Know Thyself-Career Exploration

• Biology: foundation for understanding anatomy, physiology, genetics, & other concepts

• Chemistry: (biochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, which are all essential areas of study for veterinarians):  chemical processes in living organisms

• Math: scientific data reports, (calculus and statistics can be particularly useful.)

• English: Efficient communication with both coworkers and customers

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary college

• State license

Salary

Starting salary: $45,000

$103,260/year on average

-or-

$49.64/hour

Good

Good job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for veterinarians will increase by 19% between now and 2031.

• Educate pet/animal owners on the proper care of their animals.

• Examining animals, diagnosing any problems, & treating health issues.

• Perform surgery on animals.

• Operate medical equipment, such as x-ray machines.

• Be prepared to euthanize animals.

Usually indoors but can be asked to travel to other clinics or patients’ homes to treat the animals (This is different for traveling vets). They can sometimes work outside for other tasks.

Job hazards

Animal bites & scratches, possibly dangerous equipment

• Typically 40 hours/ week 

• 8 hours/ day all five days of the work week

• Generally, veterinarians can set their own work schedule to fit their needs.

Overtime

• Can work extra hours, such as nights or weekends.

• Overnight vets would usually work 13-hour shifts from 8 PM to 9 AM.

• Rigorous educational requirements and the cost of veterinary school

• Emotional challenges: distraught pet owners and euthanizing.

• Can be physically demanding: standing and walking around all day as well as lifting large animals onto tables.