When deciding to pursue a career in medicine, it’s common for students to ask, “Is vet school harder than med school?” Although you’re likely looking for a straightforward yes or no answer, the reality is more nuanced than that. Both vet school and med school are academically rigorous, emotionally demanding, and incredibly fulfilling.
Rather than asking yourself which path is harder, it may be more helpful to ask yourself, “Which one best suits my interests and goals?”
Is It Harder to Get Into Vet School or Med School?
The application processes for both veterinary school and medical school are highly competitive, but each path has similar requirements for what applicants must complete during their undergraduate studies.
Although pre-vet studies and pre-med studies can vary by school, they heavily focus on science courses like chemistry, biology, and physics. Preparation for each path tends to overlap because both require a strong scientific background before moving on to your preferred area of study.
Vet School vs. Med School Matriculant Data
According to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges’ (AAVMC) 2024-2025 Annual Data Report, 4,278 students enrolled in U.S. veterinary programs for the Class of 2028. At first glance, this number seems small, but with only 30 accredited veterinary schools in the U.S., seats are limited. For perspective, in 2025, there were around 12,000 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) applicants and only 5,200 first-time seats available across all U.S. and international AAVMC member institutions.
The Association of American Medical Colleges’ Applicants, Matriculants, Enrollment, and Graduates to U.S. Medical Schools, 2015-2016 through 2024-2025 table shows that 23,156 applicants matriculated into a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in 2024–2025. While this number seems much bigger at first glance, there are more medical schools available in the U.S. Additionally, less than half of those who applied to medical school actually matriculated.
Testing Requirements
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinary School Admission 101 post, some vet schools accept Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) scores while others prefer the Graduate Record Exam® (GRE®) or Biology GRE®. Medical schools largely require MCAT® scores, but some may also accept the GRE®.
Professional Experience Requirements
Vet school and med school applicants are expected to gain professional experience in their respective fields. This can be done through shadowing opportunities, work at local clinics, or participation in research projects.
Vet School vs. Med School: Similarities and Differences
DVM and MD programs have several structural similarities.
Vet School and Med School Similarities |
| Curriculum | Start with foundational sciences—like anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology—to build your understanding of body systems |
| Clinical Training | Focus shifts from book studies to gaining patient experience halfway through the program |
| | Both programs prepare you to pursue licensure to legally practice in the U.S. While vet school prepares you for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination® (NAVLE®), med school prepares you to take the United States Medical Licensing Exam® (USMLE®). |
Although their academic structures share similarities, the content and approach differ greatly.
Vet School and Med School Differences |
| | Vet School | Med School |
| Curriculum | Covers multiple species, including small animals, large animals, exotic animals, zoo animals, and more | Focuses only on humans |
| Program Length | Takes around 4 years (can be completed in less if it’s an accelerated program) | Takes 4 years to complete |
| Clinical Training | Can take place in zoos, private practices, shelters, clinics, and more | Takes place in teaching hospitals and clinics |
Is Being a Vet Harder Than Being a Doctor?
Both paths share similar struggles, but in different ways. According to findings from the fourth edition of Merck Animal Health’s well-being study:
- 82% of veterinarians reported low to medium levels of burnout
- 61% experienced high or very high levels of exhaustion
Meanwhile, a 2023 study co-authored by researchers from the American Medical Association (AMA), the Mayo Clinic, the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and Stanford Medicine reported physicians are 82% more likely to experience burnout than those in other fields.
There’s an emotional cost that comes with being a vet or physician since some patients, despite the professional’s best efforts, can’t be saved. The grief of pet owners and families can take its toll on vets and physicians alike over time. With high patient volumes and varying complexity of cases, it’s only natural for both types of healthcare provider to experience fatigue and burnout.
Is Vet Med Harder Than Human Med?
Neither path is inherently harder than the other. They’re just different. If you’re still having trouble deciding between applying for a DVM program or an MD program, take a moment to do a self-assessment.
- Do you want to treat animals or humans?
- Would you be happier going in depth on one species or learning about a larger variety of species?
- What kind of lifestyle do you want after graduation?
- Can you handle the emotional toll of end-of-life decisions regularly?
- Is being able to verbally communicate with your patients important?
Rather than focusing on which path is harder, focus instead on which path you think will be most rewarding for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is veterinary medicine harder than human medicine?
No, not necessarily. Veterinary medicine is simply different from human medicine. Vets rely heavily on observation, testing, and the owner’s word to figure out what’s going on with their patient.
MDs can typically ask their patient questions and receive direct responses.
What’s the biggest difference between vet school and medical school?
Veterinary medicine covers a broad range of species, whereas human medicine goes deeper into the complexities of the human body and the systems within. Vet school content may feel complex since you’re learning about diseases, behaviors, and drug responses across multiple species, not just one. Like human medicine, you can pursue specialties within veterinary medicine if that interests you, but it’s not a requirement.
Can you switch between veterinary medicine and human medicine?
Yes, but only after completing the appropriate training and licensure requirements, as each field has unique regulatory boards and practicing requirements.
A licensed vet can’t automatically treat humans, and vice versa. If you’re interested in switching paths, you’ll need to go back to school.
Ready to start your veterinary studies? Apply to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine today!
