LicenseCompass

VETERINARIAN License in New Jersey

Quick Answer

To become a licensed veterinarian in New Jersey, graduate from an AVMA-accredited school, pass the NAVLE and a state exam. New Jersey has no in-state vet school but supports a large companion-animal market in its dense suburban corridors. The state's equine breeding tradition remains significant.

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

Requirements

VETERINARIAN license in New Jersey

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

Department of Law and Public Safety~Division of Consumer Affairs~Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

VETERINARIAN Salary in New Jersey

Entry Level

$82,300

Median

$148,550

Experienced

$239,200

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 New Jersey.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NAVLE + New Jersey state 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 New Jersey: What to Know

New Jersey requires a DVM degree from an AVMA-accredited school, passage of the NAVLE, and a state-specific examination. The New Jersey Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, under the Division of Consumer Affairs, oversees the profession. New Jersey has no in-state veterinary school; candidates commonly attend the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, or other regional programs. Despite its small size, New Jersey is densely populated with a large companion-animal market, particularly in the New York City and Philadelphia suburban corridors. The state's equine industry is historically significant, with New Jersey earning the nickname 'Garden State' partly for its horse farms, and the state's standardbred and thoroughbred breeding operations in Monmouth and Burlington counties support equine veterinary practice. New Jersey also has a notable agricultural sector including dairy, blueberries, cranberries, and tomatoes, though it is declining relative to development. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst provides military veterinary positions. The state's proximity to multiple veterinary schools and specialty hospitals offers robust continuing education opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a VETERINARIAN license in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
You need to pass the NAVLE + New Jersey state exam. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare VETERINARIAN requirements across states.

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