So you want to be a....

In this country, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM or VMD) requires at least four years of study at a veterinary school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Anyone considering a career as a veterinarian should have an aptitude for science and math, a love and compassion for animals, excellent social skills, and the stamina to survive the demanding educational requirements and the rigors of practice. Once you obtain your doctorate, you can choose to practice clinical medicine (after successfully passing the national board exam and your individual state board exams) or to pursue any number of other career paths that will be available to you, including the option of engaging in further education to obtain a specialty certification.