Veterinarians in Utah are responsible for helping animals by diagnosing illnesses, providing treatments, carrying out surgical procedures, and prescribing medications, among other duties. As an aspiring vet in the state, you must begin your career correctly by following the set guidelines.
This way, you’ll not only feel confident that you’re on the right track, but you’ll also be able to have fun doing so. To that end, we have provided the guide below to help candidates become familiar with all the requirements for becoming a veterinarian in Utah right from the start.
We explore, among other things, the steps involved in the process, the licensure requirements, and the top accredited DVM programs to consider.
Steps to Become a Veterinarian in Utah
Below are the steps required to become a veterinarian in Utah.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Even though the ultimate objective of an aspiring veterinarian in Utah is to graduate from a veterinary school, they must graduate from an undergraduate program first.
While some vet schools insist that students choose related majors such as microbiology, zoology, and biochemistry, some schools don’t care what applicants majored in.
What is important, however, is that candidates maintain strong academic records to set themselves apart in the highly competitive affair of gaining admission into a veterinary school.
Step 2: Earn a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
After completing their undergraduate studies, candidates may apply to their vet school of choice. Here, they will learn all the key topics needed to secure employment and enjoy a successful career.
While the first three years of vet school tend to include many classroom courses, the last year is usually set aside for clinical rotations.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam
All aspiring veterinarians in Utah must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). The exam contains 360 questions that must be completed on a computer. It is common for vet school students to sit for the NAVLE during the penultimate semester of their senior year to have the opportunity to sit for the exam again (if necessary) before they graduate.
Step 4: Gain Experience & Specialize
Lastly, after earning their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from a vet school, candidates who want to specialize in a specific field may undergo a residency to acquire practical experience.
They may work as small, large, equine, and exotic animal veterinarians, among other options.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Veterinarians in Utah must pay a $150 application fee for their licenses and a $100 fee for a controlled substance license. The veterinary license here is valid for 2 years and requires 24 hours of biennial continuing education to renew and maintain.
The state does offer a temporary license at $50 but has no reciprocity agreement. Candidates are expected to submit their transcripts after graduating from an approved college of veterinary medicine.
They are also expected to submit proof of citizenship and verification of active practice.
Top Veterinary Schools in Utah
While there are no accredited colleges of veterinary medicine in Utah, candidates may look to neighboring states for top-quality accredited programs. The following are some notable, accredited veterinary schools for interested candidates in Utah to consider.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine Biomedical Sciences in Fort Collins offers a top-class, highly respected training program that candidates in Utah may enter to start their careers on a very strong path.
Washington State University
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman is another top-quality destination for earning an accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. The program features a strong focus on rural veterinary medicine.
Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Aspiring veterinarians in Utah looking for an accredited program may also consider the one offered by Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Corvallis. The program boasts a strong focus on sustainable practices within veterinary medicine.
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Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary for veterinarians in Utah is $113,450 for those who are among the mid-range earners in the state. Among Utah’s top 10% earners, veterinarians have an annual average salary of $171,779. In comparison, those among the bottom 10% will earn an average salary close to $74,927 yearly.
To improve their yearly earnings, veterinarians in the state may want to optimize their location. For instance, while veterinarians in Murray are the highest-paid in the state with an annual average salary of $125,607, veterinarians in Hyde Park come in second with an annual average salary of $122,573.
Making up the top five highest-paying cities to practice as a veterinarian in Utah are Taylorsville, with an annual average salary of $121,873; Orem, with an annual average salary of $121,061; and Layton, with an annual average salary of $120,000.
Veterinarians in Salt Lake City earn an annual average salary of $102,603.
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