Unfortunately, some people still believe veterinary medicine to be an almost vocational trade, something learned on the farm. The reality is that a veterinarian is a highly educated person, skilled in preventing, diagnosing, and treating animal health problems. Veterinarians earn a four-year undergraduate degree before applying to veterinary school. Once accepted, veterinarians earn a four-year doctor of veterinary medicine degree. After graduation, veterinarians are licensed by the state where they practice medicine.
Ongoing education is a big part of most veterinarians' careers.
In fact, more than half of the states in the U.S. require continuing education as part of the re-licensing process.