Veterinarians n Significant Points n n Graduation from

Veterinarians n Significant Points n n Graduation from an accredited college of veterinary medicine and a license to practice are required. Competition for admission to veterinary school is EXTREMELY high.

Veterinarians n Nature of the Work n n Veterinarians play a major role in the healthcare of pets, livestock, and zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals. Most veterinarians work in private practices. n n More than one-half treat small animals predominately. A small number work exclusively with large animals, focusing mostly on horses or cows.

Veterinarians n Nature of the Work n A number of veterinarians work with physicians and scientists. n n n Research ways to prevent and treat human health problems Determine the effects of drug therapies and surgical techniques. Some veterinarians are involved in food safety. n n Check animals for transmissible diseases Advise owners on treatment

Veterinarians n Working Conditions n n Over one-third of veterinarian work 50 or more hours a week. Often work outdoors in all kinds of weather Treat animals or perform surgery under less-thansanitary conditions. When working with animals that are frightened or in pain, veterinarians risk being bitten, kicked, or scratched.

Veterinarians n Employment n Veterinarians currently hold about 59, 000 jobs in the U. S.

Veterinarians n Training n There are 28 colleges that meet accreditation standards set by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Veterinarians n Pre-Veterinary School n n n Bachelor’s degree not required for some schools. All schools require credit hours ranging from 45 to 90 semester hours. Preveterinary courses emphasis the sciences: n n Organic, inorganic and biochemistry Physics General biology Animal biology, animal nutrition, genetics, etc.

Veterinarians n Training n n GPA of 3. 5 or better is average. Standardized Tests vary from school to school: n n n Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) (no longer offered) Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Veterinarians n Training n Veterinary and animal experience is highly desirable. n n n Formal experience, such as work with veterinarians or scientists in clinics, agribusiness, research, or in some area of health science, is particularly advantageous. . Number of applicants is currently rising. About 1 in 4 applicants are currently accepted.

Veterinarians n Training n First 2 Years n n Second 2 Years n n Basic sciences. Clinical procedures. Diagnosing and treating animal diseases and performing surgery. Laboratory work in anatomy, biochemistry, medicine, and other scientific subjects. Veterinary graduates who plan to work with specific types of animals or specialize in a clinical area complete a 1 -year internship.

Veterinarians n Earnings n n Median annual earnings of veterinarians is $68, 000. Average starting salaries by type of practice: n n n Small animal, predominant $42, 918 Large animal, predominant $41, 439 Mixed animal - $40, 358 Equine - $28, 526 Federal Government $35, 808.

Veterinarians n Additional Information n n American Veterinary Medical Association http: //www. avma. org Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges http: //www. aavmc. org

Pharmacists n Significant Points n n n Pharmacists are becoming more involved in drug therapy decision making and patient counseling. Very good employment opportunities are expected. Earnings are very high, but some pharmacists work long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Pharmacists n Nature of the Work n n n Dispense prescribed drugs. Provide information to patients about medications and their use. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications.

Pharmacists n Working Conditions n n n Many pharmacists spend most of their workday on their feet. About 1 out of 7 pharmacists work part time. Most full-time salaried pharmacists worked about 40 hours a week.

Pharmacists n Employment n n n Pharmacists currently hold about 217, 000 jobs in the U. S. About 6 out of 10 work in community pharmacies. About 21 percent of salaried pharmacists work in hospitals, clinics, mailorder pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, home healthcare agencies, or the Federal Government.

Pharmacists n Training n n 84 colleges of pharmacy are accredited to confer degrees by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education. Pharmacy programs grant the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D. ) n n The Pharm. D. is a 4 -year program that requires at least 2 years of college study prior to admittance. This Pharm. D. has replaced the Bachelor of Science (B. S. ) degree, which will cease to be awarded after 2005.

Pharmacists n Prerequisites n Colleges of pharmacy require at least 2 years of collegelevel prepharmacy education. n n n Mathematics Chemistry Biology, Physics Courses in the humanities and social sciences. Some colleges require the applicant to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) others require the GRE.

Pharmacists n Training n Pharmacy school classes include n Pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry n n Pharmacology n n Physical and chemical properties of drugs and dosage forms effects of drugs on the body Pharmacy administration.

Pharmacists n Job Outlook n Pharmacists in chain drug stores may be promoted to: n n Hospital pharmacists may advance to: n n Pharmacy supervisor or manager at the store level Manager at the district or regional level Executive position within the chain's headquarters. supervisory or administrative positions. Pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry may advance in: n marketing, sales, research, quality control, production, packaging, or other areas.

Pharmacists n Job Outlook n n Very, very good employment opportunities are expected for pharmacists. The growing numbers of middle-aged and elderly people n Use more prescription drugs than do younger people.

