Many veterinary schools have very strict admission criteria; students must thoroughly prepare for the application process. Exhibiting an interest in animals through volunteer work, pet sitting or working on a farm or in a clinic might increase a person's chances of admission. A bachelor's degree is required, as are courses in biology, physics, zoology, chemistry and math. Some programs require the MCAT.
Veterinary students must complete an undergraduate degree and a four-year graduate degree. Veterinary students must study animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, disease prevention, patient care and clinical management. Typically, a veterinary student spends his final year of school working with patients, in a program similar to the residency program of human doctors. After completing veterinary school, students must receive certification from the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination.
Because most veterinary programs require individuals to have already taken introductory biology, chemistry or physics, the courses in veterinary school rely on students having knowledge in certain science fields. Typical courses in veterinary school include internal medicine, oncology, pathology, nutrition, dentistry, dermatology, neurology, cardiology, preventive medicine and exotic-small-animal medicine. An internship is almost always required before graduation.
There are numerous veterinary schools across the United States, all of which range in selectivity, job placement and reputation. The University of California (Davis) offers a veterinary program that focuses on preventative medicine. Johns Hopkins offers a degree in comparative medicine that works with both humans and animals to compare diseases and treatments. Tufts University provides a program combining veterinary practices with public policy.