Education Required to Become a Wildlife Veterinarian
A career as a Wildlife Veterinarian often requires a significant amount of educational experience, usually consisting of a minimum of 8 years of schooling.
To become a licensed veterinarian, you will need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college. The DVM program usually takes four years to complete.
Before entering a veterinary college, you will need to have earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Veterinary college admission requirements vary, but most colleges require applicants to have completed coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. You may also be asked to take an entrance exam.
In order to work with wild animals, you will need additional training in wildlife medicine. This type of training may include courses in ecology, conservation, animal behavior, and wildlife diseases.
After completing the DVM program, you may wish to pursue a residency program or a fellowship in wildlife medicine. Residencies typically last one year, and fellowships usually last two years.
Once you have completed your educational requirements, you will need to obtain a license in the state where you plan to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but usually include passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and a state-specific licensing exam.
To remain current in your field, you may want to pursue continuing education throughout your career. Most states require veterinarians to complete continuing education credits in order to maintain their license.
You may also want to join a professional organization, such as the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
By completing the necessary educational requirements, you can begin your career as a Wildlife Veterinarian and make a difference in the lives of wild animals.