Careers in Agriculture

By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Jennie Simpson

Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office

Georgia Department of Education

June 2005

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Veterinarian

What Is a Veterinarian?

• Veterinarians are doctors who care for animals.

• They treat diseased and injured animals

• Vaccinate animals

• Provide advice on care and breeding.

• Vets play a major role in the healthcare of many kinds of animals.

• They conduct research on animal health

Source: Cornelia Veterinary Hospital, Baldwin, GA

Duties of Veterinarians• Examine animals to diagnose diseases or treat injuries.

• Treat sick or injured animals

• Vaccinate animals against diseases, such as rabies and distemper.

• Collect body samples, and feces, blood, and urine for testing

• Operate diagnostic equipment and interpret the results.

• Advise owners on feeding and general care necessary to promote health of animals.

• Educate the public about zoonotic diseases.

• Train and supervise workers who handle and care for animals.

• Provide care to a wide range of animals or specialize in a particular species, such as horses or exotic birds.

• Euthanize animals.*These are some common duties of the profession. This list is not all inclusive, and duties can

vary greatly within the profession.

Becoming a Veterinarian

• Veterinarians must have a deep desire for the well being and care of animals.

• Personal qualities include being personable, compassionate, assertive, a keen power of observation, and an inquiring mind.

• Aptitude and interest in biological sciences is important too.

• Need to get along with pet owners because many will form a strong bond with their pet.

• You need excellent communication, business skills, scientific knowledge and have high ethical standards.

• Good problem solving skills and the ability to think creatively, “outside of the box,” make a person successful in a career as a veterinarian.

Education

• There are 28 schools of veterinary medicine in the US, and only 43% of applicants are accepted per year.

• 75% of students in vet school are women.

• You need to make good grades in science, biology and math in high school.

• Undergraduate coursework usually includes three to four years of college and is needed to be admitted to vet school.

• Medical study is difficult and time consuming. Develop good study habits

• Volunteer at local clinics, zoos, or humane societies to gain experience.

Employment

• Veterinarians can work for the state or federal government, zoos, labs, research, universities, or private practice.

• Demand is high for veterinarians in the fields of pathology, lab animal medicine, and food animal medicine.

• Demand for veterinarians is increasing by 3% each year.

• The salary can range from $45,000 to over $100,000 depending on location, experience, and area of vet medicine.

• Vets in private practice can concentrate on small animals, large animals, exotics, or a mixed practice. Equine medicine is another area of private practice.

Vocabulary

Zoonotic Disease- an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans.

Ex. Ringworm-a fungus that can be found on the skin of animals. This fungus can be transmitted to humans if they touch it!

Related Careers• Animal Behaviorist

• Animal Nutritionist

• Avian Veterinarian

• Biological Scientist

• Ichthyologist

• Marine Biologist

•Zoologist

• Veterinary Technician

Career Resources

American Veterinary Medical Association

1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100 Schaumburg, Illinois 60173-4360

Internet: http://www.avma.org

 

American Animal Hospital Association

P.O. Box 150899 Denver, Colorado 80215-0899

Internet: http://www.healthypet.com

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges

1101 Vermont Ave. NW Suite 301 Washington, DC 20005

Internet: http://www.aavmc.org

University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

Internet: www.vet.uga.edu