Vet school
What Is A DVM Degree?
What a DVM is, and how it compares to UK veterinary qualifications.
DVM stands for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. It is the standard veterinary qualification in the United States and several other countries, rather than in the United Kingdom. In the UK, the equivalent degrees carry titles such as BVetMed, BVSc, BVMS or VetMB, all of which qualify you to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and practise as a vet.
DVM versus UK veterinary degrees
The main practical difference is the route, not the destination. In the US a DVM is a graduate degree, taken after a separate undergraduate degree, which makes it a longer overall path. In the UK, veterinary medicine is usually an undergraduate course taken straight from school, so you qualify sooner. Several UK schools also hold AVMA accreditation, which is relevant if you trained in the UK and want to practise in North America.
Studying in the UK as an international student
Because the UK route is undergraduate and shorter, many international students choose it over a DVM. Our guides on the best UK vet schools for international students and how to apply from the USA explain how this works and what it costs.
Common questions
What is a DVM degree?+
DVM stands for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, the standard veterinary qualification in the United States and some other countries. It is a graduate degree taken after a separate undergraduate degree, and it qualifies the holder to practise as a vet.
Is a DVM the same as a UK veterinary degree?+
They lead to the same profession but differ in route and title. UK degrees such as BVetMed, BVSc, BVMS and VetMB are usually undergraduate courses taken straight from school, while a US DVM is a graduate degree. Several UK schools hold AVMA accreditation recognised in North America.
Do UK vets have a DVM?+
No. UK vets hold degrees such as BVetMed, BVSc, BVMS or VetMB rather than a DVM, but these are equivalent professional qualifications that allow registration with the RCVS and practice as a veterinary surgeon.
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