All veterinarians must follow extensive educational requirements to start their careers. These professionals take on incredibly important duties in a veterinary establishment and are responsible for life-saving maneuvers that impact the lives of pets and humans.
To launch a career as a veterinarian in Nebraska, candidates must follow a few steps mandated across the country and a few state-specific ones. The article below breaks down all of these requirements and considerations in an easy-to-follow manner.
We also explore specific accredited training options and projected annual average income figures.
How to Become a Veterinarian in Nebraska
The steps below are needed to launch a career as a veterinarian in Nebraska.
Complete an Undergraduate Program
Ultimately, veterinarians in Nebraska must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. However, they must attend an undergraduate program and receive a bachelor’s degree before they can do so.
The exact course of study during their undergraduate years will depend on their chosen veterinary school. Some schools allow candidates to focus on any undergraduate area, while others prefer fields related to veterinary technology and animal science.
Earn a DVM
Once they’ve completed undergrad training, candidates may earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree by attending a vet school. Aspiring veterinarians in Nebraska must attend a veterinary school accredited by the right regulatory bodies.
An upcoming section below lists some notable options for state residents to consider. Most doctorate programs for aspiring veterinarians can be completed in four years.
Passing the NAVLE
The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination is a mandatory national exam for prospective veterinarians in every state. Candidates must pass it before they can worry about state licensing and job placement.
It contains 360 multiple-choice questions and is taken in a computerized format.
Explore other careers with similar paths:
Top Veterinary Schools in Nebraska
Nebraska residents may consider any of the accredited programs below for their education in veterinary medicine.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS Campus + Online
Since no colleges in Nebraska offer an accredited veterinary medicine program, candidates usually have to look to neighboring states. One of the best options to consider is the program offered by Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Tuition
$341 - $1,035 per CreditContact
(785) 532-5660
vetmed@k-state.edu
Iowa State University
Ames, IA Campus Only
Another high-quality, accredited veterinary medicine program for candidates in Nebraska may be found courtesy of Iowa State University. This program is notable for its team of highly qualified instructors and emphasis on hands-on training.
Tuition
$14,163 - $24,387 per SemesterContact
(515) 294-1242
futuredvm@iastate.edu
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
In Nebraska, candidates who have completed the steps above may acquire a state license before starting their careers. To do so, they must pay a license fee of $250, after which they will be able to practice for a year before having to renew their license again.
Those renewing their veterinary licenses in the state must complete 32 hours of continuing education.
Nebraska allows temporary licensing for candidates who are still meeting some requirements and also shares reciprocity agreements with other states across the country. Professionals must graduate from an accredited program before they can be licensed.
They must provide copies of their transcript and be ready to undergo a background check. The state also administers an online jurisprudence examination for veterinarians during licensing.
Salary & Career Outlook
Veterinarians in Nebraska earn an annual salary that aligns with the national average. This figure of $118,159 is usually most relevant for those who have done enough to be among the median earners.
Those who earn an annual average salary of $70,207 are in the bottom 10%. However, by optimizing relevant factors, they can soon find themselves among the top 10%, making an annual average salary of $198,863.
These optimizable factors include a professional’s experience level, location within the state, and credentials, among others. Focusing only on location, Omaha and Pender are the cities with the highest pay for veterinarians in Nebraska, with annual average salaries of $122,799 and $120,000, respectively.
Concerning the future outlook, veterinarians in Nebraska and across the state have reason to be optimistic. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 19% year-on-year increase in employment rates for those in this profession.