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Chad
Student
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What do I need to know if I want to become a veterinarian, and how should I start preparing for this career ?
please give a depth clarity i want to know veteranian in depth what it is, how it is handled and what i need to know and build.
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1772
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Chad it takes about 8-10 years from when you graduate high school to become a vet. After completing an initial four-year bachelor degree program, it takes an additional four years of vet school to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and obtain licensure to practice in your state.
HIGH SCHOOL
Start preparing as early as you can, take all the mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics courses which are available to you in high school. They will open up many career opportunities in college including veterinary medicine.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Earn a bachelor's degree from a college or university. While there's no required major for becoming a veterinarian, you typically need this undergraduate degree before obtaining a more advanced degree, although some veterinary programs may offer select candidates admission if they complete enough undergraduate courses related to veterinary medicine without finishing their degree. Most aspiring vets major in subjects such as biology, zoology or organic chemistry.
VETERINARY MEDICINE DEGREE
Get a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. This is an advanced degree that prepares you to become a vet through coursework and practical experience. During a DVM program, students learn about the various types of animals they plan to treat, along with subjects like parasites, animal diseases and veterinary psychology.
VETERINARY RESIDENCY
Some aspiring veterinarians complete an internship or residency after finishing vet school and before starting in full-time positions. While not all veterinarians complete internships or residencies first, a residency's typically required to receive board certification in a specific veterinary field. You might also pursue an internship or residency to gain more experience before starting your career.
CONCLUSION
Entrance into veterinary college is highly competitive. It is necessary to begin preparing and building your resume during your undergraduate years, or even as early as high school. You should maintain a high GPA, particularly in your science courses. You should also seek out experience working with veterinarians or scientists in lab-related settings. Some vet schools require a certain number of hours volunteering or working under the supervision of a veterinarian before you can even apply. Other experience working with animals (such as a shelter, rescue group, 4-H, or FFA) can add to your resume. You will need several letters of recommendation, so it can be helpful to foster positive relationships with professors, veterinarians, and other adults who can attest to your skills and dedication. Additionally, depending on the vet school to which you apply, you must gain an acceptable score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), or Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
HIGH SCHOOL
Start preparing as early as you can, take all the mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics courses which are available to you in high school. They will open up many career opportunities in college including veterinary medicine.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Earn a bachelor's degree from a college or university. While there's no required major for becoming a veterinarian, you typically need this undergraduate degree before obtaining a more advanced degree, although some veterinary programs may offer select candidates admission if they complete enough undergraduate courses related to veterinary medicine without finishing their degree. Most aspiring vets major in subjects such as biology, zoology or organic chemistry.
VETERINARY MEDICINE DEGREE
Get a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. This is an advanced degree that prepares you to become a vet through coursework and practical experience. During a DVM program, students learn about the various types of animals they plan to treat, along with subjects like parasites, animal diseases and veterinary psychology.
VETERINARY RESIDENCY
Some aspiring veterinarians complete an internship or residency after finishing vet school and before starting in full-time positions. While not all veterinarians complete internships or residencies first, a residency's typically required to receive board certification in a specific veterinary field. You might also pursue an internship or residency to gain more experience before starting your career.
CONCLUSION
Entrance into veterinary college is highly competitive. It is necessary to begin preparing and building your resume during your undergraduate years, or even as early as high school. You should maintain a high GPA, particularly in your science courses. You should also seek out experience working with veterinarians or scientists in lab-related settings. Some vet schools require a certain number of hours volunteering or working under the supervision of a veterinarian before you can even apply. Other experience working with animals (such as a shelter, rescue group, 4-H, or FFA) can add to your resume. You will need several letters of recommendation, so it can be helpful to foster positive relationships with professors, veterinarians, and other adults who can attest to your skills and dedication. Additionally, depending on the vet school to which you apply, you must gain an acceptable score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), or Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Thank you that is a solid start.
Chad
I have high scores in my science subjects so you think just with marks i can get in?
Chad
Chad veterinary shadowing is a way for you to learn about veterinary medicine by observing a veterinarian in a clinic setting and it's a requirement for many veterinary schools.
Doc Frick
Thank you Doc Frick I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Chad
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Chad,
So, you want to become a veterinarian? 🐶🐱🐍Congratulations! You’re signing up for a career full of fluffy cuddles, adorable patients, and a fair amount of missy-related incidents yea, But you’ll also be a real-life hero to animals, helping them survive everything from bellyaches to broken bones.
so let's hope this helps you prepare like a pro (and avoid getting bitten in the process).
