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fasteddie · 08-03-2005, 01:12 PM

It seems vets have to know a LOT more about different kinds of animals, and breeds than a human doctor! It's quite amazing the knowledge they possess (at least a good one!).

Here's some stuff I found:
---
How do I become a veterinarian if I live in America?

If you live in America, then to become a veterinarian, you will need to do 4 years of college, and then another 4 years in veterinary school and then pass a veterinary medical board examination before you qualify. There are also requirements for you to take state board examinations if you are planning to practice in another state aside from the one you took your board examination in.

Once I become a veterinarian, does that mean I can treat all species of animals?

Yes it does, but because most of what you study in the veterinary course covers domestic species eg dogs, cats, pocket pets, cows, sheep, horses, birds/poultry, if your heart is set on more exotic animals like dolphins, seals and lions, then generally what happens is that you would go on further to take a diploma course in zoo medicine or marine biology. These places are few and far between as they often require you to be 'attached' to a particular zoo or ocean park to qualify.
Do you ever stop studying once you become a veterinarian?

The simple answer is no. You will need to continually keep up with the new techniques and medical treatments available and drug therapies available. These change quite often and you will need to go on 'continuing education' courses. Generally what happens is that you decide which areas within the veterinary field you are most interested in and focus on those eg you may have an interest in pocket pets like hamsters or rabbits, so you would keep up to date on the various treatments and diseases discovered in that area and attend conferences that focus on this. If you decide that you want to become a veterinary specialist eg dermatology (skin), cardiology (heart) then you will have to take further examinations which if you pass will then qualify you as a specialist in that area.

http://www.ask-the-vet.com/become-a-veterinarian.htm

08-03-2005, 01:12 PM	#5
fasteddie *YT 6000 Club Member* Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 6,238	It seems vets have to know a LOT more about different kinds of animals, and breeds than a human doctor! It's quite amazing the knowledge they possess (at least a good one!). Here's some stuff I found: --- How do I become a veterinarian if I live in America? If you live in America, then to become a veterinarian, you will need to do 4 years of college, and then another 4 years in veterinary school and then pass a veterinary medical board examination before you qualify. There are also requirements for you to take state board examinations if you are planning to practice in another state aside from the one you took your board examination in. Once I become a veterinarian, does that mean I can treat all species of animals? Yes it does, but because most of what you study in the veterinary course covers domestic species eg dogs, cats, pocket pets, cows, sheep, horses, birds/poultry, if your heart is set on more exotic animals like dolphins, seals and lions, then generally what happens is that you would go on further to take a diploma course in zoo medicine or marine biology. These places are few and far between as they often require you to be 'attached' to a particular zoo or ocean park to qualify. Do you ever stop studying once you become a veterinarian? The simple answer is no. You will need to continually keep up with the new techniques and medical treatments available and drug therapies available. These change quite often and you will need to go on 'continuing education' courses. Generally what happens is that you decide which areas within the veterinary field you are most interested in and focus on those eg you may have an interest in pocket pets like hamsters or rabbits, so you would keep up to date on the various treatments and diseases discovered in that area and attend conferences that focus on this. If you decide that you want to become a veterinary specialist eg dermatology (skin), cardiology (heart) then you will have to take further examinations which if you pass will then qualify you as a specialist in that area. http://www.ask-the-vet.com/become-a-veterinarian.htm __________________ YODA & WINKY R ::: RIP Winky ::: RIP Yoda!