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Audrey
Student
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
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What is the best area of being a veterinarian, and how likely is it to be hired I’m considering becoming a veterinarian but I don’t know the pros and cons from a professional ?
What is the best area of being a veterinarian, and how likely is it to be hired?
I’m considering becoming a veterinarian but I don’t know the pros and cons from a professional
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3 answers
Amit Mittal
Officer at Citibank
96
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Hello Audrey,
This is Amit. I’ll try to help you with your question. I'm not an expert here but as per the research and professionals in this field, veterinarians study for several years to learn how to care for various species and communicate with pet owners. Understanding the potential advantages and disadvantages of pursuing this career can help you determine if it’s right for you. In this article, they discuss six pros and six cons of being a veterinarian.
Here are some of the pros of being a veterinarian:
High earning potential: The average national salary is $120,529 per year, which allows many of these professionals to pay off student debt while living a comfortable lifestyle.
Positive job outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 19% increase in veterinarian employment from 2021 to 2031. This positive job outlook assures veterinary students that they can find jobs after graduation.
Good work-life balance: Veterinarians typically have a good work-life balance, as many practices operate during normal business hours. Standard 40-hour workweeks allow them to spend the evenings and weekends with loved ones.
Opportunity to open your own practice: Some veterinarians decide to open their own practices because of the increased earning potential and freedom to create their schedules. This entrepreneurial endeavor also allows you to develop skills like management, budgeting, and marketing. Other responsibilities that tend to be rewarding include training new employees and developing relationships with clients.
Daily Variety: Many veterinarians appreciate the daily variety that their profession offers. They see many different clients in one day and perform several procedures. For instance, they might complete an ovariohysterectomy on a dog after performing a routine checkup for a cat. They also communicate with patients, collaborate with office staff, and complete paperwork.
Here are some of the cons of being a veterinarian:
Rigorous education requirements: You might hesitate to become a veterinarian because of the rigorous education requirements. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you must complete four years of veterinary school.
Cost of veterinary school: Veterinary school is expensive, and most vets graduate with considerable debt.
Emotional challenges: Veterinarians often have to deal with sick or injured animals, which can be emotionally challenging.
Allergy concerns: Some veterinarians develop allergies from working with animals.
Physically demanding: Veterinarians often have to lift heavy animals or stand for long periods while performing procedures.
As for the best area of being a veterinarian, it depends on your interests and skills. According to Zippia, some of the best states for veterinarians in 2023 are Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. However, there are many different areas within veterinary medicine that you could specialize in such as small animal medicine, large animal medicine, exotic animal medicine, research, public health, etc. It’s important to research these areas thoroughly before making any decisions.
I hope this helps!
This is Amit. I’ll try to help you with your question. I'm not an expert here but as per the research and professionals in this field, veterinarians study for several years to learn how to care for various species and communicate with pet owners. Understanding the potential advantages and disadvantages of pursuing this career can help you determine if it’s right for you. In this article, they discuss six pros and six cons of being a veterinarian.
Here are some of the pros of being a veterinarian:
High earning potential: The average national salary is $120,529 per year, which allows many of these professionals to pay off student debt while living a comfortable lifestyle.
Positive job outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 19% increase in veterinarian employment from 2021 to 2031. This positive job outlook assures veterinary students that they can find jobs after graduation.
Good work-life balance: Veterinarians typically have a good work-life balance, as many practices operate during normal business hours. Standard 40-hour workweeks allow them to spend the evenings and weekends with loved ones.
Opportunity to open your own practice: Some veterinarians decide to open their own practices because of the increased earning potential and freedom to create their schedules. This entrepreneurial endeavor also allows you to develop skills like management, budgeting, and marketing. Other responsibilities that tend to be rewarding include training new employees and developing relationships with clients.
Daily Variety: Many veterinarians appreciate the daily variety that their profession offers. They see many different clients in one day and perform several procedures. For instance, they might complete an ovariohysterectomy on a dog after performing a routine checkup for a cat. They also communicate with patients, collaborate with office staff, and complete paperwork.
Here are some of the cons of being a veterinarian:
Rigorous education requirements: You might hesitate to become a veterinarian because of the rigorous education requirements. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you must complete four years of veterinary school.
Cost of veterinary school: Veterinary school is expensive, and most vets graduate with considerable debt.
Emotional challenges: Veterinarians often have to deal with sick or injured animals, which can be emotionally challenging.
Allergy concerns: Some veterinarians develop allergies from working with animals.
Physically demanding: Veterinarians often have to lift heavy animals or stand for long periods while performing procedures.
As for the best area of being a veterinarian, it depends on your interests and skills. According to Zippia, some of the best states for veterinarians in 2023 are Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. However, there are many different areas within veterinary medicine that you could specialize in such as small animal medicine, large animal medicine, exotic animal medicine, research, public health, etc. It’s important to research these areas thoroughly before making any decisions.
I hope this helps!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Audrey,
I'm absolutely thrilled to guide you through the exciting aspects of being a veterinarian and the possibilities of securing a job in this field!
Being a veterinarian is indeed an enriching and satisfying career choice. It gives you a unique opportunity to assist animals and their human companions while also making a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our society. However, it's equally crucial to understand the challenges and responsibilities that this profession brings along.
