Veterinary Medicine

The Profession

Expand all

Who They Are

Veterinarians are healthcare professionals that care for both companion and food animals. They also work closely with the owners of the animals they care for, discussing treatment plans, budgeting, and handling times of difficult emotion. Some veterinarians own their own businesses.

What They Do

Veterinarians attend to the health of pets, livestock, zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals. Additional opportunities include careers in research, education, industry and government. Veterinarians may also be employed in public health positions.

Where They Work

Most graduates enter private veterinary practice at the conclusion of their program. Other opportunities include careers in research, education, industry and government. Veterinarians are also employed in lab animal medicine, zoo and wildlife medicine and in public health and regulatory medicine.

Outlook

Veterinarian careers are growing much faster than average. In the next ten years, the number of veterinarians in the United States is expected to increase by 18%. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Education

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M.) is a four-year professional program preceded by three to four years of pre-professional study. Fourth year students complete clinical rotations to gain hands on experience in the field. 

After completing their education, veterinarians must take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. Licensing also varies state by state, and individuals wishing to practice in Minnesota must take the Minnesota Board of Veterinary licensing exam.

Preparing to Apply