Veterinarian information: Learn about the work of a veterinarian - the challenges, risks and joys of treating sick and injured animals.
So, you want to be animal doctor? Great, veterinary medicine is an interesting and rewarding career choice. But, there's more to being a vet than treating sick animals. Let's find out a little more about the world of the animal doctor.
Veterinary Medicine is, in fact, a science. As well as treating sick animals, they also research treatments for illnesses, investigate the latest in food formulations and participate in Government sponsored public relations programs. The research side of the profession can be extremely rewarding. Research centers can be located at Universities, Government agencies and private businesses. Government veterinarians may be researchers for the National Institute of Health and the center for Disease Control. They may also work for the Food and Drug Administration or the U.S.Public Health Service. To become a veterinary researcher one will require education beyond a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Many researchers have a Doctorate or Masters degree. New technology in livestock and food production mean that the career outlook for veterinary research is good.
Veterinary Doctors come in two varieties; those who treat companion animals, such as dogs and cats, and those who treat large animals, such as cattle, sheep and pigs. Companion Vets diagnose and treat problems with our beloved animal companions, they advise us on proper care of our pets. Some vets specialise in treating exotic pets, such as ferrets, rabbits or birds. Most Companion Animal Vets work in private practice. Their hours worked can be long and outside of the normal 9 to 5. After all, you can never tell when an animal is going to get sick.
Vets who specialise on larger animals tend to work with farmers and other agricultural businesses. They diagnose and treat problems with livestock. Part of their job involves overseeing the safety of our meat supply, especially important as agriculture turns to new animal drugs to maintain livestock. Large animal vets often are called out early in the morning to inspect herds before the heat of the day makes it uncomfortable for the animals.
What qualities are required of a vet? An inquiring mind, and keen powers of observation. Aptitude and interest in biology is important. A vet should be able to meet, talk and work well with all sorts of people. A vet also has to deal with the part of the job that calls on him to euthanatize animals that are seriously sick. As well as dealing with his own feelings, he must also comfort the grieving owner.
A career as a vet requires an minimum of two years college education before entering a 4 year professional program. Some veterinary medicine programs are longer in length and may result in a baccalaureate degree. There are over 75 veterinary medicine programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Graduation from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program allows one to take the credentialing exam in any state of the country.
For all vets, skills in biology, chemistry and related fields are necessary. Above all, though, is a love for and desire to help animals. If you are a real animal person, then you may just find that being a vet is, indeed, your dream job.
