Careers in Agriculture

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Careers in Agriculture
Veterinarian
By Dr. Frank Flanders and Jennie Simpson
Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office
Georgia Department of Education
June 2005
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What Is a Veterinarian?


Veterinarians are doctors who care for animals.
They treat diseased and injured animals
Vaccinate animals Provide advice on care and br
eeding. Vets play a major role in the healthcare
of many kinds of animals. They conduct research
on animal health
Source Cornelia Veterinary Hospital, Baldwin, GA
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Duties of Veterinarians
Examine animals to diagnose diseases or treat
injuries. Treat sick or injured animals Vacci
nate animals against diseases, such as rabies and
distemper. Collect body samples, and feces, bloo
d, and urine for testing Operate diagnostic equ
ipment and interpret the results.
Advise owners on feeding and general care
necessary to promote health of animals.
Educate the public about zoonotic diseases.
Train and supervise workers who handle and care
for animals. Provide care to a wide range of ani
mals or specialize in a particular species, such
as horses or exotic birds. Euthanize animals.
These are some common duties of the profession.
This list is not all inclusive, and duties can
vary greatly within the profession.
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Becoming a Veterinarian
Veterinarians must have a deep desire for the
well being and care of animals.
Personal qualities include being personable,
compassionate, assertive, a keen power of
observation, and an inquiring mind.
Aptitude and interest in biological sciences is
important too. Need to get along with pet owner
s because many will form a strong bond with their
pet. You need excellent communication, business
skills, scientific knowledge and have high
ethical standards. Good problem solving skills
and the ability to think creatively, outside of
the box, make a person successful in a career as
a veterinarian.
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Education
There are 28 schools of veterinary medicine in
the US, and only 43 of applicants are accepted
per year. 75 of students in vet school are wome
n. You need to make good grades in science, biol
ogy and math in high school.
Undergraduate coursework usually includes three
to four years of college and is needed to be
admitted to vet school. Medical study is diffic
ult and time consuming. Develop good study
habits Volunteer at local clinics, zoos, or huma
ne societies to gain experience.
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Employment
Veterinarians can work for the state or federal
government, zoos, labs, research, universities,
or private practice. Demand is high for veterina
rians in the fields of pathology, lab animal
medicine, and food animal medicine.
Demand for veterinarians is increasing by 3
each year. The salary can range from 45,000 to
over 100,000 depending on location, experience,
and area of vet medicine. Vets in private practi
ce can concentrate on small animals, large
animals, exotics, or a mixed practice. Equine
medicine is another area of private practice.
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Vocabulary
Zoonotic Disease- an animal disease that can be
transmitted to humans. Ex. Ringworm-a fungus tha
t can be found on the skin of animals. This
fungus can be transmitted to humans if they touch
it!
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Related Careers
Animal Behaviorist Animal Nutritionist Avian
Veterinarian Biological Scientist Ichthyologis
t Marine Biologist Zoologist Veterinary Techn
ician
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Career Resources
Association of American Veterinary Medical
Colleges 1101 Vermont Ave. NW
Suite 301
Washington, DC 20005 Internet http//www.aavmc.o
rg University of Georgia College of Veterinary
Medicine Internet www.vet.uga.edu
American Veterinary Medical Association
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100 Schaumburg,
Illinois 60173-4360 Internet http//www.avma.org
  American Animal Hospital Association P.O. Bo
x 150899 Denver,
Colorado 80215-0899 Internet http//www.healthyp
et.com