Veterinary Science Careers

If you have an interest in science and enjoy working with animals, a career in veterinary science is for you. Possible careers in the field include a veterinary technician or a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM). These professionals care for the health of animals, from cats and dogs to livestock. A summary of veterinary science careers follows.

About the Field

A veterinary technician is to a veterinarian what a nurse is to a doctor. They perform routine laboratory work and various clinical procedures for the doctor. Although vet techs and vet technologists are two different positions, they perform similar duties despite the disparity in their education and training. Common vet tech duties include performing lab tests, drawing blood, preparing tissue samples, and assisting with dental procedures and diagnoses. Veterinary doctors prescribe medication, advise owners on feeding and behavior issues, perform surgeries, treat wounds, diagnose illnesses, and provide vaccinations.

Career Possibilities

Those entering the field of veterinary science have many possible career choices. Graduates of veterinary science programs may become a veterinary technician, a veterinarian, a veterinary technologist, an animal trainer, or an animal service worker. Typically, people who choose a veterinary career specialize in a particular type of veterinary medicine, such as ophthalmology, dermatology, dentistry, surgery, etc. Vet techs and veterinary doctors typically only see companion animals, such as dogs and cats, but some vet professionals have a mixed practice that also includes livestock, horses, and other large animals.

Education and Credentialing

An entry-level veterinary technician typically must have a two-year associate's degree from a community college program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Some schools offer four-year programs that provide students with a bachelor's degree in veterinary technology. Once a vet tech or vet technologist has graduated from an AVMA-accredited program, he/she is automatically eligible to take the credentialing exam in his/her state. An exam of some form is required for certification in all 50 states.

Most veterinarians complete a four-year bachelor's degree followed by four years of study at an accredited veterinary medicine college. Graduates of vet school typically enter into an optional one-year internship followed by a three- to four-year residency in a specialty of their choice. Veterinarians who wish to become board-certified must complete a residency. To practice legally, veterinary doctors must also obtain a license in their state by taking the national board examination.

Additional Info

Veterinary science is an exciting and challenging field. Those who choose it as a vocation must have a passion for animals and an understanding of how to deal compassionately with their owners. If a career in veterinary science doesn't sound right for you, there are many more careers available. Keep researching possibilities by reading through our career field articles.

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