What does a veterinarian do? According to Purdue University:

• "Veterinarians take health histories of animals, perform and interpret tests, diagnose problems, prescribe medications, develop treatment plans, and perform surgeries.
• Veterinary medicine is a very large field encompassing many fascinating careers.
• Veterinarians can specialize in large, small, and exotic animal care.
• Areas in need of more veterinarians are food animal safety and laboratory animal health.
• Having a love for animals is important in veterinary medicine, as well as being able to work with people.
• Veterinarians are helping pet owners through difficult times, keeping our food supply safe, and studying diseases that often impact human populations.
• Many veterinarians are also involved in homeland security issues to help prevent bioterrorist attacks and to help protect our populations following one.
• Veterinary medicine is a complex field with many opportunities to work with both animals and people."

Time to degree: Four years

Clinical requirements: One year of clinical rotations

Certification requirements: Successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (and possibly an additional state licensing exam)

Minimum GPA: 3.0 (for Purdue University)

Tuition: $147,000–$250,000 (in state), $191,000–$338,000 (out of state)

Exam requirement: GRE

Application deadlines: Early October for fall admission; complete VMCAS application

Median Indiana salary: $82,040

Projected job growth: 36% by 2020

Prerequisite courses (for Purdue University):

Download Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine prerequisites

Admissions timeline

Download a pre-vet timeline