LicenseCompass

Veterinarian License in Nevada

Quick Answer

To become a licensed veterinarian in Nevada, earn a DVM, pass the NAVLE and the Nevada jurisprudence exam. Nevada has no in-state vet school. Practice is split between the Las Vegas and Reno companion-animal markets and rural ranching, with unique opportunities in wild horse management through the BLM.

Exam
NAVLE + Nevada jurisprudence exam
Timeline
4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Veterinarian license in Nevada

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Both state and third-party exams required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Veterinarian Salary in Nevada

Entry Level

$54,630

Median

$121,720

Experienced

$205,340

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Veterinarian in Nevada.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Both state and third-party exams required — NAVLE + Nevada jurisprudence exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing).

Veterinarian Licensing in Nevada: What to Know

Nevada requires a DVM degree from an AVMA-accredited school, passage of the NAVLE, and a state jurisprudence examination. The Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners oversees licensure. Nevada does not have an AVMA-accredited veterinary school; residents commonly attend programs at Colorado State University, UC Davis, Oregon State University, or through WICHE regional agreements. Nevada's practice environment is sharply divided between the rapidly growing Las Vegas and Reno metropolitan areas, which support large companion-animal and specialty markets serving millions of residents and visitors, and the vast rural interior, where cattle ranching and wild horse management dominate. The Bureau of Land Management's wild horse and burro program, headquartered in part in Nevada (the state has the largest population of wild horses in the nation), creates unique opportunities in equine welfare and population management. Nevada's gaming industry also includes equine racing, and Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base in southern Nevada provide military veterinary positions. The state's extreme desert climate and limited water resources present unique challenges for livestock health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Veterinarian license in Nevada?
The process typically takes 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Veterinarian license in Nevada?
You need to pass the NAVLE + Nevada jurisprudence exam. Both state and third-party exams required

Considering another state?

Compare Veterinarian requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.