- Desire2Study
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
When researching veterinary degrees, you’ll often see two designations — DVM and VMD. At first glance, they seem different. In reality, they represent the same professional qualification. Both titles lead to becoming a fully licensed veterinarian. The main difference lies in tradition, not in training or recognition.
If you’re planning to study veterinary medicine abroad or in North America, understanding what each title means — and how recognition works globally — can help you make smarter choices about where to apply.
Table of Contents
What do VMD and DVM mean?
DVM stands for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, the standard title used by nearly all accredited veterinary schools in the United States and internationally.
VMD stands for Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris, which is Latin for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is the only institution that awards the VMD. This tradition dates back to the university’s policy of granting all degrees in Latin. Aside from the title, coursework, clinical training, and professional outcomes are identical to the DVM.
Are VMD and DVM the same qualification?
Yes — they are functionally equivalent.
Both degrees meet the same AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) standards and qualify graduates for licensure in all U.S. states and territories. The accreditation process ensures consistency across veterinary programs, regardless of whether they award a DVM or VMD.
Employers, licensing boards, and postgraduate programs treat both credentials equally. In other words, a Penn Vet graduate holding a VMD and a graduate from Cornell or UC Davis holding a DVM are recognised as the same type of professional veterinarian.
Who awards the VMD?
The University of Pennsylvania has a long-standing tradition of awarding degrees in Latin — hence VMD rather than DVM. Established in 1884, Penn Vet was among the first veterinary schools in the U.S., and the Latin naming convention has simply remained part of its heritage.
No other American veterinary university uses this title today. So if you come across someone with “VMD” after their name, you can safely assume they graduated from Penn Vet.
Admissions, training, and licensing
The curriculum, training standards, and licensing routes for DVM and VMD degrees are identical. Both programs typically last four years and cover:
Two years of pre-clinical sciences — anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology.
Two years of clinical rotations across small animal, large animal, and specialised units.
A professional competency exam (NAVLE in the U.S.) for licensure.
Admission requirements generally include:
An undergraduate degree or prerequisite coursework in sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
Relevant animal or clinical experience.
Letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
After graduation, both VMD and DVM holders must pass the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination) and meet individual state or country licensing rules to practice legally.
Recognition in the UK, USA, Canada & abroad
Both VMD and DVM degrees are recognised worldwide as equivalent veterinary qualifications.
USA: Both are accredited by AVMA/COE and required for licensure.
UK: Recognised as professional doctorates equivalent to UK veterinary degrees (e.g., BVSc or MVB). Graduates must register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Canada: The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) recognises AVMA-accredited programs.
Europe and beyond: Recognition depends on the country’s veterinary regulator, but AVMA-accredited schools are widely accepted.
If you study veterinary medicine in Europe (through Desire2Study’s partner universities), you’ll gain a degree aligned with EU and WFME standards — ensuring global career flexibility.
VMD vs DVM: salaries, specialties, and careers
The letters after your name don’t determine your income — your skills, experience, and chosen specialty do.
Veterinarians with either degree can pursue the same career paths:
Clinical practice (small animal, equine, mixed, or exotic)
Research and academia
Public health, government, or pharmaceutical roles
Advanced specialisations (surgery, cardiology, dentistry, etc.)
Salary averages vary by country and role. In the U.S., new graduates typically earn $90,000–$110,000/year, while experienced specialists can exceed $200,000/year. Globally, veterinarians with international training often see excellent mobility and competitive compensation.
BVSc, MVB and other equivalents
Outside North America, you’ll encounter titles like:
BVSc – Bachelor of Veterinary Science (UK, South Africa, India)
MVB – Medicinae Veterinariae Baccalaureus (Ireland)
Dr. Med. Vet. – Continental Europe
These all represent equivalent professional veterinary degrees. The crucial factor is program accreditation, not the title format. These are degree-name variations rather than rank differences; the key is program accreditation and your intended country of practice.
Desire2Study guides applicants toward WFME-recognised veterinary universities in Europe offering English-taught programs that meet these global equivalence standards.
How to choose the right veterinary school
Start with recognition: Check AVMA/COE, WFME, and your target country’s regulator.
Language of instruction: If you prefer English-taught programs in Europe, shortlist universities accordingly (we’ll help).
Clinical exposure: Look for early hands-on training, simulation labs, and strong teaching-hospital networks.
Costs & location: Balance tuition and living costs with career goals and residency pathways.
Support: Choose schools (and an application partner) that offer interview prep, relocation help, and mentorship.
Desire2Study can match you to WFME-recognised, English-taught veterinary programs in Europe and guide you on return-to-practice routes for the UK/USA/Canada.
Book a free consultation and we’ll build your pathway from application to practice.
FAQs
Is a VMD better than a DVM?
No — both represent the same qualification. “VMD” is simply Penn Vet’s Latin version of “DVM.”
Are VMDs recognised internationally?
Yes, both degrees are recognised in the UK, USA, Canada, and globally where AVMA or WFME accreditation applies.
Can I study veterinary medicine in English in Europe?
Absolutely. Desire2Study partners with multiple European universities offering veterinary programs fully taught in English.