What degree do you need to be a zoo veterinarian?

• Anatomy

• Animal Science

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physiology

• Zoology

A bachelor's degree in zoology is perhaps the best preparation you can get for vet school, although degrees in any of these areas may be applicable. Be sure to research the vet school you want to attend and see what its specific requirements for admittance are.

After you get your DVM or VMD, you need to obtain a state license. All states require you to have a license to be a zoo veterinarian. You also must have graduated from an accredited veterinary school. To acquire a license, you must pass the Veterinary Licensing Exam.

In addition, most states require you to pass a state test, as well as the national exam.

Zoo veterinarians need to obtain internships in the field. You can do this while in school or post. You need to develop hands-on experience dealing with exotic animals, and this is nearly the only way you can do that. Here you can be mentored by professional zoo vets. Internships will also prepare you for the residency program you need to complete.

Getting specialized training in a residency program is another requirement. Most zoo vet residency programs last around three to four years. These programs are approved by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM), which is the certifying board for zoological medicine.

Residency programs offer in-depth professional training and experience. They help you to hone your clinical skills and research abilities. The work may take place at a zoo, aquarium, wild animal park, or another related site with exotic animals.

Some residency training can give you a Master of Specialized Veterinary Medicine degree; however, this is not the case for all residency programs, so do your proper research if this is your objective.

To advance your career as a zoo vet, you can also join professional organizations, like the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians or the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians. Organizations like these can serve as great networking opportunities.

The other step you can take to help you stand out in the field is to gain certifications. This is not a requirement, though it can definitely be beneficial to your career. You can gain certification from the ACZM.

To recap, in your journey to become a zoo veterinarian, you need to get a bachelor's degree, complete vet school, get an internship and then residency, obtain your license, and then if you choose, acquire any additional certifications.