The average veterinarian completes a minimum of eight years of education after high school graduation: four years of undergraduate education and four years of veterinary school. A veterinary education is vigorous, demands solid abilities in math and science and requires a strong commitment to intense study. Answers to frequently asked questions for high school students and parents can be found below. Tips for applying to veterinary school can be found below.

Veterinary school involves coursework that mirrors the curriculum of human medical schools with the addition of applying this knowledge to multiple species. Veterinary students also spend many hours in a clinical setting working side by side with doctors getting hands on training. Once they graduate from a U.S. veterinary school, they receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD). After their coursework is completed, veterinary students must also pass a national licensing exam before they can practice veterinary medicine. Some veterinarians may pursue further education, such as an internship and residency, which may lead them to becoming a veterinary board-certified specialist.