Veterinary Jobs: An All-inclusive Guide
Paving the way to a Career in Veterinary Medicine
A career in veterinary medicine can be incredibly rewarding for those with a love for animals and the desire to improve animal health. These positions extend beyond merely providing medical care for household pets. They also encompass nurturing livestock, wildlife, and exotic animals. However, seeking a career in veterinary medicine can be rigorous and demanding. Luckily, the variety and vitality of veterinary jobs are worth the extensive education and commitment required. Let us take a comprehensive look at various veterinary jobs, the requirements for these roles, their potential salary, and the steps needed to secure such a position.
Types of Veterinary Jobs
1. Veterinarian
A Veterinarian is a doctor who specializes in animal health. They diagnose and treat diseases, disorders, and injuries in animals. This role encompasses a variety of species, from household pets to farm animals or even zoo wildlife.
2. Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)
Working as a veterinary technician is akin to being a nurse in a human hospital. Vet Techs are in charge of carrying out various medical tests, with the results aiding the veterinarian in diagnosing the illnesses and injuries of animals.
3. Veterinary Assistant
A Veterinary Assistant provides aid and support during animal examinations. Their role also involves sanitizing labs and cages and maintaining a comfortable and safe environment for animals in clinics or hospitals.
4. Vet Pathologist
Veterinary Pathologists conduct tests on tissues and bodily fluids of animals to diagnose diseases and ascertain causes of illness and death. They commonly serve in diagnostic laboratories or work in collaboration with other veterinarians in clinical practices.
5. Veterinary Pharmacists
Specializing in dispensing veterinary medication, they ensure that the prescribed drugs are suitable for the animal's medical condition.
Requirements and Qualifications
1. Veterinarian
To work as a Veterinarian, one would need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Entry into veterinary school generally requires a bachelor's degree, and coursework in biology, chemistry, and animal science is beneficial. Aspiring veterinarians should also pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice in the U.S.
2. Veterinary Technician
Typically, a Veterinary Technician needs an associate degree from an accredited community college program in veterinary technology. Moreover, they also need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to be authorized to practice.
3. Veterinary Assistant
There is no particular educational requirement for a Veterinary Assistant role. However, a high school diploma or equivalent qualification is typically preferred by employers.
4. Vet Pathologist
To become a Vet Pathologist, one must acquire a DVM degree and then complete a residency program in veterinary pathology. Candidates also need board certification from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP).
5. Veterinary Pharmacists
Becoming a Veterinary Pharmacist requires a Doctorate in Pharmacy with further specialization in Veterinary Pharmacy, either through work experience or specialized veterinary pharmacy education and training.
Potential Salary
As with any career field, salaries in veterinary jobs can vary based on a host of factors such as location, level of experience, educational qualifications, and job responsibilities.
- Veterinarian: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the median pay for veterinarians in 2019 was $95,460 per year.
- Veterinary Technician: The average annual salary for vet techs in the U.S. in 2019 was $35,320.
- Veterinary Assistant: In 2019, vet assistants in the U.S. earned an average salary of $28,590 per year.
- Vet Pathologist: A vet pathologist's salary can range widely, but the average salary in the U.S. is approximately $137,000 per year.
- Veterinary Pharmacists: The average annual salary for veterinary pharmacists in the U.S. varies widely but is generally comparable to the salaries of pharmacists in human medicine, which averages around $128,090.
Steps to Apply for Veterinary Jobs
Securing a role in the veterinary field involves a combination of the right education, experience, and dedication. Here are the general steps to kick-start your career in veterinary medicine.
1. Acquire the Necessary Education
As mentioned previously, the first step towards a career in this field is acquiring the necessary education based on the job role you are targeting. For example, aspiring veterinarians need a DVM degree, while vet techs typically require an associate degree in veterinary technology.
2. Complete Internships and Gain Work Experience
Practical experience is essential in this field. Thus, completing internships and gaining hands-on experience is integral. Not only does it enrich your CV, but it also provides a clearer understanding of what the job entails.
3. Obtain the Required Licenses and Certifications
Licensure and certification are mandatory in most states for practicing veterinary medicine. Hence, acquiring the necessary licenses and passing relevant certification exams is paramount.
4. Apply for Jobs
Once you are equipped with the right qualifications and licenses, start your job search. You can utilize online job portals, recruitment agencies, or networking to find suitable job openings.
5. Prepare for Interviews
Once shortlisted, preparing for interviews is your next crucial step. Aside from preparing to answer job-related questions, showing genuine compassion and concern for animal welfare is essential.
Here's to Your Flourishing Veterinary Career
A career in veterinary medicine can be a fulfilling choice for those dedicated to the welfare and well-being of animals. The roles within this field are many, offering diverse opportunities to serve animals in various capacities. As you equip yourself with the needed education, certifications, skills, and experience, remember that the compassion and commitment needed to improve animal life is as tantamount. May your path in veterinary medicine be both fulfilling and triumphant.
