How to Become a Veterinarian in Oregon

Veterinarians in Oregon are highly regarded for the life-saving and life-prolonging treatments they provide to pets and animals while performing their duties. These professionals are also well-rewarded with competitive salaries that rank among the most notable in the country.

If you happen to be someone looking to start a career as a veterinarian in the state, you have come to the right page. Below, you will discover all the major considerations you must make along the way, including the educational necessities and the best places to receive accredited training.

We also outline the possible salary ranges that a veterinarian in Oregon can fall into and the factors that can help professionals improve their annual returns.

Steps to Become a Veterinarian in Oregon

The following are the steps to starting a career as a veterinarian in Oregon.

High School Requirements

Becoming a veterinarian in Oregon is only possible by first passing through the college system. However, the journey to secure admission into college starts in High School. During this time, candidates are expected to maintain a high GPA and be conversant in relevant topics dealing with animal science, laboratory science, and more.

Graduate from College (4 Years)

Candidates wishing to become Oregon veterinarians must first spend 4 years in a regular college program. The specific program here is typically up to the students, seeing as most vet schools will allow applicants to enroll regardless of their major in college.

For better preparation, however, most people go for zoology and animal science-related programs in college.

Graduate from Vet School (4 Years)

After spending 4 years in a regular college program, future Oregon veterinarians must spend another four years in an accredited veterinary program. During this time, they will cultivate the skills they need to practice as veterinarians in the state.

The first 3 years of a vet program are usually dedicated to learning classroom topics such as parasitology, pharmacology, animal disease, and animal behavior. The final year, however, typically involves clinical rotation during which candidates receive hands-on experience.

Pass the Licensing Exam

To become licensed themselves, fresh veterinarians must pass a licensing exam known as the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). However, to give themselves room to take the exam again if needed, most candidates write it before they graduate from vet school, typically in their final year.

Consider Careers with Similar Paths:

• Become a veterinary assistant in Oregon

Licensure and Certification Requirements

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board is responsible for setting the state licensure requirements for veterinarians in Oregon. According to the board, candidates who complete the steps outlined above may proceed to pay a $75 application fee for their licenses. After completing the jurisprudence exam, they will officially receive their Oregon state veterinary license, which costs $150.

To renew their licenses, they must also participate in 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Verification of active practice and proof of citizenship/alien status are also required.

Top Veterinary Schools in Oregon

Candidates may look to the following destinations for accredited veterinary medicine training in and around Oregon.

Neighboring Options

Candidates in Oregon who seek a different alternative to the DVM program at Oregon State University may consider the accredited programs at Washington State University in Pullman, the University of California in Davis, and the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

These programs are among the best in the country, offering strong research opportunities as well.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinarian Schools in Washington

Salary & Career Outlook

Oregon is one of the states with the highest pay for veterinarians, with an annual average salary of as high as $191,556 (the highest pay). Those just starting their careers may fall among the lowest earners, with an annual average salary of $104,181 or an annual average salary of $141,267 (for the average earners).

In optimizing their location within the state, veterinarians in Oregon can put themselves in better positions to earn more at the end of each year.

For instance, while veterinarians in Springfield are the highest-paid in the state by location with an annual average salary of $173,666, veterinarians in Beaverton and Oregon City are second and third, respectively, with annual average salaries of $145,870 and $143,050.

Other notable cities include Portland, with an annual average salary of $140,355; Medford, with an annual average salary of $132,645; and Eugene, with an annual average salary of $125,354.