Equine Veterinarian? Anyone?

Question

Hey. I'm looking at becoming a veterinarian when I'm older and want to specialize in horses.... How do I do that and how long will it take? At the moment I'm reading the vet pages in magazines and reading books. But what do I do after I leave school????

Answer 1

The University of Florida has an EXCELLENT Vet program that leans towards the equine aspect.

I know quite a few vets that have graduated from there.

It is VERY tough to get in but the education is worth it from what I have heard.

Answer 2

The best option would be to find a college that has an undergraduate program in Animal Sciences with a pre-vet option.  If the college also has a vet school, then their pre-vet program will have all the required courses for getting into vet school.  You could also do something like a biology degree and get similar coursework.

Undergraduate will take you 4 years, and then Vet School is another 4 years.  For undergraduate and vet school, they will want you to learn all animals, but you can do special emphasis on horses, and then choose to specialize that horses when you start practicing.

If you want, find out if there is a vet school in your state, then check out the regular undergraduate college, and look at the coursework required, and the requirements for getting into the undergrad programs.  Some school with vet schools are Purdue, University of Illinois (champaign urbana), Iowa State, University of Wisconsin, U of California (I think the Davis campus, but I can't remember), and tons of others.

Good luck!

Answer 3

an undergraduate degree in a science or a prevet degree. .then vet school then try and get a job with an experienced horse veterinairan I am sure that at vet school when you do an internship that someone will be able to help you find a job

Answer 4

Lynn I will tell you what I told another asker.

First realize that vet school is perhaps one of if not the hardest professional school there is.  I knew someone that flunked vet. school, transferred to med school and clamed to have made straight A's with less studying.

Second you will take college.  You need a 4 year degree in biology with a minor in chemsistry and Ag.

You will also need extremely good math skills and a solid understanding of both mechanical physics and optics and light.  And I do mean SOLID, you will be using those fields your entire professional life.

In you college career you will need straight A's in your Junior and Senior year if possible.  No more than 2 B's total in those two years.  Your total GPA should be a 3.5 if at all possible.  

You will then apply to vet school and attend 4 years.  

You will probably have to take on other animals and you will also probably have to start under a practicing vet since it takes a huge amount of money for the equipment to get started.  You will most likely have to work for 10 years or more to afford your own practice.

One more thing.  Unless vet schools have changed they DO NOT want to see a pre vet program on your diploma or transcripts.  They do not want you to feel trapped into their program if you begin to think it is not for you.  A general biology degree is better.  Take the classes you need but if possible avoid the pre vet stigma.