How to become A Veterinarian

The best doctor in the world is the Veterinarian. They can't ask their patients---livestock, pets, companion animals---what the matter is; they've just got to know. Veterinarians are the stuff legends are made of.

• Vet
• Veterinary Medicine Doctor
• Veterinary Physician
• Veterinary Doctor
• DVM

What do Veterinarians do?

A Veterinarian would typically need to:

• Examine animals, diagnose their medical conditions, and treat them
• Perform surgery on animals, treat and dress their wounds; test them for and vaccinate them against diseases; prescribe medication and treatment
• Operate medical equipment, such as x-ray machines
• Advise animal owners about general care and medical conditions; help foster healthier relationships between people and their animal companions
• Euthanize animals if needed
• Maintain up-to-date records and provide suitable paperwork for animals traveling abroad; insert identification microchips
• Liaise with and refer to other professionals within the industry
• Ensure the safety of our food supply by inspecting livestock; promote public health by fighting animal-borne diseases

Veterinarians work on farms and in private clinics, hospitals, laboratories, classrooms, and customers’ homes. Veterinarians work outdoors in all kinds of weather and may have to perform surgery, often in remote locations. The Veterinarian dress code should address professionalism, cleanliness, and safety.

Many veterinary practices offer services round the clock and all year. Consequently, your working hours may be irregular as it is essential to be available for emergencies.

Veterinarians may be self-employed. Opportunities are also available overseas.

Veterinarians are generally employed by:

• Veterinary Agencies
• Private Veterinary Practices
• Specialty Veterinary Practices
• Zoos
• Animal Hospitals
• Education & Research Institutes
• Animal Charities & Welfare Societies
• Government Agencies
• Pharmaceutical Companies

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for Veterinarians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as a Veterinarian.

• Physically demanding and stressful work involving a high level of responsibility as well as multiple risks, especially while dealing with angry owners of pets or animals
• Correct pricing in the face of stiff competition
• Disgruntled employees coupled with a shortage of capable employees
• Low-income pet owners and slow cash flow
• Need to continue education despite lack of time

Extra-mural studies (EMS), including a minimum of 38 weeks of gaining real-life, hands-on work experience, are mandatory.

Admission to veterinary programs is competitive. Typically, an aspiring Veterinarian must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree at an accredited college of Veterinary Medicine. The program includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical components. Applicants to the program must have a relevant bachelor’s degree and have taken sufficient science classes and courses in math, humanities, and social sciences. They must also have formal experience working with Veterinarians or scientists in the field and informal experience working with animals on a farm, stable, or animal shelter.

Individual government entities do licensing. It typically requires the passage of an examination and interview in addition to fulfillment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

Generally speaking, Veterinarians need a license to practice. You may need to pass a national exam and a state exam that covers state laws and regulations. If you plan to work overseas with a degree acquired in your own country, enquire about the requirements and process to obtain a license in the foreign country you plan on moving to.

Successful voluntary certification programs can show exceptional skill and expertise in a particular field. They seek to serve and protect the public welfare and are responsible for investigating individuals that practice outside of the program’s Code of Ethics.

Certification exams usually require Veterinarians to have a certain number of years of experience in the field and complete additional education and a residency program. Requirements vary by location and specialism.

A newly-qualified Veterinarian usually starts as an assistant. You may then specialize as a Companion Animal Veterinarian, Equine Veterinarian, Food Animal Veterinarian, Food Safety and Inspection Veterinarian, or Research Veterinarian.

You may also choose to work for animal welfare agencies, pharmaceutical companies that develop veterinary medicines, or colleges and universities. Further training is required for these specializations, which may lead to a diploma.

Some become a Partner or a Principal in a veterinary practice. This post requires financial and management acumen. Others may get the opportunity to work with tropical animals and other rare species.

In addition to projected employment growth, job opportunities may be available as Veterinarians retire, opening up positions for new Veterinarians.

Some new veterinary graduates enter internship and residency programs to gain valuable specialized experience, the key to competitive positions, or a certification program.

Accredited organizations offer professional development to ensure a smooth transition into the field after graduation. Their membership may need periodic renewal. They may require a record of continuous professional development (CPD) of a certain minimum number of hours per year to be kept throughout your career.

Vets may work at practices that focus only on small animals, food-producing animals, or equine. The specialism may depend on the urban or rural location of the practice. Experience as a Vet can lead to buying into or setting up a practice of your own. Locum work is often possible.

Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and rehabilitation therapy, are common at many veterinary practices!

Good Veterinarians talk to animals. Great Veterinarians hear them talk back!

While clients want the vet to spend more time with their animals, they also don’t want to wait for an appointment or at the clinic. There has to be a balance among the three. Client opinion is essential, but the welfare of the animal in front of you is your priority.