Job Duties

Working Conditions/Requirements

Education & Preparation

Job Openings & Entry Method

Earnings & Advancement

Employment & Outlook

Sources of Additional Information

Veterinarians (D.V.M.'s) diagnose, treat, and control diseases in animals and injuries of animals. Veterinarians work to prevent the transmission of animal diseases to humans.

JOB DUTIES

Veterinarians may:

Perform surgery on animals

Set broken bones

Treat and dress wounds

Diagnose animal diseases

Advise owners on the care and breeding of animals

Inspect animals used for food before and after slaughtering

Educate the public about diseases that can be spread from animals to humans

Perform autopsies on animal carcasses

Vaccinate animals for disease

Euthanize animals

Train and supervise workers who handle and care for animals

Some Veterinarians also teach in colleges of veterinary medicine or conduct research on animal and human diseases.

To view Veterinarians at work click here.

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Veterinarians may specialize in these areas:

073.101-010 PUBLIC HEALTH VETERINARIANS safeguard the public health by controlling and preventing diseases which are transmitted from animals to people. They inspect and regulate food and drug processing plants, inspect and test livestock, and provide information to the public.

073.101-010 VETERINARIANS diagnose, treat, and control diseases in animals and injuries of animals. Veterinarians work to prevent the transmission of animal diseases to humans.

073.264-010 VETERINARY MEAT-INSPECTORS inspect establishments engaged in slaughtering livestock and processing meat.

073.261-010 VETERINARY VIRUS-SERUM INSPECTORS help to enforce state and federal standards of sanitation, purity, labeling, and storage by inspecting establishments where serums, toxins, and similar products used in the treatment of diseases are manufactured.

073.161-010 VETERINARY LIVESTOCK INSPECTORS test animals for the presence of disease. They perform standard clinical tests, submit specimens, and report the existence of disease conditions to the authorities.

073.101-014 POULTRY VETERINARIANS advise individual poultry raisers on poultry problems. They inspect flocks, pens, and housing and may suggest feed changes to increase egg production or growth of fowl.

073.061-010 LABORATORY ANIMAL CARE VETERINARIANS conduct research on disease and nutritional problems of laboratory animals, such as hamsters, rabbits, monkeys, and mice, and other health-related problems involving the use of laboratory animals. Veterinarians in private practice may limit the species of animals they normally treat to such animals as cats, dogs, and other domesticated pets; farm animals; or horses. Others specialize in a medical procedure such as surgery, dentistry, or radiology. In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Veterinarians generally work without supervision; however, they may supervise veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians.

Working conditions vary with the type of practice. In rural areas, they spend a large amount of time working outdoors and going to and from farms. In urban areas, work is usually indoors in clean, well lighted, well ventilated hospitals and clinics. Most research Veterinarians have well-equipped laboratories in which to work. In meat and food processing plants, they may spend time in refrigerated storage rooms.

Veterinarians who treat animals may be exposed to communicable diseases and infections and possible injury due to bites, kicks and scratches. They may also be exposed to radiation while operating x-ray equipment.

Most Veterinarians in public service jobs work a 40-hour week. Those in private practice work an average of 52 hours per week, often work irregular hours and are usually on call 24 hours a day. There are many opportunities for part-time work so that Veterinarians may continue to work well beyond retirement age.

They must purchase instruments, equipment, and supplies which cost a substantial amount of money.

Many Veterinarians belong to The American Veterinary Medical Association , as well as to the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association .

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific or technical nature

• Activities which result in contact with people and animals

• Activities which bring recognition or appreciation from others

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions

• Understand the meanings of words/ideas/present information effectively

• Perform scientific research

• Rate information using measurable, verifiable standards

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What is the normality of a solution of NaOh which contains 50 mg in each 25 ml of solution?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

On histological examination, necrotic lesions can be found in the viscera and in the brain toxoplasma can be found in the cells of most organs, particularly in the lungs and brain. Material for transmission experiment should include brain and lung if there is evidence of visceral involvement.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a prescription for a heart worm medication for a dog.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in treating animals.

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click  here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Veterinarian for specific licensing information.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation. 

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0100 AGRISCIENCE , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1300 ENGLISH , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH, 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

175 VETERINARY MEDICINE

Programs in Veterinary Medicine provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become Veterinarians.  Veterinary Medicine deals with the study, prevention, and treatment of animal diseases.

Courses may vary from school to school but may include:

The most common requirements for entering programs in Veterinary Medicine are completion of a pre-veterinary medicine program or its equivalent; an acceptable cumulative and pre-veterinary grade point average; an acceptable Veterinary Aptitude Test score; personal activities which indicate a continuing interest in the field and in community service, and communicating potential for Veterinary Medicine in an interview.

176 VETERINARY MEDICINE (PRE-PROFESSIONAL)

Pre-Veterinary Medicine programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to colleges of veterinary medicine.

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer pre-professional programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to colleges of veterinary medicine. Prospective students should contact the veterinary medicine school of their choice for specific admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional advisor to ensure that admission prerequisites will be met.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a high school diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In addition, entering a college or university may require graduation from high school in a college preparatory program, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.

