Occupations - Veterinarian

What do veterinarians do?

VETERINARIANS deal with medical problems of animals. They treat and diagnose animal diseases, provide preventive care, work to curb the spread of diseases spread by animals, give advice on livestock management and work to promote public health. Most Veterinarians work in private practice. The majority treat small animals such as cats and dogs. Others specialize in larger animals or treat both. Typically, these Veterinarians diagnose medical problems, perform surgery, and prescribe and administer medicine, drugs, and vaccines. Small animal medicine concentrates on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pet diseases. Services are usually provided in offices, animal hospitals, or clinics. A few veterinarians make house calls. Veterinarians for large animals specialize in the health care needs of horses and agriculture animals, and advise ranchers and farmers on proper care and management of livestock. Much of their work is done at the owner's ranch, farm, or home. Veterinarians also work in specialized fields. Those in the public health field work to protect people from animal transmitted diseases. Veterinarians employed in government inspection services insure that meat, poultry, and dairy products are fit for human consumption. Veterinarians with careers in Research look for better ways to prevent and solve both animal health and human health problems. Still other choices include careers in the United States armed forces, veterinary colleges, zoos, animal theme parks, space and marine biology, medical Research facilities, racetracks and other private industries. Quoted from: California Occupational Guide Number 282, Interest Area 13

What are the requirements and training required to be a veterinarian? NOTE: This information is based on the requirements for the state of California. Check locally to see what the exact requirements will be in your state.

Applicants to California's only school of veterinary medicine -- University of California, Davis -- must have completed the equivalent of three full academic years of pre-veterinary study at an accredited college or university. This work must include required units in physics, chemistry, biology, physiology, genetics, English, social science or humanities and statistics. Required courses taken in accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities are acceptable. Evaluation for admission to this four-year veterinary program is based upon academic excellence, the Graduate Record Exam, and demonstrated motivation and experience in working with animals. Enrollment at UC Davis is limited to 108 openings per year. Competition for these openings is intense; there are five to six applicants for each. The majority of those admitted are biological or animal science majors. Enrollment is limited at all schools of veterinary medicine in the United States. Most veterinary colleges are located in state universities and give preference to applicants who are state residents. States without veterinary colleges usually contract with other states to admit a specified number of their students each year. Many of the schools also reserve a limited number of openings for non-resident, non-contract students. To be licensed in California, Veterinarians must pass the California State Board Exam. This exam requires passing scores on both the National Exam and Clinical Competency test. ADVANCEMENT - Beginning Veterinarians going into private practice usually accept positions in established group practices. If the group practice is a small one, this might mean having to buy into the partnership. Experienced veterinarians may decide to open their own practices. Establishing a new practice requires a substantial financial investment. ADVANCEMENT - Many graduates begin their careers by joining practitioners they have worked with during veterinary college. Job leads can also result from letters of inquiry addressed to the school by potential employers. Other graduates locate positions by direct contact and networking. Professional organizations and journals are also good sources for job leads. Quoted from: California Occupational Guide Number 282, Interest Area 13

Tasks, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Work Activities, Work Context, Interests, Work Values, Crosswalks

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