Pharmacists n Earnings n n Median annual earnings of pharmacists is $70, 950. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of pharmacists: n n Department stores - $73, 730 Grocery stores - $72, 440 Drug stores and proprietary stores $72, 110 Hospitals - $68, 760

Pharmacists n Additional Information n American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy http: //www. aacp. org National Association of Boards of Pharmacy http: //www. nabp. net National Association of Chain Drug Stores http: //www. nacds. org

Podiatric Medicine The Foot • Complex structure designed for balance and mobility • Highly significant interaction with rest of the body • May be first area to reveal signs of systemic medical conditions

Podiatric Medicine Doctor of Podiatric Medicine • Specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders, diseases, and injuries • Works closely with other health professionals to treat and control disease

Podiatric Medicine Doctor of Podiatric Medicine • Makes independent decisions • Performs surgery • Prescribes medications • Utilizes radiographic and laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes • Orders physical therapy

Podiatric Medicine Benefits of a Podiatric Medical Career • Professional Satisfaction • Alleviating human suffering • Flexible practice hours • Balanced lifestyle

Podiatric Medicine Need for Podiatric Physicians Baby Boomers • More miles on their feet • More active lifestyles means more injury-prone • Largest segment of population Diabetes • Reaching epidemic proportions

Podiatric Medicine Podiatric Subspecialties • Diabetic foot • Geriatrics • Pediatrics (Podopediatrics) • Biomechanics/Orthopedics • Sports Medicine

Podiatric Medicine 11 th Highest Paid Profession in U. S. Source: U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2000 Average Net Income $134, 557 0 - 2 years $ 63, 088 3 - 5 years $104, 909 6 - 9 years $126, 717 10 - 14 years $143, 141 15 - 24 years $158, 509 25+ years $125, 000 Source: APMA 2002

Podiatric Medicine First Two Years Basic Sciences • Anatomy • Biochemistry • Physiology • Microbiology • Pathology • Histology

Podiatric Medicine Last Two Years Clinical Training • 24 months • Hospitals • Ambulatory Clinics • Long-Term Care Facilities • Community Practices

Podiatric Medicine Class of 2007 Averages • Overall GPA – 3. 3 • Science GPA – 3. 1 • MCAT – 20

Pre-Requisites • Biology – 8 Hours* • Chemistry – 8 Hours* • Organic Chemistry – 8 Hours* • Physics – 8 Hours* • English – 6 Hours *Lab Required

Podiatric Medicine Pre-Requisites • 90 semester hours • Bachelor’s degree recommended • MCAT preferred • Pre-professional advisory committee evaluation • Interview required

Podiatric Medicine • Online application available through AACPM • Apply to all 6 member schools with same application • Application cycle begins in September for class that starts the following August

Podiatric Medicine • Additional Information • American Podiatric Medical Association http: //www. apma. org • American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine http: //www. aacpm. org

Chiropractors n Significant Points n n n Employment of chiropractors is expected to increase faster than average. Chiropractic care has become more accepted as a result of recent research and changing attitudes. Earnings are relatively low in the beginning, but increase as the practice grows.

Chiropractors n Nature of the Work n n n Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. Chiropractors believe interference with these systems impairs normal functions and lowers resistance to disease. The chiropractic approach to healthcare is holistic, stressing the patient's overall health and wellness.

Chiropractors n Nature of the Work n n n Some chiropractors use water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric, and heat therapy. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. Many chiropractors are solo or group practitioners who also have the administrative responsibilities of running a practice. The average workweek is about 40 hours. Chiropractors, like other health practitioners, are sometimes on their feet for long periods.

Chiropractors n Employment Chiropractors currently hold about 50, 000 jobs in the U. S. n Most chiropractors are in solo practice, although some are in group practice or work for other chiropractors. n

Chiropractors n Training n n n Most states require at least 2 years of undergraduate education An increasing number of states require a 4 -year bachelor's degree. All states require completion of a 4 -year chiropractic college course at an accredited program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

Chiropractors n Training n n There are 16 chiropractic programs in the United States accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. All required applicants must have at least 90 semester hours: n n n English Social sciences and/or humanities Organic and inorganic chemistry Biology Physics Psychology.

Chiropractors n Training n First 2 years of Chiropractic School n n Classroom and laboratory work in basic sciences. Last 2 years of Chiropractic School n n Courses in manipulation and spinal adjustments Clinical experience in physical and laboratory diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, physiotherapy, and nutrition.

Chiropractors n Job Outlook n n n Job prospects are expected to be good for persons who enter the practice of chiropractic with faster than average growth. Chiropractic care is appealing to many health-conscious Americans due to its holistic approach. Demand for chiropractic treatment is also related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance.

Chiropractors n Earnings n n Median annual earnings of salaried chiropractors is $67, 030. Self-employed chiropractors usually earn more than salaried chiropractors. The average income for all chiropractors, including the selfemployed, was about $81, 500 after expenses. Self-employed chiropractors must provide for their own health insurance and retirement.

Chiropractors n Areas of Expansion n n Oriental Medicine Naturopathy

Chiropractors n Additional Information n American Chiropractic Association http: //www. amerchiro. org International Chiropractors Association http: //www. chiropractic. org World Chiropractic Alliance http: //www. worldchiropracticalliance. org D. D. Palmer Founder of Chiropractics