Veterinarians examine and treat animals to diagnose health problems, vaccinate against diseases, and ensure a safe food supply. They typically work in private clinics but some travel to farms or work in laboratories. Veterinarians must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited college, which requires 4 years of study following an undergraduate degree in biology or animal sciences. The average salary for veterinarians is $69,100 in Iowa and $82,000 nationally.

1. Veterinarian
By Ethan Kienzle

2. Duties and Responsibilities
• Examine animals to diagnose their health problems.
• Treat and dress wounds.
• Test for and vaccinate against diseases.
• Prescribe medication.
• Ensure a safe food supply by maintaining the health on
food animals.

3. Work Environment
• Although most veterinarians work in private
clinics, others travel to farms, work outdoors, or work in
laboratories.
• Veterinarians risk being bitten, kicked, or scratched.
• Veterinarians often work long hours.

4. Education
• Veterinarians must complete a Doctor Medicine degree at an
accredited college of veterinary medicine.
• The professional curriculum is a 4 year course of study
• Students hoping to partake in this field should have their undergrad
in Biology or another science related field such as Animal Sciences.
• This is a very competitive field

5. Schools That Offer Programs
• Des Moines Area Community College
• Dordt College
• Eastern Iowa Community College District
• Hawkeye Community College
• Iowa State University
• Iowa Western Community College
• Kirkwood Community College
• Western Iowa Tech Community College

6. Salary
• The average yearly salary varies slightly when
comparing it nationally to the average in Iowa.
• National: $82,000 Iowa: $69,100
• Veterinarians who handle large animals exclusively
generally had higher earnings. Some earned $150,000
or more per year.

7. Benefits Veterinarians Receive
• 30 day paid vacations
• Paid sick leave
• Health and dental care at no cost
• Low cost health care for their families
• Low cost life insurance
• Paid holidays

8. Bibliography
• Educationnews.org
• Wiki Answers.com
• Discover
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Iastate.edu