Veterinarian Career

What is your current position?

I am a veterinarian and owner of a rural small animal clinic.

How long have you been employed in this career?

7 years

What are your job duties and responsibilities?

I am responsible for all aspects of small animal care and preventive health care. I also have to manage the employees and deal with the financial and other aspects of owning a small business.

What was your first job in this career?

I worked in a small animal veterinary hospital, performing clean up and receptionist work.

Describe your general working conditions, social atmosphere at work, fringe benefits, education and or training required, and personal characteristics and or skills necessary for this career?

You must work independently, yet be willing to ask for advice or for second opinions. Research and education are continuous. Saving animal's lives, and helping people live happily with their pets is very rewarding. You must be an overall responsible, dedicated, and sometimes creative person.

What is one thing you didn't know before entering this field that you know now?

Sometimes you have to cause animals some discomfort and some frustration because in the long run it is for their own good.

If you knew this before, would you still have chosen this career?

Yes

What are some advancement possibilities connected with your career?

Yes their are many. They range from having your own practice to becoming a specialist or a research veterinarian.

Did you consider this career when you were in high school?

Sort of... I have always cared for animals.

If not when and why?

Why not is easily the time in school and the amount and seriousness of study. Eight years of school after high school with the last four of veterinary school more intense. Also the money. Most veterinarians graduate with $80,000 of debt. I'd still do it again. Its not about the money.

How has technology affected what you do?

Better X-rays, ultrasound, and even in-house blood work is all helpful.

What recommendation would you make to someone considering full-time employment today?

Work in any aspect of the field that interests you. It may not be the job that you ultimately desire, but everyone has to start somewhere. Do the best job you can do, even if it is cleaning kennels.

What were some of the factors you consider when the decision was made to pursue this career?

The cost of an extensive education is a major investment, although it is one with a good return. Then when you graduate it can cost more to start working on your own. Also your time becomes very valuable, and sometimes your personal and family life is affected.

What sort of classes would be best to take?

Classes to take include; language, biochemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biology, genetics and your favorites.

How much education is required?

You'll need 2 to 4 years of undergraduate work. You do not need a BS to get into vet school, but I recommend it. More time in college is precious. Enjoy the good times and enjoy the learning. Then the requirement for veterinary school is 4 years.

What are some good colleges?

There are only 27 veterinary schools in the US. Any one is very good and they are all difficult to get into. Once you get in, your professors and classmates are helpful in your success. It is a very positive environment. I went to University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, so I believe that one is the best:)

What is a typical day like in your profession?

A typical day is full of surgeries in the morning (spays, neuters and declaws). The late morning and afternoon is full of appointments. Some are routine vaccinations and some are sick animals that need blood work and special care. I go into work at 7:30am and usually don't get home until 6:30pm.

What are some good, and bad, aspects of your job?

The best part is saving an animal's life and the worst part is having to perform euthanasia or tell someone their animal is sick and/or dying.

What do veterinarians use math for?

To determine medication dosages... such as: The dosage is 0.5mg/kg. The medicine is 4 mg/ml. The patient is 36 lbs. How much does he get? It get much more complicated at times.