A veterinary pathologist is a doctorate-level veterinarian who studies diseases by examining body tissue and fluid samples. Many professionals assist in the diagnosis of various conditions in veterinary clinics and hospitals. Others work on new medicines and vaccines, teach, or conduct independent research to learn more about animal diseases. To work as a veterinary pathologist, you must obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, complete an internship, and work for at least three years in a residency program. In addition, before working independently in the field, a new professional must pass a comprehensive licensing exam.
A four-year bachelor’s degree program at an accredited university is required for anyone interested in becoming a veterinary pathologist. The majority of aspiring veterinarians major in premedical studies, biology, animal science, or a related field. Undergraduates learn the fundamentals of research by attending classroom lectures and participating in laboratory courses. Taking a paid or volunteer position at a local animal clinic, farm, or shelter can help you learn more about veterinary science. When applying for doctoral programs, experience in such jobs can be very helpful.
A student can begin researching veterinary schools near the end of a bachelor’s degree program to learn about admissions requirements. To be considered for admission, most schools require applicants to pass entrance exams. To make admissions decisions, schools look at students’ grades, letters of recommendation, relevant experience, and personal essays in addition to their exam scores.
A person who wants to become a veterinary pathologist can meet with advisers and professors once accepted to a doctoral program to design a degree plan that will best prepare him or her for the specialty. The majority of veterinary school programs are four years long and include both classroom and hands-on research opportunities. Students take courses in cellular biology, pathology, research design, and practical medicine, among other topics. An individual is usually required to complete a dissertation based on original research in order to earn a degree.
A veterinary pathologist intern at a clinic or animal hospital can be obtained after earning a DVM. An internship lasts about a year and allows a new veterinarian to gain hands-on experience from seasoned professionals in the field. Successful interns can apply for a three- to four-year residency program, where they will work under the supervision of experienced pathologists. A professional who wants to become a veterinary pathologist in clinical practice usually works at a clinic, while a prospective researcher completes training in laboratory settings.
Before a new veterinary pathologist can practice without supervision in most countries, he or she must pass a licensing exam. New specialists in the United States are certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). Most other countries have boards that certify professionals in the field, similar to the AVMA and the ACVP.