Veterinarians may also choose to further their education and become board-certified in one of twenty-two different specialties recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Some of these specialties include pathology, dentistry, internal medicine, surgery, radiology, and more. To be considered, a veterinarian often completes a one-year internship before applying to a rigorous three-year residency program in their field of choice. Other veterinarians choose to forgo the internship and go out into the workforce right out of veterinary school, and then later down the road they may decide to apply for a residency program. The residency program offers additional training and experience in a specific field. Veterinarians who specialize can work either in private practice or in a university setting. Upon completion of additional training and board exams, veterinarians can be board certified in various areas of practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). Learn more here.

Some veterinarians may choose to practice exclusively with one type of animal, for example there are feline veterinarians who work exclusively with cats.