Students entering veterinary college, usually have a bachelor's degree in zoology, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry or animal science. A bachelor's degree takes four years to complete. Courses include biology, chemistry, physics, nutrition, animal science, math and English.
Those who want to become veterinarians can help their studies by gaining experience working in animal shelters or animal hospitals.
Four years of veterinary school follows graduation from college. In veterinary school, students study animal behavior, veterinary microbiology, pharmacology and animal nutrition. They learn how to treat wounds, prescribe medicine and perform surgery.
A two-year internship gives students valuable hands-on training as they work with experienced vets. Some students decide to specialize in a specific animal or area of practice such as preventative medicine or oncology.
Following graduation from veterinary college, vets are tested and get a license, but most vets will continue taking classes so they can stay on top of their field.