There is no shortage of reasons to become a veterinarian in Wisconsin. Apart from the attractive salary, the job is one of the most in-demand occupations in the entire country and has a highly favorable projection for the coming decade (according to data analyzed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Naturally, starting a career as a veterinarian anywhere requires rigorous education and training, spanning not only undergraduate programs and courses but also accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine postgraduate programs.
It can be easy to get overwhelmed, but that is where we come in.
Below, we have provided a comprehensive guide that includes everything interested candidates in the state need to know to start a successful journey toward becoming a veterinarian in Wisconsin and make the journey smooth and enjoyable.
Steps to Become a Veterinarian in Wisconsin
The following are the key considerations in starting a veterinary career in Wisconsin.
Step 1: It Starts from High School
Aspiring veterinarians in Wisconsin (and all over the country) should know that their journey to become successful veterinarians is arduous and starts from high school.
Those aware of their path from this point would do well to start partaking in classes and activities that will help them along the way. These include mathematics, physical sciences, and biology courses.
Step 2: Maximizing Undergraduate Studies
Candidates may spend their time in an undergraduate program not just working towards a bachelor’s degree but developing strong leadership and interpersonal skills while acquiring veterinary-related experience at the same time.
Students may volunteer in establishments where they get to work with animals and become comfortable with their prospective tasks even before entering vet school.
Step 3: Completing Vet School
Veterinary schools in the country are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Occupation on Education. Without this accreditation status, a vet school is neither recognized by employers, federal associations, or state veterinary boards.
After spending 4 years in a veterinary school, candidates will earn their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. By the final year of their program, candidates should be able to perform essential veterinary duties under professional supervision.
Step 5: Licensing (National)
As with most medical occupations, veterinarians need to be licensed before starting working legally. For veterinarians, there are two licenses to be concerned about - the national and state licenses.
Earning the national license involves passing a multiple-choice exam known as the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). At the same time, we outline the state licensure required for veterinarians in Missouri in the next section.
Consider exploring trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The Veterinary Board of the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection in Wisconsin DATCP is responsible for issuing state licenses to veterinarians in Wisconsin.
Graduates are expected to pass the NAVLE before applying online for their state license. They must also pay an application fee of $185. This figure falls to $115 for graduates with no prior license.
To officially receive their license, candidates must submit their resume, including work history (for those with it), along with a transcript and verification of active practice.
Top Veterinary Schools in Wisconsin
The following are some of the top veterinary programs for candidates in Wisconsin to consider.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the only veterinary school in Wisconsin that the American Veterinary Medical Association accredits.
Located in Madison, the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine has many capable faculty members contributing to producing brilliant graduates every year.
Other Options
Other neighboring options for aspiring veterinarians in Wisconsin to consider include the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois; Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan; and the University of Minnesota in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Other world-class options in the country include the University of California, Davis in California, and Cornell University in New York.
Consider exploring schools in neighboring states:
Salary & Career Outlook
For a veterinarian in the state of Wisconsin, the annual average salary to expect is around $101,836. This is according to the data provided by Indeed from a survey of veterinarians in the state.
Of course, depending on a few factors, vets in Wisconsin may also fall into the bottom 10% of earners, wherein they will earn an annual average salary of $66,437, or fall into the top 10%, wherein they will make an average yearly salary of $156,097.
Experience, location, specialty areas, and a few other factors influence where a vet in Wisconsin falls in the salary spectrum.
As for location, the highest paying cities to be a veterinarian in Wisconsin include Kronenwetter, with an annual average salary of $138,551; Caledonia, with an average yearly salary of $122,573; and Madison, with an annual average wage of $117,063.
Deforest and Baraboo follow with annual average salaries of $106,938 and $101,528 respectively.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
