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How many years of collegedo i need to be a Vet?

How many years of college do you need to be a Vet? What is the best online school to apply to in order to be a Vet?

veterinarian veterinary animals veterinary-medicine animal-health
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Mckayla:

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Veterinary career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. If your high school offers an Animal or Wildlife course, it will be in your best interest to take this class. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Veterinarian, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.

While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Veterinarian:

- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Zoology
- Physics
- Animal or Wildlife Science
- Chemistry

It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Another recommendation is to visit your local animal hospital and speak with the Veterinarian for additional advice. The Veterinarian can provide you with his or her educational background, experience, insights, etc. on how he or she became a Veterinarian.

A Veterinarian will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work). Afterwards, one's education is continued until a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D) is earned which will be another four years of study. Then, both the national and state exams are required for one to earn the licenses to practice Veterinary medicine.

According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Veterinary Colleges and Universities in the United States:

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc

- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.

Best wishes for your education and career path as a Veterinarian!
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Doc’s Answer

Mckayla, it takes eight years to become a veterinarian, you’ll want to make sure you acquire a bachelor’s degree first. An undergraduate degree program can provide you with some of the skills you’ll use daily in vet school and help you fulfill any prerequisites, ensuring that you’re as prepared as possible for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. If you want to choose a major that can better prepare you for the topics you’ll cover in veterinary school, you may consider Animal science, Zoology or Biology.

Earning your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree typically takes another four years of study after undergraduate school. In the first years of vet school most of your coursework will be divided between classroom lectures and laboratory sessions. You can expect to take courses like infectious diseases, immunology, pharmacology, and parasitology. You'll learn about different animal species and body systems, and gain hands-on lab experience working with animals. In your final year, you'll spend most of your time completing clinical rotations in various specialties of veterinary medicine.

Mckayla, 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. Infact 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.

I hope this was helpful Mckayla

Doc recommends the following next steps:

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.
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