Veterinarian

About

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of animals, determine the nature of disease or injury and treat animals surgically or medically. They inoculate animals against disease and test cattle for tuberculosis and brucellosis; conduct necropsies to determine cause of death; inspect animals, both before and after slaughter that are intended for human food; advise individuals on the care and breeding of animals; engage in general practice, treating various animal species or specialize, restricting practice to dogs, cats, and other pets, or to single species such as cattle, horses, or poultry.

Code Citation Chapter 169

Who Applies All persons wishing to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Iowa and who has received a doctor of veterinary medicine degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine.

When To Apply Applications are accepted at any time from qualified applicants.

Initial Requirements An applicant must be a graduate of a four year college of veterinary medicine to get a doctor of medicine degree. Foreign graduates need to submit an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) or Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) certificate. Applicants must have received a passing score for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or the National Board Exam/Clinical Competency Test (NBE/CCT) exams, if applicable.

Duration Three years for renewal. Initial licensure is prorated to group renewal date.

Processing Time Approximately 60 days.

Fee Structure Application: $50 License Fee: $60. Exam: $740 – NAVLE Exam

Renewal Requirements At least sixty hours of continuing education in courses approved by the Board of Veterinary Medicine shall be completed triennially by each licensee for license renewal. A maximum of 20 hours of continuing education during any one triennial license period may be achieved by completion of approved practice management courses. The balance will be from scientific continuing education.

Exam The veterinary applicant must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). This exam replaced the NBE and CCT and is offered in April and December of each year.

Additional Information All persons wishing to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Iowa.