3. A veterinarian is anyone who is qualified to
treat diseased or injured animals. The
veterinarian examines the animal to determine
nature of disease or injury and treats the animal
surgically or medically. They advise animal
owners about sanitary measures, feeding, and
general care to promote health of animals.
4. โข More then 59,700 people worked as veterinarians in 2008,
while most in private practice.
โข Some veterinarians work in large hospitals for government
agencies.
โข Job growth is promising, the bureau indicates a 36%
projected growth rate from 2010-2020
5. โข As a veterinarian you can choose to perform general care or
receive additional training and specialize in a particular
field of animal therapy.
โข People who specialize in orthopedics are targeting the bones
and movement of the animals.
โข When you specialize in Oncology you have to treat animals
with cancer.
โข Veterinarians who specialize in neurology have to deal with
spine and brain issues with animals.
6. โข Veterinarians in private or clinical practice often work long hours in a
noisy indoor environment. Sometimes they have to deal with emotional
or demanding pet owners.
โข Veterinarians working in nonclinical areas, such as public health and
research, have working conditions similar to those of other professionals
in those lines of work. These veterinarians enjoy clean, well-lit offices
or laboratories and spend much of their time dealing with people
rather than animals.
โข Veterinarians often work long hours. Those in group practices may
take turns being on call for evening, night, or weekend work; solo
practitioners may work extended and weekend hours, responding to
emergencies or squeezing in unexpected appointments.
7. โข 4 years of pre-veterinary education and then attend a 4
year college of veterinary medicine.
โข Must have biology, chemistry, animal nutrition, zoology and
other college courses.
โข Attend a 1-2 year internship as a way to gain experience
and knowledge after graduation. (optional)
โข Admission to Veterinary school is very competitive.
Successful candidates usually apply to more than 2 schools.
8. All 50 states require some form of licensure to practice as a
Veterinarian, so the requirements are as followed:
โข Graduation from an accredited school of veterinary
medicine
โข Successful completion of a national veterinary
medicine exam
โข Apply for licensure in the state you will practice in.
11. โข Animal lovers get satisfaction from this occupation, but aspects of the
work can be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding, and
sometimes dangerous.
โข Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.
โข Nearly all States have continuing education requirements for licensed
veterinarians. Requirements differ by state and may involve attending
a class or otherwise demonstrating knowledge of recent medical and
veterinary advances
12. โข Most veterinarians begin as employees in established
group practices. Despite the substantial financial
investment in equipment, office space, and staff,
many veterinarians with experience eventually set
up their own practice or purchase an established one.
โข Newly trained veterinarians can become U.S.
Government meat and poultry inspectors, disease-
control workers, animal welfare and safety workers.
13. โข Veterinarians who work in research, federal and state government,
and university systems tend to be among the highest paid.
โข According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a
veterinarian is $39.44 per hour or $82,040 per year. It is important
to be aware that the amount of money you can make may vary
dramatically from what the average salary is. There are a number of
factors that will affect the amount of money you can earn. Where you
live and work, whether you work for a large company, how many
years of experience you have, and several other factors will determine
how much you are able to earn.
14. With a median salary of $82,900, veterinarians
earn a healthy salary for health care jobs. While
they earn less than physicians, who have an annual
mean wage of $183,170, veterinarians earn more
than double the pay of veterinary technologists
($30,140) and an amount similar to physician's
assistants ($89,860).
