Veterinarians do a number of things such as caring for the health of sick animals, giving wellness exams, treating wounds, performing surgery, vaccinating for diseases, operating medical machines, and prescribing medication. Veterinarians use many tools to treat sick animals, like stethoscopes, x-ray machines and ultrasounds, just like doctors do that treat humans. In Oklahoma, veterinarians make and average salary of $88,090 a year. There are many different types of veterinarians. Companion animal veterinarians treat pets and work in private clinics. They care for mainly cats and dogs, but some also care for birds, snakes, ferrets and …show more content…
hamsters. Equine Veterinarians work with horses. Food animal veterinarians work with farm animals such as pigs, cattle, sheep and goats. They work on farms and ranches and provide information to owners about food, shelter, and the basic needs of their animal. Food safety and inspection veterinarians inspect and test livestock for diseases, improve animal welfare, and make sure that government safety regulations are being followed. Research veterinarians work in labs. They try to help animals by researching many different things, like side- affects from drugs and problems with their health. Veterinarians must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from a veterinary college and a state license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "There are currently 29 colleges in the United States who offer these programs." It takes up to four years to complete a veterinarian medicine program. Most Veterinary medical colleges require you to have taken many science classes, including biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, zoology, microbiology, and animal science. Because of all the competition, it is very difficult to get into a veterinary program." Fewer than half of all the applicants in 2012 were accepted" (Bureau of Labor Statistics). There are many traits that people should have to help them succeed in this job such as, compassion and sensitivity. Certain skills that are great for this job are decision making, communication, management, and problem solving. A Veterinarians job can be very stressful at times, but it can also be very rewarding.
There are many negative aspects to this job. Vets have to deal with sick animals and their nervous owners. Their workplace can also be very noisy at times due to the animals that get upset when sick or being handled. When you’re working with animals that are scared or in pain, you are at risk of being bitten, scratched, or kicked. Veterinarians are always at risk of catching a disease that the animals they treat may have. Vets may have to work long hours, nights and weekends, or have to respond to emergencies outside of work. “About 1 in 3 veterinarians worked more than 50 hours per week in 2012” (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Veterinarians work in all types of weather conditions, and sometimes perform surgeries in dirty
environments. Looking back at what I have learned, I was surprised to find out that you had to go to college for so long and you have to take so many science courses. One step that I have already started is taking college curriculum in High School. Some other steps would be, taking actual college courses in my junior and senior year and qualifying for scholarships. I don’t think this is a practical career option for me since there are so many years of school required to become a veterinarian. In conclusion, I have learned what it takes to be a veterinarian. I have learned what they get paid, how many years of school they have to complete, and what they do all day. I also learned that there are many different types of veterinarians and the skills it takes to succeed in this career. After doing all this research, I don’t know if this is the right career path for me.