The American Medical Veterinary Association reports that 77 percent of veterinarians work with pets.
A veterinarian must earn a doctor of veterinary medicine from an accredited college and obtain a license from the state in which he plans to practice. If you want to become a veterinarian, prepare as early as high school and college by taking specific courses in science and business. Admission to veterinary school is competitive, and more well-prepared students have a better chance of being accepted.
Preparation in High School
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's College of Veterinary Medicine recommends not only taking courses but also getting practical experience while you're in high school. Sign up for your school's college prep program, choosing as many courses in physics, math, chemistry and biology as you are allowed. Computer skills training will benefit you in veterinary school as well. In the summer, or as a part-time job during the school year, work or volunteer at a shelter, stable, zoo or veterinarian's office, and try to work with as many animal types as you can, not just house pets.
Preparation in College
Once you enter college to earn your bachelor's degree, begin your preveterinary preparation. Many veterinary schools -- Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, for example -- require college-level courses with a grade of C- or better in biological sciences plus a lab, genetics, chemistry plus a lab, biochemistry, physics with a lab, statistics, English composition, humanities courses and electives. CSU recommends -- but does not require -- additional courses in cell biology, microbiology, developmental biology, anatomy, histology, nutrition, physiology, computer science and biomedical science. The Occupational Outlook Handbook urges those who want to run their own practices to take classes in business management and career development as well.
Other Prerequisites for Veterinary School
To be admitted to veterinary school, a four-year program that results in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, you must have a bachelor's degree, and CSU recommends a degree in microbiology, wildlife biology, environmental health, animal science, biochemistry, chemistry, zoology or general biological studies. CSU also says, however, that even a degree in the arts helps give you good character and social perspective that may help in veterinary school. When you apply to veterinary school, you must also submit your scores for the Graduate Record Examination as well as the Veterinary College Admission Test or the Medical College Admission Test.
Salary and Job Outlook
If you like taking care of large farm animals, the outlook for your veterinary career is good.
In 2009, the median income for veterinarians was $79,500. Veterinarians employed for the federal government in March 2009 earned an average of $93,398. Starting salaries for 2008 graduates ranged from $41,636 for equine practices to $64,744 for exclusively small-animal practices. Between 2008 and 2018, the job market for veterinarians will most likely grow by 33 percent. Because more people keep cats as pets, veterinarians specializing in cats will be in demand. Farm-based veterinarians will also have a good chance at finding jobs, because not as many graduates want to work in rural areas or outdoors.
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