Students that are interested in becoming equine veterinarians should focus on getting good grades in their junior high general science and biology courses, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Strong performance in science, math and biology should be the student's focus in high school. Pre-veterinary undergraduate work must be successfully completed in college before entering an equine veterinary school. Speak to your college advisor about your plans to ensure that you complete the needed pre-veterinary coursework. Required courses are generally in math, physics, and biology subjects, according to the AAEP.
Admission to equine veterinary schools can be very competitive, according to the AAEP. Applicants may be required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The number of accepted from qualified applicants varies from year to year, but one third of qualified applicants are generally accepted.
Thirty-four colleges or schools of equine veterinary medicine can be found in the United States, Canada, and the West Indies, according to the AAEP. AAEP has student chapters at each of these schools to aid students in their education.
Schooling normally takes four years in an institution of veterinary medicine, according to the AAEP. Students that graduate from these schools will earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. These graduates can then choose to look for employment immediately or further their studies to learn more about horse surgery, animal behavior, horse dentistry, or one of many other possible specialties.
An internship can be a great way to gain more knowledge about equine health, according to the AAEP. Students can apply for internships after graduation, during school breaks or over the summer months. Internships can give students a chance to work closely with experienced equine veterinarians. An internship will give the student a taste of working in the equine veterinary field, with possible hands-on experience dealing with clients and patients.
Schooling to become an equine veterinarian can be very challenging, but it may lead you to a rewarding career, according to the AAEP. Equine veterinarians play a vital role in the life of horses, both dealing with their daily health needs and researching new treatments for their ailments.