Veterinarians are unique. On one hand, they are highly educated with four years of veterinary school, plus four years of post-doctoral work for specialists. In order to pass boards for licensing and certification, they must remember huge amounts of technical information about a wide variety of species, conditions and procedures. On the other hand, vets have developed the hands-on skill to put their patients at ease enough to allow treatment.

So you want to be a veterinarian? For more information about veterinarians or to learn more about the practice and training to become a veterinarian visit the American Animal Hospital Association or the American Veterinary Medical Association.

What does it mean to be "board-certified"? Learn more about specialists in veterinary surgery.