How to Be Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is a degree that has a far-reaching impact on the animal health industry. It is the highest educational qualification for professionals in the field and provides them with the expertise to diagnose and treat animal diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions. This degree also enables veterinarians to perform preventative care for animals, such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering.

The DVM degree also prepares veterinarians to take on leadership roles in research, public health, food safety, and animal welfare. As a result of the improved diagnosis and treatment of animals, there have been significant improvements in animal health, animal welfare, and public safety. the DVM degree provides veterinarians with the necessary skills to work in a wide range of areas such as animal shelters, zoos, veterinary teaching hospitals, and livestock production.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. All students must have at least a bachelors degree before they can enter veterinary school. The best way to prepare is to earn a degree in a science-related field like biology, zoology, or animal science.
Take the GRE. All veterinary school applicants must take the Graduate Records Exam (GRE). This exam is used to measure academic skills in verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills.
Complete Prerequisite Courses. Veterinary schools have specific prerequisite courses that must be completed prior to admittance. Common course requirements may include animal physiology, animal nutrition, cell biology, and genetics.
Apply for Veterinary School. Once all the requirements have been met, students can apply for veterinary school. The application process typically includes submitting transcripts and GRE scores, writing a personal statement, and obtaining letters of recommendation from teachers or advisors.
Complete Veterinary Education. Once accepted into a veterinary program, students will complete a four-year doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree program. During this program, students will take courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and clinical medicine.
Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. After earning a DVM degree, students must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam in order to become licensed veterinarians. The exam tests knowledge of veterinary medicine and laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine.
Obtain State Licensure. Once the exam is passed, students must obtain state licensure in order to practice veterinary medicine. Each state has different requirements for licensure; however, all states require that veterinarians be licensed before practicing veterinary medicine.

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is one of the most ideal and capable degrees for aspiring veterinarians. This degree is an integral part of the veterinarian profession, allowing them to provide the highest quality of animal care and treatment. A DVM degree enables veterinarians to identify and diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and educate pet owners on the proper care and treatment of their pets.

Furthermore, a DVM degree also provides veterinarians with a greater understanding of animal anatomy and physiology, as well as a greater knowledge of the most current advances in veterinary medicine. As a result, veterinarians with a DVM degree are much better equipped to provide comprehensive and effective care for their patients, leading to improved animal health and wellness.

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Job Description

Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of animals
Perform medical and surgical procedures on animals
Examine animals for symptoms of illness or injury
Prescribe medications and treatments for animals
Provide advice and instruction to pet owners
Educate pet owners about proper animal care
Perform laboratory tests on animals to diagnose illnesses
Monitor vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration) of animals
Advise pet owners on how to prevent health problems
Advise on nutrition and diet for animal patients
Provide emergency care for injured animals
Test for, diagnose, and vaccinate against infectious diseases
Perform post-mortem exams to diagnose the cause of death
Research new treatments and medicines for animals
Perform administrative duties, such as recording patient information and preparing reports

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of veterinary anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
Ability to assess and diagnose animal health problems
Proficiency in medical recordkeeping and documentation
Ability to develop and implement treatment plans
Knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures
Ability to perform minor surgical procedures
Understanding of proper animal restraint techniques
Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and infection control protocols
Proficiency in performing diagnostic imaging procedures
Knowledge of animal nutrition and management
Ability to effectively communicate with clients and other veterinary professionals
Understanding of animal welfare and behavior principles
Knowledge of relevant legal regulations and standards
Ability to work safely with potentially dangerous animals

Earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) requires a high level of skill, knowledge and commitment. An individual must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills in order to diagnose and treat animals effectively. They must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to explain diagnosis and treatments to the animal owners.

the ability to think quickly and calmly in emergency situations is essential. Knowing the anatomy and physiology of animals, as well as common diseases and treatments, is also essential. Finally, being compassionate and patient with animals, as well as their owners, is essential to becoming a successful veterinarian.

All of these skills are necessary to excel in this field and provide the best possible care for animals.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a veterinarian?
What experience do you have working with animals?
What challenges have you faced in veterinary medicine?
What methods do you use to diagnose and treat animals?
How do you handle difficult conversations with clients?
How do you stay up to date with advances in veterinary medicine?
What would you do if you witnessed animal abuse or neglect?
How do you handle difficult decisions when treating animals?
What strategies do you have for establishing trust with clients?
What would you do if a client questioned your medical advice?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. Used to view and analyze small objects or organisms (eg: examining cells from a tissue sample).
Stethoscope. Used to listen to sounds from organs or the body (eg: listening to heart sounds).
Surgical instruments. Used to perform procedures (eg: performing a neuter).
X-ray machine. Used to take images of the body (eg: diagnosing a fracture).
Ultrasound machine. Used to create images of organs using sound waves (eg: checking for pregnancy).
Blood testing equipment. Used to analyze blood samples (eg: testing for diseases).
Endoscope. Used to examine the inside of organs or cavities (eg: examining the stomach).
Anesthesia machine. Used to administer anesthetics (eg: performing a surgery).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE)
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM)
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP)
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
American Veterinary Epidemiology Society (AVES)
American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP)

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Common Important Terms

Animal Husbandry. The practice of breeding, caring for, and raising animals for agricultural purposes.
Veterinary Anatomy. The study of the structure of animals.
Veterinary Pathology. The study of diseases of animals.
Veterinary Medicine. A branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases and injuries.
Veterinary Surgery. The practice of performing surgical procedures on animals.
Animal Nutrition. The study of how animals obtain and use nutrients for health and growth.
Veterinary Pharmacology. The study of the action of drugs on animals.
Veterinary Immunology. The study of immunity and disease in animals.
Veterinary Microbiology. The study of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that affect animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program?

Most Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs typically require 4 years to complete.

What is the minimum GPA requirement for admission to a DVM program?

Most DVM programs require a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

What type of degree is awarded upon completion of a DVM program?

Upon successful completion of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, students are awarded a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

What are the minimum requirements for taking the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)?

To take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), applicants must have successfully completed a Council on Education (COE) accredited DVM program and have obtained an eligible passing score on the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT).

What is the passing score for the NAVLE?

The passing score for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is determined by the individual states and provinces and is typically between 70-75%.