The Norwegian veterinary program typically begins with a five‑year master’s degree (MSc in Veterinary Medicine) granted by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Ås. Admission requirements include a finished secondary education with strong grades in biology, chemistry and mathematics, and completion of a preparatory course known as the “opphold på grundskolen” when needed. During the first two years students study animal biology, physiology, and microbiology, while the third to fifth years focus on clinical practice in hospitals, community clinics, and specialized departments such as surgery, oncology, and parasitology. Practical experience is cumulative; students participate in internships that introduce them to small‑animal, large‑animal, and exotic‑animal care, as well as to public‑health responsibilities.
Upon graduation, veterinarians may employ themselves in animal hospitals, working farms, research institutions, or governmental agencies. Licensing is required through the Norwegian Veterinary Association, and continuous professional development is encouraged to keep abreast of advances in diagnostics, therapeutics and animal welfare regulations.
Internationally, veterinary education follows a similar structure, though duration and curricula vary. In the United States, for example, veterinary medicine is taught at professional schools that award Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees after four to five years of study. European Union regulations also facilitate mobility among member states for qualified veterinarians.
Recent trends in veterinærutdanning include increased emphasis on One Health—a concept linking animal, human and environmental health—integrated use of big data and precision medicine, and expanding roles in public health, animal nutrition, and conservation. These developments aim to produce veterinarians who are versatile professionals equipped to address contemporary challenges in animal welfare, zoonotic disease control, and sustainable agriculture.