So You Want to Be a Veterinarian?

Are you scientifically minded and passionate about the health and well-being of animals? If so, veterinary medicine could be the perfect career path for you. Pre-Veterinary Medicine is not a specific major at PLU, but an academic advising track that prepares you to complete all prerequisites required for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs. While most PLU Pre-Vet students major in Biology or Chemistry, you can select any major as long as prerequisite demands are satisfied.

Career Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine:

Veterinary medicine offers a broad spectrum of clinical and research specialties, including:

  • Private Clinical Practice: Diagnosing, treating, and managing health for small, large, or mixed animals.
  • Public Health & Food Safety: Working with government agencies to prevent foodborne contamination and control zoonotic diseases.
  • Specialized Environments: Serving in zoos, wildlife conservation organizations, universities, private industry, or the U.S. Military.
  • Research & Disease Control: Developing vaccines, researching animal epidemiology, and advancing biomedical sciences.

Educational & Licensure Requirements

Prospective veterinarians must graduate from a 4-year accredited professional program to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree. There are 30 accredited veterinary medical colleges in the United States evaluated by the AVMA Council on Education.

While veterinary programs require 45 to 90 undergraduate semester credits for admission, the vast majority of admitted students hold a completed bachelor’s degree. Following graduation, candidates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and satisfy state-specific jurisprudence exams.

Building Animal Experience Hours: Vet Tech vs. Vet Assistant

Gaining direct, hands-on clinical animal experience is essential for a competitive VMCAS application. Working as a Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant provides invaluable exposure to clinical procedures:

Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)

Performs medical tasks such as drawing blood, administering medications, taking X-rays, and monitoring surgical anesthesia.

  • Education: Requires a 2-year Associate Degree (AAS or AS) from an accredited program.
  • Local Options: Pierce College offers a 21-month full-time Vet Tech program once prerequisites are met.
  • Licensure: Must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and gain state credentials.

Veterinary Assistant

Focuses on general animal care, patient restraint, feeding, cleaning equipment, and supporting clinical staff.

  • Education: No college degree required (high school diploma or GED standard).
  • Training: Primary hands-on training is provided on the job by clinical staff.
  • Certification: Optional Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certificate available through NAVTA programs.

Career Outlook & Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of veterinarians is projected to grow 19% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is driven by increased consumer spending on pet care, alongside expanding needs in public health, disease control, and livestock safety.

Helpful Pre-Veterinary Resources

Explore national veterinary medical associations and application portals:

Ready to Plan Your Pre-Vet Pathway?

Schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with PLU Pre-Health Advising to discuss prerequisite planning, animal experience hours, and VMCAS timing.


Schedule an Advising Appointment

*Adapted from literature of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).