Veterinarian

Veterinarians are the physicians and surgeons for animals. They should love animals, be prepared for difficult and emotional times with animals, and have the skill sets needed to get along with animal owners. Graduation from an accredited college or university of veterinary medicine is required, and competition to get into these schools is extremely competitive. Veterinarians should be prepared to diagnose, treat, vaccinate, and euthanize the animals they care for.

To learn more about pursuing a veterinary degree, feel free to request additional information.

Salary

The median annual wages reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2008 was $80,000. The lowest ten percent earned $46,000 and the highest 10 percent earned over $140,000. The average annual salary for veterinarians employed by the Federal Government was $93,000. On average, equine veterinarians earned less, with small animal veterinarians earning the most.

Training and Qualifications

Veterinarians must attend an accredited school of veterinary medicine that awards a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) in order to practice. In addition to this veterinary degree, veterinarians must pursue licensure, varying by State.

Programs do not necessarily require a bachelor degree to apply, but all require a significant amount of credit hours—from 45 to 90—in order to apply for veterinary school. Competition to enter veterinary school is keen. Students are encouraged to take coursework related to the field, such as biology and animal sciences.

In addition to satisfying preliminary entry requirements, applicants to veterinary school are required to provide scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), and/or the Medical College Assessment Test (MCAT). As of 2008, 22 schools required the GRE, 4 required the VCAT, and 2 required the MCAT. Only about 1 to 3 applicants were accepted to veterinary school in 2007.

Job Outlook

Although admittance to a veterinary school for a veterinary degree is difficult, the veterinary field remains in high demand. The amount of graduates does not meet the needs for veterinarians nationally. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33% growth in veterinarian jobs over the 2008-2018 decade.

Advancement

Advancement is based upon location, experience, and if the veterinarian has any specializations. Specialization in exotic animals, as an example, has the potential to increase veterinarian’s revenue.

Learn More

To learn more veterinary degree and veterinarian school options available, fill out the following form. Alternatively, check out veterinary technologist .