--- title: Path to Vet Med | 1890 University Foundation description: Explore the competitive path to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, including academic requirements, hands-on experience, and career opportunities across diverse fields. image: http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/hubfs/featured-image/sswd-featured-image.png --- [![1890 Pre-Vet Med](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/hubfs/raw_assets/sswd-theme/3/js_client_assets/assets/sswd-logo-DgiRbQxj.jpg)1890 Center of Excellence for StudentSuccess and Workforce Development](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/?hsLang=en) Path to Vet Med▼ [1890 LGI Institutions](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/1890-schools?hsLang=en) Path to Vet Tech▼ [Apply→](https://vmcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant/login) 1890 # Path to Veterinary Medicine Becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is one of the most competitive and rewarding paths in science and healthcare. It demands strong academic preparation, meaningful hands-on experience, and a genuine commitment to the profession. This page gives you a clear overview of what the DVM pathway involves and where to go next, whether that is exploring the 1890 schools that offer veterinary medicine programs or learning about the PVM Scholars Program that supports students across the network. ![vet-cat-gLorsi-V](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/hubfs/placeholder-imagery/vet-cat-gLorsi-V.jpg) What it takes✦Where to go✦How to get there✦Tuskegee · UMES✦PVM Scholars✦What it takes✦Where to go✦How to get there✦Tuskegee · UMES✦PVM Scholars✦What it takes✦Where to go✦How to get there✦Tuskegee · UMES✦PVM Scholars✦What it takes✦Where to go✦How to get there✦Tuskegee · UMES✦PVM Scholars✦ THE DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE PATHWAY ## What the DVM pathway involves. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree is a four-year professional degree, similar in structure to medical school. Before you can apply, you need to complete an undergraduate degree, typically with a strong foundation in the sciences, along with specific prerequisite coursework and documented hands-on experience. The undergraduate years are where the foundation is built. The decisions you make about your coursework, your experiences, and your preparation during those years directly shape the strength of your application. - 01Undergraduate degreeComplete an accredited bachelor's with all prerequisite coursework required by your target vet schools. - 02Build experience hoursDocument veterinary, animal, and research hours across diverse settings — companion, food animal, and rural. - 03Apply through VMCASThe centralized veterinary school application. Personal statement, transcripts, evaluations, the works. - 04Four years of vet schoolThe DVM is a four-year professional degree, similar in structure to medical school. - 05Licensing & specialtyPass licensing exams and, optionally, pursue specialty training or board certification. DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE CAREER MAP ## Where a DVM can take you. The DVM degree opens doors far beyond the companion animal clinic. Students with backgrounds in agriculture and rural communities are especially well positioned for food animal and rural practice — an area with significant and growing demand. 01 ### Companion animal medicine Private practice caring for pets in clinical settings. 02 ### Large & food animal medicine Livestock, horses, and food-producing animals — often in rural and agricultural settings. 03 ### Public health & government USDA, FDA, CDC, and military veterinary corps roles. 04 ### Research Biomedical and veterinary research at universities, agencies, and industry. 05 ### Wildlife & conservation Wild animals, conservation programs, zoos and aquariums. 06 ### Specialty practice Board-certified specialists in surgery, oncology, cardiology, and more. ## 1890 veterinary medicine schools. ![](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/hubfs/raw_assets/sswd-theme/3/js_client_assets/assets/roadmap-hero-DuQ_yNHI.jpg) DVM Schools DVM Schools Two 1890 institutions are directly connected to veterinary medicine programs Tuskegee University is home to the only accredited DVM program within the 1890 network. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is developing a new veterinary medicine program, expanding options for students across the network. **Visit the DVM Schools page** for detailed information on each program, admissions requirements, and direct links to apply. [Explore DVM Schools→](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/path-to-vet-med/dvm-schools?hsLang=en) ![new-hero-image-3rx-ab64](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/hubfs/placeholder-imagery/new-hero-image-3rx-ab64.jpg) PVM Scholars Program PVM Scholars Program ## Support for the journey: PVM Scholars Program. The Pre-Vet Med Scholars Program is the structured support program for undergraduate students across 1890 institutions pursuing the DVM pathway. It provides academic advising, mentorship, career exploration, and application preparation resources. [Visit PVM Scholars→](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/path-to-vet-med/pvm-scholars-program?hsLang=en) Take the next step ## Ready to get started? Whether you are drawn to veterinary medicine or veterinary technology, the first step is the same: explore the paths, understand what each requires, and connect with the program at your institution. The 1890 Pre-Vet Med Scholars Program is here to support you at every stage. Browse the pathways above, find your institution's contact on the How to Join page, and take that first step today. Apply Now→[Explore 1890 Schools→](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/1890-schools?hsLang=en) ![A tortoise on a skateboard — slow and steady](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/hubfs/raw_assets/sswd-theme/3/js_client_assets/assets/new-tortoise-image-UQnHFzms.jpg) ![SSWD Center](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/hubfs/raw_assets/sswd-theme/3/js_client_assets/assets/sswd-center-logo-DELWw3aA.png) The 1890 Pre-Vet Med Scholars Program prepares students across 1890 land-grant institutions for rewarding careers in veterinary medicine and veterinary technology. [Path to Vet Med](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/path-to-vet-med)[DVM Schools](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/path-to-vet-med/dvm-schools?hsLang=en)[PVM Scholars](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/path-to-vet-med/pvm-scholars-program?hsLang=en)[1890 LGI Institutions](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/1890-schools?hsLang=en)[Path to Vet Tech](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/path-to-vet-tech?hsLang=en)[Vet Tech Programs](http://www.1890vetmedvoyage.org/path-to-vet-tech/vet-tech-programs?hsLang=en) © 2025 — 1890 Universities Foundation. All rights reserved.Built with intention. FBTWINYT