How to Become a Holistic Vet
While holistic veterinarians must go through the same training as traditional veterinarians, their focus is on less invasive forms of treatment and alternatives to medication, such as acupuncture and herbal medicines. There are many steps you can take to ensure your success as a holistic veterinarian.
- Begin preparing yourself to become a holistic veterinarian by earning good grades in high school and taking advanced classes in biology and chemistry.
- Apply to accredited four year colleges or universities.
- Attend a four year college or university, and focus on courses such as biology and chemistry.
- Work hard to obtain good grades, which will help you gain admittance to a veterinary school.
- Volunteer at a local animal hospital or veterinarian's office to gain experience with animals.
- Look for veterinary schools that offer holistic courses.
- Apply to several different veterinary schools.
- Attend veterinary school, where you will spend four years earning a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
- Take the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, or NAVLE, to obtain your license to practice veterinary medicine.
- Take any additional exams that are required by your state to practice veterinary medicine.
- Become certified as a holistic veterinarian through the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. This process will take approximately six months and will focus on veterinary homeopathy.
- Take and pass the required examination by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, and turn in the required case studies. You will need to take another final exam after you have submitted your case studies.
- Join the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association to stay up to date with the latest news in the holistic approach to veterinary medicine.