How can you become a veterinary scientist?

Veterinary scientists are trained in both veterinary clinical medicine & research.

You can think of veterinary scientists as “double doctors” who hold both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). While there are several ways to pursue this type of training, NAVS focuses on US-based combined or dual training programs, where both degrees are completed concurrently. Other paths include post-DVM research training and combined PhD/residency programs.

Find Your Path

  • A subset of veterinary schools and colleges in the United States offer concurrent DVM/PhD or VMD/PhD training programs. Not all combined or dual training programs are alike – program structures, timelines, and financial support vary by institution.

    Explore opportunities for integrated training here.

  • Veterinarians who have finished their DVM and seek additional training in scientific research may consider pursuing a PhD. Many colleges and universities across the country offer PhD programs spanning different fields and disciplines. Some are specifically geared towards veterinarians as post-doctoral trainees.

    Learn more about post-DVM PhD programs, including those listed here as programs supported by training awards from the National Institutes of Health.

  • Similarly to human medical training, veterinarians may pursue additional training beyond their DVM to become board-certified specialists in a given area, often through post-DVM internships and residency programs. Some residency programs offer concurrent PhD training in a field or discipline that relates to their specialty area.

    See some examples of combined residency/PhD training programs here.

Questions?

Questions?

Questions about becoming a
veterinary scientist?

Contact Us