People love to work as a vet, but surprisingly few people understand how to go about it. Vets usually develop a specialty working with a particular type of animal, such as dogs, horses, or even wild animals, rather than domesticated.
The duties that a vet undertakes include the testing and diagnosing of sick animals, the prescription of suitable medications, performing surgeries when they are needed, and de-sexing and vaccinating animals. Vets also have a crucial role in public health, as they are often the first to identify contamination sources in the food chain.
Becoming a vet isn’t easy. It’s a journey that will test and challenge you at every turn, but if you are passionate about working with animals to ensure their good health, no other career path comes close. Here is everything you need to know about becoming a vet.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to becoming a very is to earn a bachelor’s degree. Many of those who plan on becoming vets will choose a degree in relevant biological science. However, most veterinary schools don’t mind what subject your bachelor’s degree is in. Many vet schools will require that you have some science background, but if your degree isn’t in science, you may be able to take a few courses to qualify.
While studying for their bachelor’s degree, many students find it helpful to undertake voluntary work, or even an internship, with a local veterinary clinic. This will give students some invaluable real-world experience working as a vet. During this time, you could also look at some of the best vet tech schools, as working as a veterinary technician can be just as rewarding as working as a vet and is another way in which passionate individuals can be involved in veterinary care.
Earn a Doctorate
A doctorate in veterinary medicine will gradually build students knowledge, with each successive year using the previous year’s study as a foundation on which to build. The first two years will usually focus on animal anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and virology, while the third year is where students will refine their ability to diagnose animals and recommend appropriate treatment.
Get Your License
Once you have earned the requisite academic qualifications, you can then look into becoming a licensed vet in your state. The licensing requirements will vary from state to state, and no matter what state you are in, you will have to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. In some states, there are also some state-specific exams to pass.
Becoming a veterinarian takes several years. It is an undertaking that will test students to their limits and will demand a great deal from them. Once you have successfully qualified and have found a role working as a vet professionally, you can then gain experience and find an area you particularly enjoy to specialize in.
