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Comparing Vet School and Med School
- Vet school is harder to get into than med school.
- Vet school requires more years of education.
- Veterinary school typically lasts four years.
- Veterinarians usually have a bachelor’s degree before starting vet school.
- The average cost of four years of veterinary school is over $200,000 for in-state students and $275,000 for out-of-state students.
Vet Tech vs Veterinarian
- Becoming a vet tech requires less training than becoming a veterinarian.
- A vet tech needs at least two years of training.
- Vet techs must pass a national exam.
- If you want to work in veterinary medicine but don’t want 8+ years of college, a vet tech is a great choice.
Challenges in Veterinary Medicine
- Vets face challenges in their careers and have high suicide rates.
- Vets help animals by diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries.
Taking a Closer Look
- Veterinary school is challenging to get into and complete.
- The veterinary course load is intensive, with students taking 25-30 credits of rigorous science classes per semester.
- Veterinary students spend 35-40 hours per week in lectures or labs.
The Admission Process
- Competition for admission into veterinary programs is high.
- Veterinary schools have lower acceptance rates compared to medical schools.
- In 2019, the veterinary school acceptance rate averaged 14.6%, while the medical school rate was 6.7%.
Education and Training
- Before starting veterinary school, most students complete a bachelor’s degree.
- The cost of four years of in-state veterinary school exceeds $200,000. For out-of-state students, costs are over $275,000.
- Veterinary technicians complete at least two years of postsecondary training.
Similarities in Intensity
- Veterinarians and physicians complete similar intensity medical training.
- Both fields present difficulties and elevated rates of suicide.
- Veterinarians prevent, diagnose, and treat animal injuries, illnesses, and diseases.
