If you’re considering attending veterinary school, the first question on your mind is probably: how long is vet school? Though this seems like an obvious question, there’s not a set answer. Because vet schools vary in length and location, it can be difficult to find one specific estimate for how long VET SCHOOL takes.
Most sources tend to give vague stats like “it takes four years” or “it can take up to six years.” Sadly, those are the only statistics we have on this topic that seem accurate.
This article will go over the factors that make vet school length vary, and discuss why there’s no real time frame you can use to determine how long it will take you to finish.
Factors That Affect Vet School Length
1. Level of Training
If the school is a two-year program, then that means you are only going to go through one year of classes before your first exam. If it’s a four-year program, then that means at least two years of school before you can even take the first exam. That also means that (unless you’re attending a technical college) your first year in vet school will have fewer classes and less time to study than your second and third years.
2. Electives
Just like with any other major or career field, electives can add time to your program. The number of electives you take can vary from year to year, depending on what’s available and what you’re interested in. Further, you don’t have to take ALL the available electives, so if you’re trying to shorten your program, you can easily do that by not taking some of the electives (and skipping the extra time they add).
3. Semesters And Trimesters
A lot of vet schools will offer a semester or trimester format for their classes. This means that you take more classes during regular semesters (typically Fall, Winter, and Spring), but less during shorter semesters (usually Summer).
4. Exams
Because the board exam is at the end of vet school, your classes will most likely be tailored to prepare you for it. This means that two years of classes might not be enough time to study everything you need (since you’re more focused on passing the boards). Four years of school isn’t enough time (since the first year will have fewer classes), so this is yet another reason that length can vary greatly.
5. Location of School
If you attend a local or in-state vet school, then you will most likely be able to stay near home during school. You’ll be able to work part-time and still live a normal life. If you attend a vet school that’s out of state, then that means you’ll have to either pay the higher tuition or move out of state. Some schools will even require the latter – at least for your third year.
6. Part-Time or Full-Time
If you’re full-time, you’re going to be able to finish faster than a part-time student. Not only will you have more time in class, but you’ll also have more time to study and work on your papers and projects due during the semester.
Sometimes part-time students can finish faster than full-time students, especially if they are taking online classes (where they can work at a slower pace while still having the same deadlines).
When You Should Apply for Vet School
1. Are You Financially Ready?
If you’re just starting vet school, then you should have a pretty good idea of whether or not you can afford it. By the time you get to vet school, you’ll already have figured out how to pay for undergrad classes, so it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. The biggest difference between undergrad and vet school is that instead of tuition and fees, your biggest expense will be housing. You’ll also need to buy books and equipment.
2. Is School a Good Idea?
This is the most important question. The answer to this question will determine whether or not you’ll be able to afford vet school if you decide to go through with it. If your goal is to become a veterinarian, then take a look at the average salaries in your state (more on this later) and compare them against what you would get in vet school. Decide whether that’s worth it to you, and ask yourself if you can live with that salary after graduation.
3. Marketable Degree?
If you’re thinking about going to vet school for job security and stability, you need to look into whether or not that’s a reality. Depending on where you will be practicing, there may not be a lot of jobs available. You may end up having to move out of state to work at a large practice. If that’s an option for you, then it might be worth it – just make sure it’s possible before going through with vet school.
Other Benefits of Vet School
1. Networking
Whether you’re interested in a specific specialty or not, going through vet school will help prepare you for the job marketplace. By attending vet school and paying attention to your classmates, you’ll be able to find connections with potential employers that can help you out in the future.
2. Interview Experience
Most schools will require students to apply to several different firms after they graduate – whether as a second or even third interview. This is both a great way to network and learn what you should expect going into the interview process.
3. Making Your Own Money
Most vet schools offer extracurricular classes where students can make money. Whether it’s volunteering as a Pet Partner or doing some kind of pet-related side hustle, this is a great way to make money while you’re in school.
4. Study Abroad
Many vet schools have exchange programs with other countries, including Australia and Canada – especially if that’s where you want to practice.
5. Meet New people
You’ll meet a lot of people at vet school, including students who will be your peers and classmates for years to come. You’ll also meet professors and potential employers who are currently in the field. Not only will you make a lot of connections during vet school, but you’ll also have the opportunity to find mentors who can help guide you through your future career.
Vet school is a time of both excitement and uncertainty. Just remember to think about your costs, your goals for the future, and the amount of time you have available to do this. Making good decisions when it comes to vetting a school can help you decide whether or not you want to go through with it – but most importantly whether or not it’s worth it.
