People frequently inquire about the distinctions between being a veterinarian and a doctor when it comes to medical careers. Whether or not vets attend medical school is one frequently asked question. The quick answer is no, but let’s explore the education and training needed for veterinarians in more detail.
A student must enroll in veterinary school, which is distinct from medical school, in order to become a veterinarian. This education consists of a four-year program including, among other things, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and surgery. Graduates get a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree upon completion of the program, entitling them to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine.
Despite not going to medical school, veterinarians still have letters after their names that reflect their level of training and area of expertise. A veterinarian with a DVM degree may decide to continue their education in a particular area, like cancer or cardiology. The letters DACVIM (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine) or DACVS (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons) denote this further training, which may result in certification or board specialty.
Although working as a veterinarian can be rewarding, is it really worth it? The American Veterinary Medical Association found that the typical annual pay for veterinarians in the US is around $93,000. However, tuition alone at certain veterinary colleges can cost upwards of $200,000. Education can be fairly expensive. Additionally, veterinarians could graduate with a sizable debt from student loans.
Both being a veterinarian and a doctor are challenging careers that demand much education and training. The two professions’ focuses, however, are different. While physicians of medicine work mostly with people, veterinarians generally treat animals. Veterinarians must also be informed about a wide range of animal species, whereas medical professionals frequently focus on one particular branch of medicine.
In conclusion, despite not going to medical school, veterinarians nevertheless undergo a lot of instruction and training in order to be certified and licensed to practice veterinary medicine. Making a decision to become a veterinarian should be carefully considered, taking into account the prospective salary and educational costs as well as the satisfaction that comes from working with animals.
The title of the article, “Do Vets Go to Med School?,” does not explicitly address the issue of whether or not vets consume meat.