How many years of college does it take to be a vet?

Becoming a veterinarian takes at least eight years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This time includes a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. It is possible to get into veterinary school without a degree, but applicants usually have a bachelor's degree.

Undergraduate schooling includes an array of science courses, including biology, anatomy and animal science. The typical four-year D.V.M. degree involves three years of classroom and lab work as well as a year of supervised clinical work with a practicing veterinarian. After meeting educational requirements, many aspiring veterinarians spend a year in an internship program. All states require licensing as well, which often involves completing a national and state exam.