How to become a public health veterinarian

How to become a Public Health Veterinarian

Becoming a public health veterinarian involves a specific pathway, including an undergraduate degree, veterinary school, and potentially additional training. Here is an overview of the educational requirements:

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 public health veterinarians opt for a degree in animal sciences, biology, microbiology, or another related discipline. Typical prerequisite coursework for veterinary school includes classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

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, general surgery, and clinical skills. Practical experience is gained through clinical rotations and externships in various aspects of veterinary medicine and animal diseases.

Practical Experience
During veterinary school, gain hands-on experience working with animals. This can be obtained through volunteering or part-time employment in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or on farms or ranches. Additionally, seek out learning / research opportunities that can provide valuable exposure to issues concerning public health and help you apply your veterinary skills to public health challenges. These opportunities may be found in settings such as government agencies, health departments, or international organizations.

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.

Public Health Training (Optional)
While not mandatory, many public health veterinarians pursue additional training in public health or related disciplines to specialize in the field. This can include a master's or doctoral degree in public health, epidemiology, or a similar area.

Some universities offer a residency program in veterinary public health, leading to a Master of Public Health Degree. During the three-year program residents obtain a strong foundation in areas such as prevention and control of zoonotic diseases, food-borne diseases and food protection, infectious disease epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health issues related to agriculture and food production, and bioterrorism, preparedness, and emergency response.

Look for programs accredited by the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) or equivalent organizations in other regions.

Continuing Education
Public health is a dynamic field, in which staying informed about the latest developments and emerging issues is crucial. Engage in continuing education, attend conferences, and participate in professional development and networking activities.

Certification / Professional Organizations

• American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) – This is the primary organization responsible for certifying public health veterinarians. It offers board certification in preventive medicine with the option of a specialty in epidemiology. Veterinarians can become Diplomates of the ACVPM by meeting the College’s educational, training, and examination requirements.
• American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (ACVM) – Veterinarians can be certified as ACVM Diplomates in Bacteriology / Mycology, Immunology, or Virology by passing the College’s general microbiology examination. They can be certified in the specialty of Parasitology by passing the general parasitology and specialty parasitology examinations.

The following organizations also support the veterinary public health community:

• American Veterinary Epidemiology Society (AVES) – The AVES promotes the professional development of individuals interested in veterinary epidemiology and related fields. The society provides a platform for networking and knowledge exchange.
• National Association of Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) – The NASPHV helps direct and develop uniform public health procedures involving zoonotic disease in the United States and its territories.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – The AVMA is a comprehensive association representing the broader field of veterinary medicine in the United States.
• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – The WOAH is an intergovernmental organization that sets international standards for animal health and welfare. It plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases that affect both animals and humans.
• One Health Commission – While not exclusive to veterinarians, the One Health Commission advocates for a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to health issues involving humans, animals, and the environment.
• National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) – The NBPHE offers the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential. While it is not specific to veterinarians, it is a recognized certification in the field of public health. Eligibility criteria include a combination of education and work experience in public health.
• Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) – The CBIC offers the Certified in Infection Control (CIC) credential for professionals involved in infection prevention and control.
• National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) – The NEHA offers the Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS) credential. While not specific to veterinarians, it is relevant for public health veterinarians working in food safety.
• International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) – The IAEM offers the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential, which is relevant for public health veterinarians involved in emergency response and disaster management.
• National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) – The NACCHO is not specific to veterinarians but serves as a resource and collaboration platform for public health professionals.
• American Public Health Association (APHA) – While not focused solely on veterinary professionals, the APHA is a comprehensive organization for public health practitioners and researchers. It provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and networking.
• International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) – The IAFP is an organization that brings together professionals involved in food safety, including veterinarians, scientists, and industry professionals.