A veterinary school is a tertiary educational institution, or part of such an institution, which is involved in the education of future veterinary practitioners (veterinarians). The entry criteria, structure, teaching methodology and nature of veterinary programs offered at veterinary schools vary considerably around the world. In the U.S., a doctorate of veterinary medicine degree (D.V.M.) (Or in the Veterinary Medical School at the University of Pennsylvania, a degree of veterinary medical doctor (V.M.D.) is awarded) is a four-year program. The program generally consists of 2 to 3 years of mostly traditional classroom coursework followed by the clinical rotations. Currently, unlike human medical school, a subsequent internship and/or residency are not required, but are optional to those who choose to seek further education and possible accredidation. Unsurprisingly, the number of veterinarians pursuing internships and/or residencies will continue to increase as the understanding of veterinary medicine continues to grow greater.

In the UK there are currently six veterinary schools at the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool & London. A new school will open in September 2006 at the University of Nottingham. The course lasts five years (six years at Cambridge). Each leads to a degree that is recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), allowing the graduate to practice in the UK and the EU.

See also

• List of schools of veterinary medicine
• Veterinary medicine

Veterinary medicine | School types