Like humans, animals are susceptible to a variety of illnesses and diseases. Veterinary nursing programs give students the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and treat animals. Programs may teach general veterinary nursing skills, and they may also cover specialized veterinary subjects.

Master-level studies involve specialized study in a field of research or an area of professional practice. Earning a master’s degree demonstrates a higher mastery of the subject. Earning a master’s degree can take anywhere from a year to three or four years. Before you can graduate, you usually must write and defend a thesis, a long paper that is the culmination of your specialized research.