Admission is based on the applicant's grade point average, scores on either the GRE or VCAT and recommendations. It is suggested that each applicant have some practical work experience with animals prior to applying to veterinary school. Most applicants to veterinary school have completed four years of college with courses in chemistry, biology and mathematics. Veterinary training includes clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases, performing surgery and laboratory work in anatomy, biochemistry, and other scientific and medical subjects. Twenty-seven schools are accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association .
Every state requires that veterinarians be licensed.
To obtain a license, applicants must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited school and pass a state board examination. Veterinarians, who seek certification in one of the 20 areas of specialization available to them, must complete a two to five-year residency program and pass an examination.