In the US, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program is a four-year professional program that follows completion of undergraduate pre-requisite courses and a competitive admissions process. Most applicants complete a baccalaureate degree before entering the DVM program. In other areas of the world, students graduating from secondary school enter a 5- or 6-year program leading to a veterinary medical degree. Veterinary medicine encompasses diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in a broad spectrum of animals, which means that veterinary students must be trained in many species. Veterinary graduates must be prepared, at the time of graduation, to practice independently. In the US, veterinary graduates are eligible to apply for licensure immediately upon graduation, provided that they have passed the national licensing examination. Unlike human medicine, internship and residency training is not required. The majority of veterinary graduates in the US enter private practice. Veterinarians who wish to become specialists pursue internships, residencies and/or graduate training.