How to Become a Veterinarian in South Carolina

Veterinarians in South Carolina can perform a wide range of life-saving maneuvers on pets and animals simply because they have dedicated much time to receiving the necessary training for such tasks. The process becomes easier for anyone looking to enter the field with a clear picture of what to expect.

For this reason, we have provided a detailed overview below concerning how to become a veterinarian in South Carolina. By the time they complete the guide, readers will have a clear approach to what to do to begin the process and how to handle the challenges that may arise along the way.

Steps to Become a Veterinarian in South Carolina

Below are the steps necessary to become a veterinarian in South Carolina.

Step 1: Starting from High School

Becoming a veterinarian in South Carolina starts as early as high school. During this time, candidates must be sound in relevant subjects, including biology and laboratory science.

They must also maintain a high GPA to have an easier path to securing college admission when it’s time.

Step 2: Graduate from a Regular College Program

Before making the final stop in a veterinary school, aspiring veterinarians in South Carolina must first graduate from a regular college program, ideally with a bachelor’s degree after 4 years of training.

Candidates may spend their time in colleges building strong resumes by volunteering in animal shelters and building leadership and problem-solving skills.

Step 3: Earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Those who have completed their regular college programs may proceed to enroll in an accredited veterinary program and earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Topics that candidates may expect to learn in vet schools include an introduction to veterinary practice, animal anatomy and physiology, radiology, parasitology, and pharmacology, among others.

Step 4: Pass the NAVLE

Lastly, before graduating from vet school, students participate in a national examination known as the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination).

This exam aims to test a candidate’s proficiency in key areas of the field. Even though they can take the NAVLE after graduation, Students typically take this exam in their final year so that they can take it again should they not pass the first time.

Consider Careers with Similar Paths:

• How to become a veterinary assistant in South Carolina

Licensure and Certification Requirements

In South Carolina, the affairs of veterinarians are overseen by the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

The steps above are required to earn a state license from the board, but candidates must also pay a fee of $175 and participate in an online jurisprudence exam. After completing the steps, they may practice legally.

Their licenses, however, last only for 2 years, after which they have to renew their licenses by participating in 30 hours of continuing education.

No background check or verification of active practice is required for this process. Candidates must, however, provide proof of citizenship and alien status.

Top Veterinary Schools in South Carolina

South Carolina does not have an accredited veterinary program. However, the following are the top accredited programs in neighboring areas for aspiring veterinarians in the state to consider.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinarian Schools in Georgia

Salary & Career Outlook

South Carolina boasts several cities where veterinarians earn annual average salaries that rank among the best in the entire country. For instance, in Spartanburg, the highest-paying city for vets in South Carolina, these professionals take home an annual average salary of $146,631.

Those in Fort Mill are also quite respectable, with an annual average salary of $133,707. Making up the top five highest-paying destinations for veterinarians in the state are Rock Hill, with an annual average salary of $130,786; West Columbia, with an annual average salary of $121,765; and Inman, with an annual average salary of $117,153.

Without focusing on any particular City, however, veterinarians in South Carolina may expect to end with an annual average salary of $115,122 if they fall among the average earners in the state; $73,951 if they fall among the bottom 10% earners in the state; and $179,215 if they fall among the top 10% earners in the state.