1. What Exactly Does a Veterinarian Do? (Hint: It’s Not Just Playing with Puppies) 🏥🐾
Being a vet means you’ll:
✔️ Diagnose and treat illnesses in all kinds of animals (from golden retrievers to grumpy lizards).
✔️ Perform surgeries (yes, you might literally save a turtle’s life with tiny stitches).
✔️ Give vaccinations and prevent diseases (you’ll be the real MVP in keeping pets healthy).
✔️ Educate pet owners (“No, ma’am, your cat does not need a vegan diet.”).
✔️ Work with farm animals, zoo animals, or even wildlife—vets aren’t just for household pets!
⚠️ Okay so,
Some patients WILL try to bite you.
Not all owners listen (“No, sir, you CANNOT treat your dog’s fever with human pills!”).
You’ll need a strong stomach (ever seen an exploded abscess? You will).
Besides Loving Animals 🦸♂️🐕 there are skills you need to build:
✅ Patience – Because animals don’t speak English (and their owners sometimes don’t listen).
✅ Strong Stomach – You’ll see wounds, infections, and things you can’t unsee.
✅ Problem-Solving – Your patient can’t say, “Doc, my stomach hurts.” You have to figure it out.
✅ Steady Hands – For surgeries and tricky procedures (like putting a thermometer somewhere a dog doesn’t want it to go…).
✅ Empathy & People Skills – You’re not just treating pets, you’re dealing with emotional owners too.
⚠️ Remember,
You will get scratched, bitten, or kicked at least once in your career.
People WILL call you at 2 AM for “pet emergencies” (which sometimes turn out to be “My cat is acting weird”).
You’ll have to comfort people when it’s time to say goodbye to their pets 💔.
Now The Path to Greatness🎓
Start Early🎮
✔️ Take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (you’ll need them).
✔️ Get hands-on experience by volunteering at shelters, farms, or vet clinics.
✔️ Work on your communication skills (you’ll need to explain medical stuff to pet owners).
Get That Degree🎓🐾
First, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree (science-based is best: Biology, Animal Science, etc.).
Then, apply to Vet School (highly competitive, so get good grades!).
Expect 4+ years of intense study (yes, you will memorize way too many animal diseases).
Then you can Specialize (Because Being a Vet Can Mean A LOT of Things) 🏆
You can become:
🐶 Companion Animal Vet (cats, dogs, and the occasional panicked hamster).
🐄 Farm Animal Vet (cows, horses, sheep—sometimes in the middle of a muddy field).
🦁 Zoo & Wildlife Vet (for the daredevils who want to treat lions and bears).
🐢 Exotic Animal Vet (snakes, parrots, hedgehogs—basically a mini zoo).
🔬 Veterinary Researcher (if you love science more than actual patients).
⚠️ Remember there are Things They Don’t Tell You:
You’ll need internships and residencies for specialized fields.
Some vets travel (farm and wildlife vets might treat patients in the middle of nowhere).
Vet school is HARD (but worth it!).
What Can You Do NOW to Prepare? (Because Great Vets Start Early) 🚀
✅ Get Animal Experience – Work with shelters, farms, or clinics NOW.
✅ Shadow a Vet – Watch professionals in action and see if it’s the right fit.
✅ Join Pre-Vet Clubs – Some high schools and colleges have programs to help future vets.
✅ Read Vet Books & Watch Vet Shows – Educational AND fun (but Vet TV shows lie sometimes).
✅ Practice Handling Animals – Start with your own pets, then volunteer with others.
Okay so you might be asking, Is Becoming a Vet Worth It? (Spoiler: YES) 💖
Being a vet is challenging but incredibly rewarding. You get to save lives, work with amazing animals, and make a difference. Yes, it’s tough. Yes, it’s a lot of studying. But if you love animals and want to help them, it’s 100% worth it.
Now, go start your journey—because the world needs more awesome vets! 🐾✨ Good luck Chad I belive in you!
So, you want to become a veterinarian? 🐶🐱🐍Congratulations! You’re signing up for a career full of fluffy cuddles, adorable patients, and a fair amount of missy-related incidents yea, But you’ll also be a real-life hero to animals, helping them survive everything from bellyaches to broken bones.
so let's hope this helps you prepare like a pro (and avoid getting bitten in the process).