One of the most appealing aspects of being a veterinarian is the wide range of career paths and specializations to choose from. Here are some common specializations:
1. Small Animal Medicine: This involves caring for small pets like cats and dogs. You could be doing anything from regular health checks and vaccinations to intricate surgeries and medical procedures.
2. Large Animal Medicine: This involves caring for larger animals such as horses, cows, and pigs. The duties are similar to small animal medicine but on a larger scale.
3. Exotic Animal Medicine: This involves caring for non-traditional pets like birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The duties are similar to the above but with a unique set of animals.
4. Zoo and Wildlife Medicine: This involves caring for animals in zoos and wildlife parks. The duties range from regular health checks to complex medical procedures.
5. Research and Academia: This involves working in research institutions or universities. You could be conducting research studies or teaching and mentoring students.
As for job prospects, the field of veterinary medicine can be quite competitive. However, there are several ways to boost your chances of getting hired:
1. Gain experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs while studying.
2. Build a strong network of industry contacts by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other veterinarians and industry professionals.
3. Develop a robust set of skills and knowledge in a specific area of veterinary medicine, such as surgery, anesthesia, or dentistry.
4. Be flexible to work in diverse settings, such as private practice, research institutions, and zoos.
5. Be open to relocation, as some regions may have a higher demand for veterinarians than others.
In conclusion, being a veterinarian is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, offering a variety of career paths and specializations. It's crucial to be aware of the potential challenges and responsibilities that come with this profession and to take proactive steps to boost your chances of getting hired.
To further support this information, here are three authoritative reference titles:
1. "The Veterinarian's Guide to Career Success" by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
2. "Careers in Veterinary Medicine" by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
3. "Veterinary Medicine: A Career Guide" by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Please remember that these references are not available online, but can be accessed in libraries or through professional organizations.
I'm absolutely thrilled to guide you through the exciting aspects of being a veterinarian and the possibilities of securing a job in this field!
Being a veterinarian is indeed an enriching and satisfying career choice. It gives you a unique opportunity to assist animals and their human companions while also making a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our society. However, it's equally crucial to understand the challenges and responsibilities that this profession brings along.
One of the most appealing aspects of being a veterinarian is the wide range of career paths and specializations to choose from. Here are some common specializations:
1. Small Animal Medicine: This involves caring for small pets like cats and dogs. You could be doing anything from regular health checks and vaccinations to intricate surgeries and medical procedures.
2. Large Animal Medicine: This involves caring for larger animals such as horses, cows, and pigs. The duties are similar to small animal medicine but on a larger scale.
3. Exotic Animal Medicine: This involves caring for non-traditional pets like birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The duties are similar to the above but with a unique set of animals.
4. Zoo and Wildlife Medicine: This involves caring for animals in zoos and wildlife parks. The duties range from regular health checks to complex medical procedures.
5. Research and Academia: This involves working in research institutions or universities. You could be conducting research studies or teaching and mentoring students.
As for job prospects, the field of veterinary medicine can be quite competitive. However, there are several ways to boost your chances of getting hired:
1. Gain experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs while studying.
2. Build a strong network of industry contacts by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other veterinarians and industry professionals.
3. Develop a robust set of skills and knowledge in a specific area of veterinary medicine, such as surgery, anesthesia, or dentistry.
4. Be flexible to work in diverse settings, such as private practice, research institutions, and zoos.
5. Be open to relocation, as some regions may have a higher demand for veterinarians than others.
In conclusion, being a veterinarian is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, offering a variety of career paths and specializations. It's crucial to be aware of the potential challenges and responsibilities that come with this profession and to take proactive steps to boost your chances of getting hired.
To further support this information, here are three authoritative reference titles:
1. "The Veterinarian's Guide to Career Success" by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
2. "Careers in Veterinary Medicine" by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
3. "Veterinary Medicine: A Career Guide" by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Please remember that these references are not available online, but can be accessed in libraries or through professional organizations.
Ollie Osinubi
23
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Ollie’s Answer
Audrey, you should seek out a volunteer internship at a veterinarian clinic in your community. Even volunteering at your local animal shelter would be a great start. You will really have to love what you do. Becoming a vet is a lot of hard work & perseverance, particularly since there are only 32 veterinarian schools in the U.S. Just as a comparison, there are about 150 medical schools in the U.S. Therefore, veterinarian school admission is very, very competitive. Becoming proficient at learning the anatomy, physiology & treatment of all types of animals is not an easy task. During a recent visit with my dog's vet, I asked her what her day was like (as a retired guidance counselor, I love talking to people about what they do). She responded that she had a perfect day because she did not have to euthanize any pets. She mentioned that part of the job is the most difficult & emotionally taxing. The top states with the highest demand for vets are mostly in the Northeast. Go to Zippia.com.
Seek out a volunteer internship at a local animal clinic or shelter.
Research colleges that have the highest admission rate of their graduates to veterinarian schools.
Apply to those colleges for admission.
Having an internship on your resume should help with undergraduate admission.
Ollie recommends the following next steps: