Career Path to Top

A veterinarian is a physician who has been educated and trained to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. Most veterinarians care for cats and dogs but may also specialize in care for horses, aquatic, and zoo animals. Veterinarians vaccinate, attend births, administer medication, perform surgeries, and provide general health care.

To be a vet, there are necessary skills required. You need to have an attention to detail, perseverance, and be able to work hard. You have to be involved, honest, and be able to work well with not only animals but people too. You also must be able to deal with matters such as incurable illnesses and euthanasia daily. A pro of this job is that it is emotionally satisfying and moderately flexible. However, the goal is very difficult to achieve because veterinary school is quite difficult and the financial rewards may not be as high as expected at times.

To become a veterinarian, it is important to start early and get good grades in high school. Taking biology and chemistry at this time is ideal for it prepares you for the rigor of the college courses required for a future career as a vet. It is also a good idea to volunteer at a local veterinary animal hospital to get some hands-on experience working with animals. It is becoming more necessary to prove your level of commitment and so working directly with a vet can be added to your experience.

The next step is to go to college. If the school you want to attend has a pre-veterinary program, then that is the path to take. If it does not, a major in biology, biochemistry, or another science is acceptable. It is essential to earn a very high grade point average in college and receive a bachelor degree. After this, apply to one of the 28 veterinary schools in the United States or perhaps in another country that offer the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree. After you graduate, you must take the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam to get your own license. In 2008, the California average annual wage was $63,569 for entry level workers, and $124,021 for experienced workers.