Aspiring Veterinarian Education: FAQs and Answers

Thinking about becoming a veterinarian, vet tech (also known as a vet nurse), or vet assistant?

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions people have when considering a career in veterinary medicine.

What is the difference between a vet tech and a vet assistant?

Veterinary technicians (vet techs) and veterinary assistants are both essential in veterinary medicine. Each role has distinct education requirements and job scopes in the clinic.

Becoming a veterinary technician requires a formal education, usually a two-year Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited program. In many regions, vet techs must pass a licensing or certification exam, such as the Veterinary Technician National Exam - VTNE. With this education, vet techs can perform more technical medical tasks under the supervision of veterinarians, including administering anesthesia, collecting lab samples, conducting diagnostic tests, assisting in surgery, and communicating with pet owners about animal care.

Becoming a vet assistant requires less formal education. Many students learn through on-the-job training. Some may complete a short certificate program, although it’s generally not required for vet assistants to be licensed or certified. Vet assistants help with basic care and support tasks in the clinic, such as restraining animals for exams or procedures, cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, grooming, and exercising animals, supporting vet techs and veterinarians during exams, and maintaining patient records.

What are the best vet schools?

According to the 2023 U.S. News ranking, the top rated schools for veterinary medicine in the country are:

• University of California - Davis

• Colorado State University

• Cornell University

• Ohio State University 

• North Carolina State University

Of course, the “best” school for any student depends on his or her specific goals. Veterinary programs differ when it comes to things like research opportunities, cost, location, specialty preparation, primary focus area (e.g., exotic animals, equine care, general practice, etc.), and more. If possible, reach out to students and faculty members at programs you are considering to get a better sense of what the experience is truly like. 

The same principles apply when considering the best pre-vet school or specialty program. Conduct an online search to get a starting list of potential options, and then try reaching out to people at the school and in charge of the program’s curriculum and experience before making a final decision.

How much does it cost to attend veterinary school?

The total cost of a veterinary program can range anywhere from $150-450k, including tuition, living expenses, and fees. As with other degree programs, it’s common for students to cover schooling costs with scholarships, private loans, or federal student loans. There are also loan repayment programs available that will help students cover their education costs in exchange for service in specific areas or with certain groups, like the U.S. Army.

Veterinary technician and veterinary assistant programs are much less compared to DVM programs. Students can typically earn degrees or certifications for less than $50k total.

How long does it take to be a veterinarian?

In the U.S., becoming a veterinarian takes anywhere from seven to nine years after graduating from high school. This includes a three to four year undergraduate degree, followed by four years at an accredited veterinary school to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Students do need to go to college to become a veterinarian or a veterinary technician. It’s possible to become a veterinary assistant with the completion of a certification program.

Can I go to an online veterinary school? 

Currently, it’s not possible to become a DVM through a fully online or remote program. Veterinary schooling requires a significant amount of hands-on clinical training, such as animal surgeries, diagnostics, and other experiences that cannot be replicated in a virtual setting. Veterinary schools are highly regulated by accreditation bodies like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which require extensive real-world experiences with animals.

There are hybrid programs and online components available for certain aspects of veterinary education. Some schools offer pre-veterinary courses and foundational coursework online, only requiring students to come in for in-person labs and clinical rotations. Licensed veterinarians can also complete continuing education online to keep their credentials up to date.

It is possible to complete some of an accredited veterinary technician or veterinary assistant program online as well. Due to the hands-on nature of these roles, they also require in-person training. These hybrid programs are great options for people looking for a more flexible and lower cost way to begin a career in veterinary medicine.

How much do veterinarians make?

The typical salary of a veterinarian depends on a number of factors, including experience, location, type of practice, and specialization. The median salary for veterinarians in the U.S. is around $100,000 per year. Entry-level veterinarians (0-2 years of experience) typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, while more experienced veterinarians can earn upwards of $150,000 or more per year.

Veterinarian salaries also depend on location, the type of practice, and specialty. In general, large animal practices that serve livestock and horses pay higher salaries than small animal practices. Veterinarians in specialized fields, like surgery and cardiology, or in corporate or research settings, also tend to make more money than those in private practices.

Compared to veterinarians, vet techs and vet assistants have lower salaries. Veterinary technicians typically make in the range of $40-60k depending on location and experience. Veterinary assistants make closer to $25-40k per year. Again, these numbers can be different depending on various factors.

What veterinary books should I read?

Aspiring veterinarians can greatly benefit from reading a variety of books that cover foundational sciences, clinical practices, and personal experiences in the field. Below is a curated list of some of the best veterinary books to help you prepare for a career in veterinary medicine. 

Foundational Sciences and Textbooks

• Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy by K.M. Dyce, W.O. Sack, and C.J.G. Wensing

• Cunningham's Textbook of Veterinary Physiology by Bradley G. Klein

• Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease by P.J. Quinn et al.

• Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics by Jim E. Riviere and Mark G. Papich

• Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Techniques for Veterinary Technicians by Anne M. Barger and Amy L. MacNeill

  
  

Clinical Practice and Case Studies

• Small Animal Internal Medicine by Richard W. Nelson and C. Guillermo Couto

• Large Animal Internal Medicine by Bradford P. Smith

• Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline by Larry P. Tilley and Francis W.K. Smith Jr.

• Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician by Bonnie Ballard and Ryan Cheek

Professional Development and Ethics

• Veterinary Ethics: Navigating Tough Cases by Siobhan Mullan and Anne Fawcett

• Communication in Veterinary Medicine by Carol Gray and Jenny Moffett

• An Introduction to Veterinary Medical Ethics: Theory and Cases by Bernard E. Rollin

  
  

Personal Narratives and Inspirational Reads

• All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

• Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing, and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon by Dr. Nick Trout

• The Rhino with Glue-On Shoes: And Other Surprising True Stories of Zoo Vets and Their Patients by Lucy H. Spelman and Ted Y. Mashima

  
  

Admission Guidance and Career Preparation

• So You Want to Be a Vet: The Realities of Studying and Working in Veterinary Medicine by Neil Paton

• Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR) by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)

• The Vet School Survival Guide by D. T. T. Birch

What other questions would be helpful to answer here? Let us know!