How Long Does Veterinary School Take?
On average, veterinary school lasts for four years, which includes both classroom instruction as well as practical training in clinical settings. After completing veterinary school, graduates often pursue additional training through externships or residencies, which can range from one to three years depending on the specialization.
Does Vet School Take Longer Than Med School?
No – both veterinary school and medical school take approximately four years. After completing either of these four-year programs, both veterinarians and medical doctors may choose to pursue additional training in specialized fields, which can extend their education and training further.
How Old Are Most Vet Students?
Most veterinary students are typically in their mid-20s to early 30s when they begin their studies, especially since many students pursue veterinary school after completing their undergraduate education, which usually takes around four years. Some students may start vet school after completing their undergraduate degree, while others may enter later in their careers after gaining experience in other fields.
What is the Fastest You Can Become a Veterinarian?
The fastest route to becoming a veterinarian typically involves completing a bachelor’s degree (which usually takes about 4 years), followed by another 4 years of veterinary school. In general, it takes around 8 years to become a veterinarian after finishing high school if a student follows a traditional academic path. Some accelerated programs might compress this timeline slightly, but they are less common and usually still take around 7 years or so.
Here are some examples of schools with accelerated veterinary programs:
Colorado State University has an accelerated program that allows students to complete their veterinary education in 3 years instead of the traditional 4.
Iowa State University offers an Integrated Program in Veterinary Medicine (ISU-IPVM), which allows students to complete their veterinary education in 6 years.
Texas A&M University offers an Early Admission Track to the College of Veterinary Medicine for high school seniors and undergraduates that shortens the time to obtain a DVM degree.
University of Arizona offers a three-year accelerated veterinary program, including both hands-on research and practical veterinary experience.
University of California, Davis offers an accelerated pathway for students to complete their veterinary degree in 6 years (3 years undergraduate + 3 years veterinary school).
University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine offers a 7-year B.S./D.V.M. accelerated program for high-achieving undergraduate students.
University of Missouri offers an Accelerated Program in Veterinary Medicine (APVM), which allows students to complete both their undergraduate and veterinary degrees in 7 years instead of 8.
Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine offers a 7-year accelerated program where students can complete both undergraduate and veterinary degrees.
Can You Work While in Vet School?
Working while attending veterinary school can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the program. Veterinary school is typically full-time and involves a rigorous curriculum that includes classes, labs, and clinical rotations. The workload is often heavy, and students may find it difficult to balance work commitments with their academic responsibilities.
However, some students do manage to work part-time or occasionally during vet school, depending on their personal circumstances and the flexibility of their schedules. Jobs that allow for flexible hours or are related to the veterinary field (such as veterinary assistant positions) are ideal choices.
Extra Training After Vet School
After graduating from veterinary school, some veterinarians choose to specialize or enhance their skills, which often requires extra training. Here are some examples:
Externships
Many graduates opt to complete a one-year externship program in a specialized area such as small animal medicine, large animal medicine, surgery, or emergency medicine. These externships provide intensive hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced veterinarians.
Residencies
Residencies typically follow externships and are 2-4 years of advanced training in a specific field of veterinary medicine such as internal medicine, surgery, dermatology, oncology, ophthalmology, or cardiology. Becoming board-certified in a specialty often requires completing a residency.
Board certification
Veterinarians can pursue board certification in a specialty by completing a residency and passing a rigorous examination administered by a specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Master’s or PhD programs
Some veterinarians choose to pursue further academic credentials such as a Master’s or PhD degree, especially if they are interested in research or teaching.
Continuing education
Continuing education (CE) is crucial for veterinarians to stay current in their field. There are numerous conferences, workshops, seminars, and online courses available that provide opportunities to learn about the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.
Certification programs
Beyond board certification, there are various certification programs in specialized techniques or areas of practice (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic care, rehabilitation therapy, dentistry) that veterinarians can pursue.
Advanced imaging training
Some veterinarians seek additional training in advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, or endoscopy to enhance their diagnostic capabilities.
Business and management courses
For veterinarians interested in practice management or owning their own clinic, courses in business management, leadership, and financial planning can be valuable.
Public health or epidemiology
Veterinarians interested in public health, food safety, or epidemiology can pursue additional training in these areas to work in governmental agencies, research institutions, or public health organizations.
Specialized workshops and training
Specialized workshops and training programs are available for specific species or conditions, such as equine dentistry, exotic animal care, or wildlife rehabilitation.
These additional training opportunities allow veterinarians to specialize in specific areas of interest, broaden their skill set, and provide better care to their patients.
Ready to Vet?
Veterinary school represents a significant commitment of time and effort. While the path to becoming a veterinarian can vary in duration and intensity, the dedication to improving animal health remains constant among veterinary professionals.
Suveto strives to empower veterinary professionals – even those in training – by offering learning opportunities, resources, fellowships, and more for veterinary students. Find out how Suveto is helping inspired students become inspiring vets.
