Veterinarian Schools in West Virginia

A veterinarian in West Virginia examines animals for possible health issues, treats wounds, and performs surgeries. The veterinarian must also be able to provide preventative care to guard against future issues.

Carrying out all of these duties requires extensive preparation and significant education. For this reason, anyone in West Virginia who dreams of becoming a veterinarian must dedicate significant time to the endeavor.

To ensure their path is as smooth as possible, we have broken down all the requirements into individual sections below. We explore the educational options, accreditation considerations, and licensure regulations, among other key elements.

How to Become a Veterinarian in West Virginia

Below is an overview of how to become a veterinarian in the state of West Virginia.

Start from High School

The process of becoming a successful veterinarian typically starts in high school. At this point, candidates must prepare by focusing on natural and animal science subjects and maintaining a high GPA to gain admission into a reputable college.

Undergraduate Education

Ultimately, an aspiring veterinarian aims to have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. However, they must first complete their undergraduate degree programs.

Some veterinary colleges will expect candidates to graduate from an undergraduate program in an area like biochemistry, animal science, or biology. Thanks to the competitive nature of veterinary schools, candidates may also use this time to build attractive skills such as leadership and teamwork, volunteering work, and business acumen.

Completing Vet School

The main requirement for becoming a veterinarian is to complete veterinary school. Very few vet schools in the country enjoy proper accreditation, making admission into one very competitive.

Those who manage to gain admission will gain extensive knowledge in various aspects of the profession, such as ophthalmology, parasitology, veterinary practice, and veterinary physiology. In the final year of training, students typically receive hands-on experience via clinical rotations.

National Examination

All veterinarians must pass a national licensing examination known as the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Passing the NAVLE involves obtaining a passing score in 360 multiple-choice questions administered on a computer.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a veterinary technician in West virginia

Top Veterinary Schools in West Virginia

The entries below provide accredited veterinary training to candidates in West Virginia.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinarian schools in Ohio

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The West Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine oversees the licensing requirements for veterinarians in West Virginia. To be licensed by the board, candidates must meet a few requirements and pay the necessary license fee. Concerning the fees, a $300 application fee is needed for the license itself, while a $35 fee applies for a copy of the practice act.

Licensed veterinarians in the state will have a year until they need to renew their licenses. Doing so requires meeting 18 hours of continuing education.

The other steps in becoming licensed as a veterinarian in West Virginia include providing a copy of educational transcripts and completing a background check. The state also requires proof of citizenship or alien status.

Applicants must graduate from accredited veterinary schools and pass an online jurisprudence examination.

Salary & Career Outlook

Prospective veterinarians in West Virginia will be glad to know that the field currently enjoys positive projections from relevant platforms nationwide. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment rate for professionals in this field to increase by 19% yearly for at least the next 10 years.

As for specific salary figures, the top 10% of veterinary medicine earners in West Virginia take home an annual average salary of $201,470. The bottom 10% can expect $83,066 every year, while the annual average salary for the median earners is $129,365.

Candidates who work on their experience level and location may optimize their salaries this way. Currently, Core, Martinsburg, and Charles Town have the highest annual average salaries for veterinarians in West Virginia. Those who work here earn an annual average of $171,113, $157,843, and $142,302, respectively.