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How many years does it take to become a veterinarian?

I am a high school student. I grew up taking care of animals so I want to continue taking care of them. I also want to be able to help my parents financially. I want to create some sort of financial plan to not have to worry about student debt later. #veterinary #animals

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Courtney’s Answer

It's great that you're thinking ahead. Basically.....8 years. You'll have 4 years getting your Bachelor's Degree and then another 4 years in vet school. You can shorten them a little by taking more than 12 hours a semester and taking summer classes, however most vet students do internships during the summer. Also, if you end up needing to re-take some classes, it could extend the 8 years to 8-9 years.


I actually considered being a vet and took vet med at my career high school. However, I did an internship at a vet clinic in high school and found it boring. That, plus $40,000 in tuition a year x 8 years = $320,000. I qualified for some scholarships, but not enough to cover the cost 100%. Honestly, I couldn't see graduating being $320,000 in debt, for a job I found boring. I also volunteered at a zoo during high school, which I LOVED! I'm now a zookeeper. It doesn't pay anywhere near what a vet does but I'm really happy with my decision. check this website out on the steps to becoming a vet.

https://vbs.psu.edu/majors/vbs/steps-to-becoming-a-veterinarian
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Gabriel’s Answer

Hi Maya,


Thanks for the question. The time it takes to earn a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree will take anywhere from 6-8 years. The time it takes depends on a number of factors including how quickly you complete your undergraduate degree and/or if you enroll in an accelerated BS to DVM program.


Here are a few links to accelerated programs:


Maryville College/University of Tennessee
https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/programs-of-study/pre-vet-dvm/


Purdue Veterinary Scholars Program
https://vet.purdue.edu/dvm/vet-scholars.php


Tufts Early Acceptance Program
https://vet.tufts.edu/admissions/dvm-admissions/bachelordvm-program/


** There are more examples of programs like this. This is just to give you an idea of some of the options that are available to save both time & money.


Other options include completing CLEP and AP exams. These exams, if passed, will count as full college credit at many institutions (you will need to check with any school you are interested in to see if they accept these exams (along with how many and which exams). Many schools also offer condensed (short) courses over winter and summer break which could also speed up the time it takes you to earn the degree.
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Dayo’s Answer

6 years
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Nirah’s Answer

Although there are a few accelerated programs that let you get your bachelors degree simultaneously with your DVM, completing both in six years, most veterinarians take at least eight years. You typically complete A four year bachelors degree, and then go to a different school to complete a four-year veterinary program. After that, you can go right to work, but if you were going to specialize and become board-certified as something like a surgeon, ou would usually do a one year internship, and a 3 to 5 year residency. The good news is that you actually get paid for your internship and residency, although not as much as you might make if you were just being a veterinarian out in private practice.

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