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What steps do i take to become a veterinarian?

For example, how am i supposed to get ready for my future job?

I was interested as a Veterinarian because i love animals and i want to end their suffering. :) #surgeon #veterinary-medicine #science #biology #career #higher-education

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Tracy’s Answer

Hello Britney,

Congrats on narrowing your future goals to becoming a veterinarian. First recommend you do some research a search engine and determine the level of education you my need. I conducted some research for you to get you started. Source: https://learn.org/articles/Veterinary_Science_Become_a_Veterinarian_in_5_Steps.html

Step 1: Prepare in Middle School and High School

Schools usually suggest that you take courses such as math, biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, trigonometry and calculus.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Please note that some veterinary schools do not require a bachelor's degree upon admissions and other schools require that you obtained a bachelors degree to admit. Other courses may be required as part of the a pre-veterinary program such as animal science, zoology, microbiology or other subjects. Be advised that you will should maintain a 3.5 undergraduate grade point average or better.

Step 3: Earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree

A 4-year DVM program trains you in the adaptation and application of basic science to the treatment of animals. The first 2-3 years of many programs follow a classroom and lab format. In the final 1-2 years you transition to providing care to animals through a series of clinical rotations.

Courses might include veterinary anatomy, neurobiology, epidemiology and pharmacology. General business courses that help prepare you to manage a private practice are also becoming more common. Most programs have you choose a specialty, either with types of animals -- large, small, equine or livestock -- or in an area of medicine, such as oncology, cardiology or ophthalmology. Some might have you start focusing on a specialty after the first year.

Step 4: Obtain a License

You're not permitted to practice unless you have a license from your state. Licensure requires completion of a DVM program and passage of the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. The exam consists of 60 pre-test questions and 300 scored questions that test your diagnostic skills and knowledge of animal species and treatment procedures. Some diagnostics-related questions include a chart, drawing, photograph or radiograph.

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