Want to be a Veterinarian? 10 Must-Dos and a Comprehensive List of Accredited Veterinary Colleges

While being a veterinarian can be fulfilling and rewarding, becoming a veterinarian requires hard work, determination, and planning. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for veterinarians is $100,370 per year, and the job outlook for 2021-2031 is 19%, which is much higher than the average for all jobs. 

In North America, there are only 41 veterinary colleges that the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education accredits (click HERE for a comprehensive list). With applications rising (up 19% for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle), the competition for seats is fierce (click HERE for statistics for the Class of 2025). Knowing what needs to be done while in college to become a competitive veterinary school candidate is critical.

Want to be a Veterinarian?

10 Must-Dos and a Comprehensive List of Accredited Veterinary Colleges

ONE: Work with a PRE-HEALTH ADVISOR

• Map out a plan to ensure you are on track to complete all required classes in 4 years

• Schedule regular check-in meetings

TWO:  Complete all PREREQUISITES and maintain a HIGH GPA

• Major in a subject that interests you but make room in your program of study for relevant science and math courses

• Maintain at least a 3.5-3.6 GPA in biology, chemistry, physics, and math

THREE:   Gain and track EXPERIENCE with animals 

• Volunteer or work at a veterinarian’s office, farm, etc.
• Handle animals as much as possible
• Work in a research lab with varied species

FOUR: Demonstrate LEADERSHIP

• Pre-vet club 

• Student government Fraternity/sorority

• Fraternity/sorority 

FIVE:  Cultivate RELATIONSHIPS with faculty and staff

• Quality recommendation letters demonstrate deep knowledge of a candidate beyond grades

• Attend office hours

• Volunteer on research projects 

• Join faculty-led clubs or organizations 

SIX:  Research accredited VETERINARY COLLEGES

• North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand

• Remember: all accredited veterinary schools meet the requirements of the AVMA Council on Education

SEVEN: Understand the role of STANDARDIZED TESTS and prepare accordingly

• GRE

• MCAT

EIGHT: APPLY to veterinary school

• Apply to several

• If you don’t get in, contact admissions for feedback and apply again the following year

NINE: Strive for EXCELLENCE 

• Work hard at everything you do
• Stand out from the crowd

TEN: Have FUN 

• Explore your interests beyond the sciences
• Join clubs, play intramural sports, join a band, etc.
• Find your people

For more information on veterinary school admissions or questions about the college application process in general, please reach out at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.

 List of Accredited Veterinary Schools