How many years do veterinarians need to go school?

In the United States, veterinary school typically takes four years to complete. This is after completing a four-year undergraduate degree. So, in total, it takes eight years of college to become a veterinarian.

The first two years of veterinary school are focused on basic science courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. The third and fourth years are focused on clinical training, during which veterinary students work with real animals under the supervision of licensed veterinarians.

Upon graduating from veterinary school, students must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to become licensed to practice veterinary medicine.