How to become an emergency and critical care veterinarian

How to become an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian

Becoming an emergency and critical care veterinarian involves a genuine passion for working with animals and a specific educational pathway, including undergraduate and veterinary school education. Here is an overview:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Since not all schools offer an undergraduate program in veterinary medicine, many aspiring veterinarians opt for a degree in animal sciences, zoology, biology, chemistry, or another related field. Typical prerequisite coursework for veterinary school includes classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Animal Experience
Gain hands-on experience working with animals. This can be obtained through volunteering or employment in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, research settings, or on farms or ranches.

Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT)
Prepare for and take the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT). This standardized test assesses prospective veterinary students’ academic and scientific knowledge in areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

Apply to Veterinary School
It's important to note that admission to veterinary school is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants often need a strong academic record, relevant animal experience, letters of recommendation, and a well-prepared application.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree
Apply to and complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at an accredited veterinary school. These programs typically last four years and provide a broad foundation in veterinary medicine through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Core coursework focuses on subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, surgery, and clinical skills. Practical experience is gained through clinical rotations and externships in various aspects of veterinary medicine, including emergency and critical care.

Licensing Exam
After completing the DVM program, graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or a state-specific licensing exam to become licensed to practise veterinary medicine.

General Practice or Internship
Consider gaining experience in general veterinary practice or completing a one-year rotating internship. This provides a foundation in various aspects of veterinary medicine before specializing in emergency and critical care.

Residency in Emergency and Critical Care
Pursue a specialized residency in emergency and critical care veterinary medicine. Residencies in this field typically last three to four years and provide intensive training in managing emergency cases, critical care, and related areas. Look for programs accredited by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) or equivalent organizations in other regions.

Research and Publications (Optional)
Engage in research activities and consider publishing papers in reputable journals. While not mandatory, contributing to research can enhance your standing in the field.

Certification / Professional Organizations
The primary organization for providing board certification for this specialty is the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC). The ACVECC awards ‘Diplomate’ status in emergency and critical care. Here is summary of its certification process:

• Eligibility – To be eligible for board certification, veterinarians usually need to have completed a residency program in emergency and critical care veterinary medicine.
• Case Log – Candidates are required to submit case logs that document their experience and proficiency in managing emergency and critical care cases. These logs provide evidence of the breadth and depth of their clinical experience.
• Examinations – Veterinarians seeking board certification must pass written and practical examinations. The exams are designed to assess their knowledge, problem-solving skills, and clinical competence in the field.
• Demonstration of Expertise – The certification process aims to ensure that candidates have achieved a high level of expertise in emergency and critical care veterinary medicine. This involves demonstrating theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills in managing complex cases.
• Maintenance of Certification – Once certified, veterinarians typically need to engage in continuing education and demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional development. This ensures that they stay current with advancements in the field.

There are other certifications that may be of interest to emergency and critical care veterinarians.

• American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) – The ABVP offers board certification in avian practice, beef cattle practice, canine and feline practice, dairy practice, equine practice, exotic companion mammal practice, feline practice, fish practice, food animal practice, reptile and amphibian practice, shelter medicine practice, and swine health management.
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) – The ACVIM provides board certification in internal medicine, with subspecialties such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, and other areas.

The following organizations also support the veterinary emergency and critical care community by fostering collaboration and providing resources, advocacy, and networking and continuing education opportunities:

• Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) – The VECCS is dedicated to the advancement of emergency and critical care medicine.
• International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium (IVECCS) – IVECCS is an annual conference that brings together veterinary professionals from around the world to share knowledge, discuss advancements, and participate in seminars and workshops related to emergency and critical care medicine.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – The AVMA is the leading advocate for the veterinary profession in the United States.