Veterinary Medicine Why People Consider Veterinary Medicine As

Veterinary Medicine

Why People Consider Veterinary Medicine As a Career Compassion and respect for animals ] Interest in science and medical research ] Skills and patience necessary for a helping/service profession ] Desire to improve the welfare of both animals and humans ]

Veterinary Education ] ] ] Admission to vet school requires certain coursework be completed but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. The average successful applicant has over four (4) years of education. There are 27 veterinary schools in the United States. There about 8000 veterinary students in the U. S.

] ] Most veterinary schools accept applications on a regional or statewide basis. Males and females are accepted in approximately a 25/75 ratio. One’s chances of being accepted on one application are between 12% and 33%. While admission is difficult, 90% of students who enter will graduate.

Admission to the University of Tennessee n Academic profile n n n GPA Aptitude test scores Personal profile n n n Letters of reference Autobiographical statement Experience with animals Experience with veterinary medicine Personal interview

There About 70, 000 Graduates in the U. S. Today (1300 in Tennessee) n n Currently, 2/3 of veterinarians are male, but this is changing. Most veterinary school classes are 75% female.

Animal Population Figures Animal Dogs Cats Horses Cattle Swine Sheep Population (millions) % Household owning 53 57 7 96 56 7 37 31 2

What Veterinarians Do: n Private Practice n n 70% of all veterinarians 85% of first year graduates are in private practice

100% Pet Practice n n n 50% of all veterinarians Income and hours worked (48. 8) is average Tends to be most technologically sophisticated practice group. Most procedures performed on animals were perfected on animals. Affords many opportunities to practice good medicine Work is indoors, not physically strenuous and is typically located in urban or suburban areas.

Mixed Practice - 20% All Veterinarians n n n Income below average and hours worked above average. Tend to be a generalist knowing an amazing lot about many different animals. Small town lifestyle appeals to many.

Large Animal Practice 7% of All Veterinarians n n n The pay is above average Tend to be more specialized Physically more demanding Get to be outdoors Exists in rural or suburban areas

About 25% of Veterinarians Are Salaried Regulatory Colleges and Universities 5% Research

Colleges and Universities n n 5% of all veterinarians Most have post D. V. M. education Any facility housing experimental animals must have a veterinarian. Teaching and research

Government n n n n Federal government employs about 5% of all veterinarians. State and local government – 2% Disease control and regulatory Food inspection Research Starting salary is above average and hours worked are lower. Regular hours and job security

Military n n n 1% of all veterinarians Public health and research Enter as a 1 st Lieutenant or Captain Good benefits Regular hours

Private Industry n n 5% of all veterinarians Research and drug testing Post DVM education Excellent salary and benefits

Disadvantages of Veterinary Medicine n n n Starting salary is low ($47, 000) compared to the level of education. Many in private practice resent the attention which must be paid the to business aspect of practicing veterinary medicine. Veterinarians see more suffering and death than any other segment.

Advantages to Veterinary Medicine n n n Opportunity to help both animals and humans can be very fulfilling. Above average income ($76, 000). 100% employment. Above average social status in the community. Work is non-repetitive.

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