Exotic Animal Vet
Jessica Forth, Period 10
What's the Difference?
Career Details
Cons: Long hours, a lot of noise, chance of physical harm from a variety of sizes of animals, not very extraordinary pay depending on location, and maybe even emotional trauma. Be strong!
Working Hours: 60-80 hours a week, 6 days a week. When you first start in your practice. As you move up though or own your own business and have more staff your hours can become more flexible.
Duties/Responsibilities: Veterinarians administer vaccines, do health check-ups, clean teeth, fix broken bones, treat skin infections and perform surgeries. Another aspects of a veterinarian's career may involve inspecting the living spaces of animals on farms or ranches to ensure that they are free from possible sources of infection. Some veterinarians specialize in a particular disease or condition and may be consulted only in special cases.
Veterinarians have to give lethal injections to animals when they become old or terminally ill. Vets who own their own businesses may have to perform administrative duties, supervise veterinary techs and manage other staff members. Veterinarians should be comfortable with animals and people and be willing to undergo many years of schooling before entering this profession.
Working/Locations: Near zoos, cities, (One in North Lake)
Pay: 82,000-84,000 a year.
Education Required
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states veterinarians are required to hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree to practice medicine on animals or else it is considered illegal! This degree must come from a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA); there are currently 28 AVMA accredited schools in the U.S. Most veterinary programs take four years to complete, and sometimes longer for masters degree (more money).
Coursework: animal anatomy, veterinary physiology, systematic pathology and veterinary technologies. Students are also required to complete supervised clinical hours where they treat and diagnose animal patients. Prior to being accepted into a DVM program, applicants must meet requirements, which can include completing undergraduate courses or earning a bachelor's degree.
Other Prerequisite Courses: include genetics, chemistry, biochemistry and statistics.
Also Needed: License to practice medicine.
Skills Needed
Job Growth/ Outlook
Occupation Growth
29.1%
Moderate Openings per Year
106
Advancement Opportunities and Related Jobs
Advancement: Although it is not required, many veterinarians choose to become certified in an area of specialization, for example surgery or internal medicine. Requirements vary by specialty but may include experience in that area, passing an examination, spending additional time in school or completing a three to four year residency program.
In addition to formal training, to be an awesome veterinarian, one needs certain qualities he or she can't learn in school. Number one on this list is compassion, both toward the animals they treat and their owners. He or she also needs good decision-making skills to aid in choosing appropriate treatment methods. Good interpersonal skills are also a must as one spends time communicating with animal owners, staff members and colleagues. Manual dexterity and strong problem-solving skills are also important.