Education · 1 of 4

The path

Eight years, and getting into veterinary school is harder than most people expect.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics and math. Start getting hours around animals now: a clinic, a farm, a shelter, a stable.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years, sometimes 3

   Any major, but you must finish the required science courses. Keep a high GPA and build hundreds of hours of animal and veterinary experience, which is what admissions committees actually count.

3. 3

   Apply through the shared service

   Senior year

   Most schools take applications through VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service), run by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

4. 4

   Veterinary school

   4 years

   Four years for a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree: science and anatomy first, then clinical rotations through surgery, medicine, farm animals and emergency.

5. 5

   Licensing

   Final year

   Pass the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination), then apply to the veterinary board in the state where you want to work.