6 Steps To Become a Veterinarian: Education & Salary

Updated on 10/23/2025

If you've ever dreamed of helping animals live healthier lives, learning the steps to become a veterinarian can set you on the right path. Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal diseases, provide preventive healthcare like vaccines, and support public health by monitoring food animals and zoonotic health problems.

The road to a veterinary career takes dedication, but it's rewarding for those passionate about animal health. To practice veterinary medicine, you'll need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree, clinical experience, and a veterinary license from a state licensing board. This article breaks down veterinarian requirements, each step of the degree program, and what you can expect in terms of salary.

Veterinarian Requirements

Becoming a veterinarian requires years of academic study, practical training, and a deep commitment to animal health. The field is highly competitive, so aspiring veterinarians must be prepared to meet rigorous academic standards while also gaining real-world experience. Along with classroom learning, students are expected to develop strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills for working with pet owners, and the resilience needed for a demanding profession.

To achieve this career goal, you'll need to complete several key requirements:

• Earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary program.
• Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) and meet state licensing board rules.
• Finish an undergraduate degree with strong science prerequisites such as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.
• Gain hands-on animal care experience through internships, animal shelters, or veterinary technician roles.
• Commit to continuing education to keep your veterinary license active and stay updated on new treatments.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Become a Veterinarian

Becoming a veterinarian takes years of education, training, and dedication, but breaking it into steps makes the process easier to follow. Below, you'll see the key milestones from your undergraduate degree to earning a veterinary license.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Before vet school, you'll need an undergraduate degree. Most veterinary colleges recommend majors such as biology, animal science, zoology, or chemistry. Core prerequisites include organic chemistry, physics, statistics, and biochemistry.

Veterinary school admissions requirements are competitive, so maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher is important. Strong grades and communication skills show that you're ready for the academic demands of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program.

Step 2: Gain Animal and Veterinary Experience

Experience with animals is a major part of vet school preparation. Volunteering at an animal shelter, working with food animals on farms, or shadowing veterinarians in clinics builds valuable skills.

Many vet schools require applicants to log documented hours of animal care. These opportunities not only strengthen your application but also show you what it's like to practice veterinary medicine in real work environments.

Step 3: Take the GRE (or Other Admission Exams)

Many veterinary colleges still require the GRE as part of admissions requirements, though some schools may use alternatives. The GRE tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, which are skills that prepare you for the science-heavy coursework in vet school. Veterinary students should plan to take the GRE during their junior year of college so scores are ready in time for the AAVMC (American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges) application process.

Step 4: Apply to Veterinary School (DVM)

Veterinary school typically lasts four years and leads to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. In the first three years, students complete classroom courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and animal diseases.

The final year is focused on clinical rotations, where veterinary students gain hands-on training in specialties such as surgery, radiology (x-ray use), and emergency medicine. Admissions are competitive, so strong letters of recommendation, a solid GPA, and animal experience are essential.

Step 5: Complete Licensing Requirements

After finishing a DVM program, the next step is earning your veterinary license. All graduates must pass the NAVLE, a licensing exam required by every state licensing board in the U.S.

Additional requirements vary by state, but most include background checks and continuing education hours. To practice veterinary medicine legally, veterinarians must keep their license current through ongoing professional development.

Step 6: Consider Specialization or Advanced Training

After earning your DVM and veterinary license, you may pursue advanced training. Residencies and board certification are available through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in specialties like surgery, oncology, internal medicine, and dentistry.

Becoming board-certified often requires internships, additional training, and passing specialty exams. While this path takes more time, it can increase salary potential and allow you to focus on veterinary specialties that match your interests.

Veterinarian Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for veterinarians is $125,510. Salaries vary widely depending on specialty, work environments, and location. Veterinarians in private practice or those serving pet owners often earn between $90,000 and $120,000, while board-certified specialists can earn much more. Government, academia, and public health positions may pay differently but often come with strong benefits.

Job growth is projected at 10% over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Rising demand for companion animal care, new vaccines, and greater awareness of animal health problems continue to drive the need for veterinary professionals.

FAQs About Becoming a Veterinarian

Many future veterinary students have questions about prerequisites, training, and career expectations. Here are some answers.

What Education Is Required To Be a Veterinarian?

To become a veterinarian, you must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Before admission, most students earn a bachelor's degree with coursework in biology, chemistry, and animal science. After finishing the DVM, graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meet state-specific licensing requirements to practice professionally.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Veterinarian?

It usually takes about eight years after high school to become a veterinarian: four years for a bachelor's degree and another four years for veterinary school. If you decide to pursue a residency in a veterinary specialty, plan for an additional two to three years of training. Overall, the timeline can range from eight to 11 years, depending on your career goals and chosen specialty.

What GPA Do You Need To Get Into Vet School?

Most veterinary colleges expect applicants to have a GPA around 3.5 or higher, though some schools may consider slightly lower GPAs if other strengths stand out. High performance in prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and animal science is especially important. Admissions committees also value animal care experience, research involvement, and strong letters of recommendation to demonstrate both academic ability and commitment to the field.

Is Veterinary School Harder Than Medical School?

Most veterinary colleges expect applicants to have a GPA around 3.5 or higher, though some schools may consider slightly lower GPAs if other strengths stand out. High performance in prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and animal science is especially important. Admissions committees also value animal care experience, research involvement, and strong letters of recommendation to demonstrate both academic ability and commitment to the field.

Can You Become a Veterinarian Without a Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree is not always officially required, but most veterinary colleges strongly recommend or expect it. Some schools may allow applicants to enter vet school after completing only the necessary prerequisites. However, because admission is highly competitive, completing an undergraduate degree in biology, animal science, or a related field gives you a stronger application and better preparation for the demands of veterinary school.

What Are the Highest-Paying Veterinary Specialties?

Some of the highest-paying veterinary specialties include surgery, dentistry, radiology, internal medicine, and emergency care. These roles often require additional years of residency training and board certification, but the extra effort can lead to higher salaries and increased demand. Specialists may work in private practice, referral hospitals, or academic settings where their expertise allows them to take on complex cases with significant earning potential.

Do Veterinarians Need To Complete Internships After Vet School?

Internships are not required for every veterinary career, but many new graduates choose to complete one to build experience. A veterinary internship usually lasts one year and provides advanced training in clinical care.

This extra step can help graduates gain confidence, improve technical skills, and stand out when applying for residencies or competitive positions. While optional, internships are valuable for those seeking specialization.

How Much Does Veterinary School Cost?

Veterinary school tuition typically ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the program and whether you qualify for in-state tuition. That means total costs can easily exceed $150,000 over four years.

Additional expenses like housing, books, and lab fees add to the price. Many students rely on scholarships, financial aid, and loan repayment programs to make veterinary school more affordable and manageable.

Find a Veterinary School Today

If you're serious about a veterinary career, start preparing early by focusing on science courses in high school and building animal care experience. Explore veterinary colleges and degree programs on Learn.org, and connect with schools directly to learn more about admissions requirements, financial aid, and career pathways.