Depending on where they attend school and where they plan to practice, students can complete a variety of veterinary degree programs to gain entry into the profession. Several countries require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, while others offer undergraduate programs that are considered equivalent to the home country’s degree. In those countries, bachelor’s degrees in veterinary medicine or similar undergraduate degrees are commonly awarded. These programs, on the other hand, take about six years to complete, rather than the four years that most bachelor’s degree programs require. Because most countries will require graduates to complete a licensing process before they can practice, most education programs will emphasize hands-on experience in the field as well as meeting regulatory requirements to sit for relevant licensing examinations.
In countries in the North American hemisphere, such as the United States and Canada, aspiring veterinarians must typically complete accredited veterinary degree programs leading to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. A program like this typically lasts four years after completing a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree in biological science or pre-veterinary coursework to be considered for admission to the program. Students who have completed a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program are usually required to complete a veterinary medicine residency before being eligible to sit for required licensing exams.
Unlike the North American model, many countries use an undergraduate education model to prepare candidates for a variety of professional occupations. The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, and Bachelor of Veterinary Science are the most common bachelor’s degrees awarded these veterinary degree programs. This educational preparation model can be found in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other European countries. Program length varies depending on the educational institution and regulatory requirements, but most programs last between five and six years.
However, transferring educational credentials between countries is not always simple. Often, whether the veterinary degree programs attended have relevant accreditation that meets or exceeds the reciprocating jurisdiction’s standards is the deciding factor. For example, reciprocal agreements and the use of the same standard exams to determine eligibility for licensing make transferring credentials between the US and Canada relatively simple. Candidates with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science who wish to practice in the United States may encounter difficulties and will need to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in order to be licensed to practice in the United States.