DVM stands for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. It is the professional degree that qualifies veterinarians in the United States, Canada and several other countries. Around the world, equivalent degrees have different names, such as BVSc, BVSc and AH, BVetMed and BVMS, but they all qualify graduates to practise veterinary medicine once licensed or registered.
This guide is part of our guide to what veterinarians do.
Veterinary degree names around the world
| Degree | Full name | Where it is common |
|---|---|---|
| DVM | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | US, Canada, and others |
| VMD | Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris | University of Pennsylvania (equivalent to a DVM) |
| BVSc and AH | Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry | India |
| BVSc | Bachelor of Veterinary Science | UK, Australia, New Zealand, others |
| BVetMed / BVMS / BVM&S | Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (and Surgery) | UK universities |
| DMV | Docteur en médecine vétérinaire | French-speaking countries |
Despite the “Bachelor” in some names, these are professional degrees equivalent in purpose to the DVM.
How long does a DVM take?
In the US, the DVM is a four-year programme taken after undergraduate study. Most students complete a bachelor’s degree first, with prerequisite science courses, so the total is usually about eight years after high school. In countries such as India and the UK, students typically enter veterinary school straight from secondary school, and the degree takes about five to six years. See how to become a veterinarian in India.
What a DVM programme covers
- Pre-clinical years: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, parasitology
- Clinical years: medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, imaging, theriogenology, public health
- Clinical rotations: hands-on work in teaching hospitals across small animals, large animals, exotics and emergency
Accreditation and licensing
- In the US, DVM programmes are accredited by the AVMA Council on Education.
- Graduates sit the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meet state licensing requirements.
- In India, BVSc and AH programmes follow Veterinary Council of India standards, and graduates register with a State Veterinary Council.
After the DVM: specialisation
Many vets go straight into general practice. Others complete internships and residencies to become board-certified specialists. See types of veterinary specialists.
Frequently asked questions
Is a DVM a doctor?
Yes. A DVM is a doctoral-level professional degree, and veterinarians are commonly addressed as “Dr”.
Is BVSc equal to DVM?
Both are professional veterinary degrees. Whether a BVSc graduate can practise in a DVM country depends on that country’s recognition and licensing rules, which may require additional exams.
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