There are presently 28 schools of veterinary medicine in the United States graduating about 2,500 students a year, with more than 10,200 students enrolled. Approximately 79.5% of entering students are women.

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at  http://www.myfuture.com .

LIFE SCIENTISTS

The military conducts studies of human and animal diseases to understand their causes and to find treatments. Harmful pests and bacteria are studied to find ways to protect people and food against illness or infection. Life scientists study the biology and chemistry of living organisms.

What They Do

Life scientists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study bacteria and parasites to determine how they invade and affect humans or animals

• Study the effects of diseases, poisons, and radiation on laboratory animals

• Study the effects of drugs, chemicals, and gases on living organisms

• Study ways of protecting humans through immunization from disease

• Direct blood banks and study blood chemistry

• Study the effects of aerospace flight, temperature, and movement on human physiology

• Study food storage and handling methods

• Study ways of keeping bases and ships free from pests and contagious diseases

• Conduct experiments and write technical reports

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree is normally required to enter this occupation. Some specialties require a master's degree or medical degree.

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation. However, advanced courses are available in some specialties.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful fields of study include biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in scientific work

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely

• Interest in mathematics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and medical research

• Interest in collecting and analyzing scientific data

Work Environment

Life scientists work in medical, clinical, and research laboratories and, at times, in food processing or storage plants. They may work outdoors while conducting field work on land or aboard ships.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian life scientists work for universities, government agencies, medical laboratories, blood banks, pharmaceutical firms, chemical companies, or in private practice. They perform duties similar to those performed by military life scientists. Depending on their specialty, civilian life scientists may be called biochemists, biologists, entomologists, immunologists, medical technologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, toxicologists, or veterinarians.

Opportunities

The services employ unknown number of life scientists. Newly commissioned life scientists are normally assigned to a laboratory, where they conduct research under the direction of more experienced scientists. In time, life scientists may manage their own research projects and direct other officers.

Eventually, they may become directors of research laboratories or hold other senior management positions in the health research field.    

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Interested individuals may explore this occupation through part-time or summer employment as an animal caretaker or veterinary assistant. Positions may also be obtained as a volunteer with the Michigan Humane Society. Postsecondary programs in veterinary medicine offer opportunities for experience and the military service may offer opportunities for experience also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Veterinarian employer

internships

volunteer work with a Veterinarian employer

community service work with an agency

Assistance may be obtained through college placement offices or by consulting professional journals.  Civil service exams are required for those who wish to work for the government.  In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

American Veterinary Medical Association

Medical-AdMart

Monster Healthcare

Veterinary Jobs

VET Recruiter

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs.  

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo!hotjobs

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Veterinarians vary with the type of practice, geographic location, and the individual's experience. Those entering private practice often earn little more than the minimum needed to cover expenses during the first year or two.

Nationally, the estimated annual median incomes (late 2007) of Veterinarians in private practice by specialty were:  

         * Income before expenses.

Veterinarians employed by the federal government received beginning annual salaries (2008) of $39,795 to $68,625, depending on their experience and academic records.  They may earn up to $89,217. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Annual salaries (early  2008) of Veterinarians employed by government agencies in Michigan were:

Salaried Veterinarians receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay.  Veterinarians in private practice take vacations as they choose and must make their own arrangements for insurance and retirement plans.

Veterinarians employed by government agencies may advance to managerial and administrative positions.  Those in private practice may own their own hospital or clinic.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally (2006), the employment of Veterinarians and veterinary inspectors was about 62,200. Employment opportunities for Veterinarians are expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016, with many forming group practices (partnerships or professional corporations).  About 15.6% of them were self-employed in solo, partnership or group practices. The industry distribution for Veterinarians and veterinary inspectors looked like this: 

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Employment growth is due primarily to an increase in the number of pets requiring professional care. Emphasis on scientific methods of raising and breeding livestock and poultry and growth in public health and disease control programs also will stimulate the demand for veterinarians.

There are about 2,700 licensed Veterinarians employed in Michigan. They are employed in both urban and rural areas. Veterinarians in cities and suburban areas frequently limited their practice to pets, while those working in small towns and rural areas were usually general (mixed large and small) or large animal practitioner. Some Veterinarians are employed by federal, state and local governmental agencies; colleges and universities; private industry and the military.

Employment of Veterinarians in Michigan is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 100 annual openings is expected with 40 due to growth and 60 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as some Veterinarians transfer to other jobs or occupations.

New D.V.M.'s will face keen competition for jobs, since the supply of Veterinarians is projected to be larger than the demand for many years. Some Veterinarians may improve their job prospects by specializing in such areas as toxicology, immunology, pathology, dermatology, neurology, or cardiology. There will also be a continued demand for the expertise of Veterinarians who will utilize scientific methods to breed and raise livestock, poultry, and fish, together with a growing need for effective public health and disease control programs.

Employment opportunities will be best in industry and research, particularly for those with additional degrees.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

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Copyright © 2008 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth