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Veterinarian

Did You Know?

A veterinarian's patients can't say where it hurts, so vets rely on observation, body language, lab tests, X-rays, and sometimes intuition to figure out what's wrong.

INDUSTRY FACTS

The Numbers Behind the Career

86,400

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 86,400 veterinarians in the U.S. in 2024.

3,000

About 3,000 openings for veterinarians are projected annually over the next decade.

$125,510

The median salary for veterinarians was $125,510 in 2024.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
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Education & Certification

To become a veterinarian, you must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. A veterinary medicine program generally takes 4 years to complete and includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical components. Veterinarians must be licensed in order to practice in the United States. Licensing requirements vary by state, but prospective veterinarians in all states must complete an accredited veterinary program and pass a qualifying exam.

To prepare...

Take strong high school courses in math, anatomy/physiology, and biology to prepare.

Participate in school labs and projects that involve research, data collection, or problem-solving, just like veterinarians do.

Earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or agriculture if you are interested in working with larger animals.

CAREER SPOTLIGHTS

Spotlight: Explore the Life of a Veterinarian

James Herriot

James Herriot

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Dr. Temple Grandin

Dr. Temple Grandin

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Louis Pasteur

Louis Pasteur

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CURATED LEARNING RESOURCES

Explore more resources for a future Veterinarian

Toy / Game / Kit
ArtSkills Epic Lab Vet Kit for Kids, Animal Anatomy Science Kit for Kids 8+ with Modeling Clay

ArtSkills Epic Lab Vet Kit for Kids, Animal Anatomy Science Kit for Kids 8+ with Modeling Clay

Why We Picked It

This hands-on anatomy kit lets kids build and label animal organs using modeling clay, turning veterinary science into an interactive, creative art-meets-science project.

Career Connection

Veterinary students learn anatomy by studying physical models and specimens, and this kit replicates the same build-and-label approach that helps future vets understand how animal bodies are structured.

Continue Your Journey

Keep exploring everything this career has to offer.