1. What Exactly Does a Veterinarian Do? (Hint: It’s Not Just Playing with Puppies) 🏥🐾
Being a vet means you’ll:
✔️ Diagnose and treat illnesses in all kinds of animals (from golden retrievers to grumpy lizards).
✔️ Perform surgeries (yes, you might literally save a turtle’s life with tiny stitches).
✔️ Give vaccinations and prevent diseases (you’ll be the real MVP in keeping pets healthy).
✔️ Educate pet owners (“No, ma’am, your cat does not need a vegan diet.”).
✔️ Work with farm animals, zoo animals, or even wildlife—vets aren’t just for household pets!
⚠️ Okay so,
Some patients WILL try to bite you.
Not all owners listen (“No, sir, you CANNOT treat your dog’s fever with human pills!”).
You’ll need a strong stomach (ever seen an exploded abscess? You will).
Besides Loving Animals 🦸♂️🐕 there are skills you need to build:
✅ Patience – Because animals don’t speak English (and their owners sometimes don’t listen).
✅ Strong Stomach – You’ll see wounds, infections, and things you can’t unsee.
✅ Problem-Solving – Your patient can’t say, “Doc, my stomach hurts.” You have to figure it out.
✅ Steady Hands – For surgeries and tricky procedures (like putting a thermometer somewhere a dog doesn’t want it to go…).
✅ Empathy & People Skills – You’re not just treating pets, you’re dealing with emotional owners too.
⚠️ Remember,
You will get scratched, bitten, or kicked at least once in your career.
People WILL call you at 2 AM for “pet emergencies” (which sometimes turn out to be “My cat is acting weird”).
You’ll have to comfort people when it’s time to say goodbye to their pets 💔.
Now The Path to Greatness🎓
Start Early🎮
✔️ Take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (you’ll need them).
✔️ Get hands-on experience by volunteering at shelters, farms, or vet clinics.
✔️ Work on your communication skills (you’ll need to explain medical stuff to pet owners).
Get That Degree🎓🐾
First, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree (science-based is best: Biology, Animal Science, etc.).
Then, apply to Vet School (highly competitive, so get good grades!).
Expect 4+ years of intense study (yes, you will memorize way too many animal diseases).
Then you can Specialize (Because Being a Vet Can Mean A LOT of Things) 🏆
You can become:
🐶 Companion Animal Vet (cats, dogs, and the occasional panicked hamster).
🐄 Farm Animal Vet (cows, horses, sheep—sometimes in the middle of a muddy field).
🦁 Zoo & Wildlife Vet (for the daredevils who want to treat lions and bears).
🐢 Exotic Animal Vet (snakes, parrots, hedgehogs—basically a mini zoo).
🔬 Veterinary Researcher (if you love science more than actual patients).
⚠️ Remember there are Things They Don’t Tell You:
You’ll need internships and residencies for specialized fields.
Some vets travel (farm and wildlife vets might treat patients in the middle of nowhere).
Vet school is HARD (but worth it!).
What Can You Do NOW to Prepare? (Because Great Vets Start Early) 🚀
✅ Get Animal Experience – Work with shelters, farms, or clinics NOW.
✅ Shadow a Vet – Watch professionals in action and see if it’s the right fit.
✅ Join Pre-Vet Clubs – Some high schools and colleges have programs to help future vets.
✅ Read Vet Books & Watch Vet Shows – Educational AND fun (but Vet TV shows lie sometimes).
✅ Practice Handling Animals – Start with your own pets, then volunteer with others.
Okay so you might be asking, Is Becoming a Vet Worth It? (Spoiler: YES) 💖
Being a vet is challenging but incredibly rewarding. You get to save lives, work with amazing animals, and make a difference. Yes, it’s tough. Yes, it’s a lot of studying. But if you love animals and want to help them, it’s 100% worth it.
Now, go start your journey—because the world needs more awesome vets! 🐾✨ Good luck Chad I belive in you!
Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate all this information and breakdown and details. Man thanks a lot!!
Chad
Thank you so much, Dr!
Chad
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Chad
You are amazing!
Chad
Chad, 🦁🔥 Huge thanks for your awesome energy! I’m super glad the info helped. Keep that curiosity roaring, and never stop exploring the wild world! 🐍🌍 Anytime you need more advice (or just wanna geek out over cool animal facts), I’m here. Stay awesome! 🦜🚀
Dr H
You are amazing 👏 and cool thanks as well.
Chad