graduate from a four year degree program. Most states require technicians to earn a license by passing the National Veterinary Technician Exam. Training programs must be accredited and must include a practical training component. 

Back to Top

What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?

• Anatomy: One of the first classes veterinary students will have to take is anatomy. They will study the various biological systems in many different kinds of animals, as this knowledge will form the basis of their veterinary studies. 
• Neuroanatomy: Neuroanatomy explores animal brains. Veterinary students will have to study neuroanatomy as well as animal psychology and behavioral sciences, as the way an animal behaves is an important component of a veterinarian's every day practice. 
• Pharmacology: Veterinarians are empowered to prescribe drugs to animals who are suffering from certain diseases or injuries. Therefore, they must understand how various drugs interact and how effective they are so they know when certain medications should be prescribed. 
• Nutrition: Animal nutrition is becoming an increasingly important component of veterinary practice, for both those individuals who treat pets and those who treat wildlife. Animals have varying dietary needs, depending on species, age, and medical problems. 
• Dentistry: People often turn to veterinarians for both medical and dental needs for their pets. Therefore, a veterinary student will have to study dental care techniques for animals.

Back to Top

What are the on-site training requirements?

As part of their education, prospective veterinarians will spend some time interning or shadowing a qualified veterinarian, much the same way that a medical student spends time participating in a residency under the advisement of experienced medical professionals. The exact amount of time an individual must spend in such an internship varies. Veterinary aides may complete their entire training program in a practical setting, or a certain amount of hours will be required as part of their associate's degree or technical training certificate program. 

Back to Top

What are some other degrees that are related to this program?

• Psychology: Though it may not seem directly related to veterinary sciences, those who specialize in animal psychology will find that the two fields overlap significantly. Animal psychology explores the reasons animals act the way they do, how they can be properly trained, and how they differ from human beings. 
• Healthcare Administration: Healthcare administrators work in many different types of offices, primarily in large clinics and offices. They help keep financial records, ensure that patients and professionals are scheduled, and that necessary materials are ordered. Most veterinarians are private practitioners, but they may hire an assistant to help perform these duties. 
• Medical Assistant: Medical assistants work for doctors, physicians, and other medical professionals. They perform essential medical tasks, such as taking medical histories and blood pressure, and veterinarians hire veterinary assistants to perform similar tasks. 
• Ultrasound Technician: Sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, use diagnostic medical imaging to help them diagnose internal medical problems and monitor pregnancies. It is not unheard of to use ultrasound technology to help pets, so ultrasound experts may be needed in veterinary offices.
• X-Ray Technician: X-ray technicians use x-ray technology to help take images of a person's (or an animal's) skeletal system. When an animal suffers a broken bone, an x-ray image may need to be taken to help heal the animal's injury, in which case a trained x-ray technician would be needed. 

Back to Top