How To Become a Veterinarian
Vets Are The Doctors of the Animal World!
A vet looks after sick and injured animals, treating them with medicine or performing surgeries to make them better. They also check their general health to make sure they haven't got any other problems. Vets can see all kinds of animals, from fish to elephants! Some of our doctors have worked with whales, giraffes, monkeys, horses, cows, pigs, owls, snakes and even lions! It can be a difficult job with lots of different cases each day to keep you on your toes and you may have to go out and visit some of your patients, so it is never boring!
If you want to become a vet, you need to show a passion for animals, and the willingness to study and sometimes work long hours! Get involved early with organizations that work with farm, companion, wildlife or other animals. Contact your veterinarian to see if you can follow them for a day, a week or even a month during the summer.
After high school, you will need to complete an undergraduate degree, ideally in biology or pre-veterinary sciences. Then you can apply to veterinary school. There are over 31 accredited veterinary schools in the US with different courses and focus of interest so take your time looking around each one before choosing which school is right for you. Veterinary school is usually 4 years and will cover all kinds of information and skills needed to understand and treat animals.
You will also need to work in real veterinary practices as part of your studies, to help put what you've been learning into practice. This will include experience in different areas of veterinary work, from general practice treating household pets, to farm animals or even more exotic wildlife! Once qualified, you can either start to practice or choose to do a residency in a specialty. There are 22 recognized specialties in the US including surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, radiology, ophthalmology, and zoo medicine.
There are million ways to help out animals as a Vet! It’s a wonderful occupation for passionate people who care and want to help.
