Veterinary school typically takes four years to complete. This is after completing an undergraduate degree, which usually takes four years. So the total time it takes to become a veterinarian is typically eight years.
The first four years of veterinary school consist of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations. During this time, students will study a wide range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and surgery. They will also get hands-on experience working with animals through clinical rotations in a variety of settings, such as small animal clinics, large animal hospitals, and research facilities.
The final year of veterinary school is typically dedicated to clinical rotations, where students will work alongside licensed veterinarians in a variety of settings, including general practices, emergency clinics, and specialty practices. They will get further hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating animal illnesses and injuries.
After completing veterinary school, graduates must pass a rigorous national board examination in order to become licensed to practice veterinary medicine. This licensure is required by all states in the US, and the requirements for licensure vary from state to state.
It’s worth noting that some states have additional requirements for licensure, such as passing a state-specific exam or completing additional clinical training.