A veterinary pathologist researches animal diseases by analyzing tissue and body fluids. To become one, an individual must earn a DVM degree, complete an internship and residency, and pass a licensing exam. Relevant bachelor’s degrees, experience, and entrance exams are also required.
A veterinary pathologist is a specially trained veterinarian who researches various diseases by analyzing samples of tissue and body fluids. Many professionals work in veterinary clinics and hospitals to assist in the diagnosis of various conditions. Others specialize in developing new drugs and vaccines, teaching, or conducting independent research to learn more about animal diseases. To become a veterinary pathologist, an individual must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and complete an internship and assume a residency position for at least three years. Additionally, a new professional must pass an extensive licensing exam before working independently in the field.
A person who wants to become a veterinary pathologist must first complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program at an accredited university. Most up-and-coming veterinarians choose to major in premedical studies, biology, animal science, or a related discipline. Graduate students attend classroom lectures and participate in laboratory courses to become familiar with the fundamentals of research. An individual can learn more about veterinary science by taking up a paid or volunteer position at a local animal clinic, farm, or shelter. Experience in such jobs can be very influential in applying to doctoral programs.
Toward the end of a bachelor’s degree program, a student can begin researching veterinary schools to learn about admission requirements. Most schools require applicants to pass entrance exams to be considered for admission. In addition to exam scores, schools review student grades, letters of recommendation, relevant experience, and personal essays to make admissions choices.
Once accepted into a doctoral school, a person who wants to become a veterinary pathologist can meet with consultants and faculty to craft a degree plan that will best prepare him or her for the specialty. Most veterinary school programs last four years and include both classroom study and practical research opportunities. Students take highly detailed courses in cell biology, pathology, research design, and practical medicine. To earn a degree, it is usually required for an individual to complete a dissertation based on original research.
After obtaining a DVM, a person can become a trainee veterinary pathologist at an animal clinic or hospital. An internship usually lasts about a year and allows a new veterinarian to receive hands-on training from experienced professionals in the field. A successful intern may apply for a three- to four-year residency program, during which time he or she begins working under the supervision of established pathologists. A professional who wants to become a veterinary pathologist in clinical practice usually works in a clinic, while a prospective researcher completes laboratory training.
In most countries, a new veterinary pathologist must pass a licensing test before they can practice unsupervised. In the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the College of American Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) provide credentials for new specialists. Most other countries have plaques similar to the AVMA and ACVP to certify professionals in the field.
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