Careers in Veterinary Medicine

Three Major TracksVeterinarian

Practice

Specialty

Industrial

Government

Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Assistant

VeterinarianGeneral Practice

Most Common

Diagnose, treat and prevent disease in animals owned by the public

Often limited by what clients can pay

VeterinarianEducation

4 Years undergraduate (Bachelor)

4 Years Veterinary School (DVM)

Competettive admission to Vet Schools

VeterinarianEducation cost:

Undergraduate

$28,155 - $42,224

per year

Veterinary School

$18,000 - $38,000

tuition, plus books, fees, living

VeterinarianAverage Starting Salary

Private Practice

$65,404

Average debt at graduation

$151,672

VeterinarianSpecialty

Responsible for specialized care, referrals, consultations, teaching and research.

VeterinarianSpecialty

Limited by geography: large enough population to support specialty, some financial limitations, other location-specific

VeterinarianSpecialty

Education: DVM degree (at least 8 years) followed by 1-year internship, then 2-4 year residency in specialty area and pass board exams

VeterinarianSpecialty

Education cost: Internship usually unpaid, residents typically paid almost enough to cover living expenses.

VeterinarianSpecialty

Mean salary (NOT starting) $148,000 for private practice specialists

$136,000 for corporate and public specialists

VeterinarianGovernment and Industry

Responsible for care of military animals, public health and food inspection, research, product development and testing.

VeterinarianGovernment and Industry

Limitations: Location, job type

VeterinarianGovernment and Industry

Education: DVM to specialty to advanced degree

Salaries vary with duties and education

Veterinary Technician (LVT)Responsible for assisting veterinarians in treatment, surgery, animal handling. May perform anesthesia, many dental procedures, client education, laboratory testing, etc. Often supervise other employees.

Veterinary TechnicianLimitations:

May not diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery or practice outside the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. Limited advancement.

Veterinary TechnicianEducation:

2-3 years college, graduate from accredited college program and pass board examination. NOT an on-the-job trained position. Equivalent to a human RN.

Veterinary TechnicianCost of Education: Online or classroom-based, $1300 - $30,000 depending upon degree, location and type of training

Veterinary TechnicianStarting salary: $17,362 - $39,732

Typically maximum salary $68,000

Specialty training available.

Veterinary AssistantResponsible for assisting licensed technicians (LVTs) and veterinarians: Animal restrain, sanitation, nursing care, some lab procedures, preparing and giving medication, etc.

Veterinary AssistantLimitations:

Must be directly supervised by veterinarian or technician; may not diagnose, treat, prescribe, perform surgery or anesthesia

Veterinary AssistantEducation:

Usually trained on the job. Certificate programs available but not required. High school completion, written and verbal communication, math skills, work ethic required.

Veterinary AssistantCost of Education:

Typically earn while doing on the job training.

Veterinary AssistantStarting Salary: Typically minimum wage, may increase somewhat with experience but raises and advancement are limited without additional education.