Veterinarian Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

For some people, pets are just as important as any member of their family. For those who work in agriculture or livestock production, the animals are a source of revenue and food, and the possibility of one of their animals falling sick is a grave situation in which their livelihood is jeopardized. No matter whether a family has one dog, or a farmer has three hundred cows, it is important for them to maintain the health and wellness of their animals. Although they are considered to be simpler than humans, caring for animals is a complicated process that involves a lot of training. The professional that is responsible for examining, diagnosing and treating both domesticated, exotic and livestock animals. Unlike human medical doctors which are highly specialized, it is usually the job of the veterinarian to deal with all different shapes and sizes of patients, and they will have to do everything from nail cutting to surgery.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$85,100
Salary Range
$52,200 - $120,000

Work Environment

After completing all necessary education and training, it is not uncommon for veterinarians to open their own practice and specialize in the types of animals that they are most comfortable working around. However, in some situations it is possible for veterinarians to be employed at group practice clinics, zoos, animal preserves, or teaching hospitals.

High School Preparation

Those individuals that think they would enjoy working with animals and are interested in the responsibilities of a veterinarian are encouraged to spend their high school career increasing their knowledge of biology, physical science, genetics, nutrition, chemistry, biochemistry, animal physiology, and computer skills.

Requirements

Following high school, it is necessary for those that are interested in pursuing the career of a veterinarian to enroll in an accredited pre-veterinarian program at a traditional college or university. After they have successfully completed the bachelor’s degree, it is necessary for the student to apply to veterinarian schools. These programs are extremely competitive and it is usually the students with the best undergraduate marks and clinical experience that get accepted. When they have completed their formal education and clinical training, aspiring vets must take and pass the national licensure examination.

Career Outlook

As more and more pet owners become interested in more sophisticated and preventative care for their pets, and industrial farming and livestock raising make it necessary to maintain health stock in order to protect the food supply, it is expected that the demand for highly qualified veterinarians will increase rapidly over the next decade. Those that are the most familiar with the modern technologies and that have specialized in certain animals or procedures are likely to be the most successful.

Professional Organizations

American Veterinary Medical Association
1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
Phone: (847) 925-8070
www.avma.org