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Veterinarian: the path

Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals. Description from O*NET

Also called: Companion Animal Practitioner, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Emergency Veterinarian (Emergency Vet), Large Animal Veterinarian (Large Animal Vet), Mixed Animal Veterinarian (Mixed Animal Vet)

Typical pay$130,100Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+9.4% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 8 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Bachelor’s degree4 years, with science prerequisites and animal experience
  2. Step 2Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)4 years
  3. Step 3National exam and state license

Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Clubs and volunteering for this career →

Colleges for this path

Related majors: Animal Sciences · Biology, General · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

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1,352 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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