Pathway: Science
Job: Veterinarian

Job Description

Veterinarians prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, disorders, and injuries in animals.

Necessary Education

4-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) to obtain a license

Helpful High School Courses

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health, English, Mathematics

Working Conditions

• Often work long hours and may include evening, night, or weekend hours and being on call
• Risk being bitten, kicked, or scratched by animals

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $72,560
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wages, $34.88

• Veterinarians may be self-employed in solo or group practices; other positions may
  be found in government, colleges of veterinary medicine, manufacturing industries
  (primarily in the medical instruments and supplies industries), medical schools,
  research laboratories, animal food companies, and pharmaceutical companies
  
• Veterinary graduates may complete a 1-year internship, which usually leads to a higher beginning salary
  
• Those who seek board certification in a specialty must also complete a 2- to 3-year
  residency program
  
• All States and the District of Columbia require that veterinarians be licensed before
  they can practice, with only a few exemptions
  
• The majority of States also require candidates to pass a State jurisprudence
  examination covering State laws and regulations
  
• Most States have continuing education requirements for licensed veterinarians

Personal Qualities and Interests

      You:

• Are able to quickly make decisions in emergencies
  
• Have patience
  
• Have good manual dexterity
  
• Have an affinity for animals and the ability to get along with animal owners

Did you know?

• Job prospects are expected to be good
  
• Although many perform traditional veterinary clinical services, others may contribute to
  human as well as animal health by conducting research or being involved in food safety issues at various levels

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
• American Veterinary Medical Association: http://www.avma.org
  
• Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges: http://www.aavmc.org
  

  
  

  DISCLAIMER: Links are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement