Preparing for a career as a veterinarian

Veterinary medicine is a profession that often attracts students who are keenly interested in disease prevention and health promotion for animals. It is a career rich in hands-on procedures and generally includes relationships with patients and their caretakers that last multiple years. The American Association of Veterinary Colleges has valuable information on careers and preparation.

If you are thinking about becoming a veterinarian, you need to have very strong skills in math and science, and be able to complete a rigorous set of courses before starting veterinary school. You will need to develop good communication and interpersonal skills because you will work with both animals and their human caretakers.

Students interested in a career in veterinary medicine need to build a strong foundation in the sciences, as well as skills and abilities in a number of other areas as undergraduate students. You should plan your college education with the goal of building a diverse set of skills, and select a major that challenges and interests you.