Almost every American home has pets of some sort and at some point in the pet's life, it is more likely to get sick than not. Veterinarians are basically just doctors for animals instead of humans. Many people see veterinarian offices every day and never think twice about what they are or even what they do. Having a love or passion for both animals and humans is hugely important. This is because every day you will be dealing with both animals and their owners.
Like just about any career choice, schooling is very important and is even required. Becoming a veterinarian takes around three to five years of undergraduate school. Along with that four years as a veterinarian, school is also required. One of the most well-known veterinarian schools is called the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney. The specific requirements to become a veterinarian are, “In order to practice, a veterinarian must meet the following educational guidelines: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, animal biology, or zoology. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD)degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine,” (“Veterinary Science Majors Guide”). To become a veterinarian you must have a specialty but also a general practice on household pets, such as cats and dogs.
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With such a large population of people that have pets, the need for veterinarians in the United States is important. In 2016 there were about 79,600 veterinarian jobs in the United States. This career field is also expected to have a 19% growth over the next 10 years. It is actually quite surprising how many people in the United States own pets, “With 62% of American households owning a pet, it is no secret that veterinarians are in high demand,” (“Fun Veterinarian Facts”). With veterinarian jobs high in demand, it will be easier to obtain a job in this field. Another upside of the veterinarian career field growing is that more competition means more competitive pay.
I would like to become a veterinarian because I have always had a passion for animals. Ever since I was young I always took a keen interest in creatures ranging from bugs to reptiles. A couple of years ago I volunteered at an animal rescue place called Phoenix Herpetological Society. Phoenix Herpetological Society mostly focuses on reptile conservation and education. Reptiles are probably my favorite type of animal, so I would probably pursue a career in reptile veterinary. I actually have several reptiles as pets, so I know what it’s like to have to go to a veterinarian.
Working with animals can be very dangerous. This is because the animal will likely feel in danger or confused while being treated. When an animal is in danger it will do whatever it sees fit to escape the situation. In fact, “81% of all veterinarians get seriously injured during work,” (“Fun Veterinarian Facts”). this is important because in this field I can get injured. It is easy to get hurt when working with frightened animals.
Similar to medical physicians, veterinarians have the option to specialize in certain areas. After becoming a certified veterinarian, vets can choose to undertake intensive training in a variety of veterinary specialties such as radiology, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, oncology, preventative animal medicine, internal medicine, and surgery. Veterinarians have a large variety of fields to major in. I feel like I would enjoy being a radiology vet.
Like every job, each day has a routine, however, there is almost always one incident or another that will bring something different to the day, from emergency surgeries to a late-day delivery of puppies. Veterinary assistants and technicians learn to multi-task and respond quickly and efficiently to urgent situations. Although preventative health care plays a major role in many veterinary practices, they are also the primary source of emergency care when an animal has been injured. Those who are required to treat these animals need to provide the best treatment with a positive outcome.
With each client, the vet assistant and the technician are required to provide a unique service specific to the client. For a new pet owner, the assistant or technician may offer basic information about the care of their particular pet. Opposed to a pet owner with an older animal who may need guidance on proper nutrition, supplements that can help their joints, and the correct dosage of pain medication, if and when necessary. The veterinary assistant will also provide care for an animal who has just come out of surgery or dispense medications to animals in the kennels at that veterinary practice. Keeping a good relationship with customers and taking care of their animals is important. This is because it is crucial for people to come to me for help when their animal is sick or injured.
Although veterinary assistants and technicians work in animal shelters and care for the animals, a greater percentage work and care for the owners of the pets. Each owner has a different personality and these people are there to support the animals that they love and unfortunately sometimes they are there to hear bad news. Compassion is an essential element when working with animals, both for the animal itself and just as importantly, for the pet owner. I feel like I am good at showing compassion. This could be because I have had pets die so I know how it feels.
Employment of veterinarians is projected to grow 18 percent over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations. Increases in consumers' pet-related expenditures are expected to drive employment in the veterinary services industry, which employs most veterinarians. Veterinary medicine has advanced considerably. Today's veterinarians are able to offer many services that are comparable to healthcare for humans, including more complicated procedures such as cancer treatments and kidney transplants. Also, 80% of diseases that humans contract originate in animals. Due to this many vets help cure modern diseases.
In conclusion, being a veterinarian is a career field that interests me. Becoming a veterinarian has good pay and I would get to work with animals. I would be able to work somewhere where I am passionate about what I do. Which in return would help improve my work ethic. Becoming a veterinarian has been a prospect for my future job for a while. I am glad I did this essay on vets because now I know a lot about them now.
Works Cited
- “CollegeGrad.” Jobs, Career, Salary and Education Information, collegegrad.com/careers/veterinarians.
- “Fun Veterinarian Facts.” Dental Planet, 22 Feb. 2019, www.dentalplanet.com/blog/2016/10/28/fun-facts-veterinarians/.
- McKay, Dawn Rosenberg. “Veterinarian Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More.” The Balance Careers, The Balance, 1 May 2019, www.thebalancecareers.com/veterinarian-526081.
- “Veterinarian.” ExploreHealthCareers.org, explorehealthcareers.org/career/veterinary-medicine/veterinarian/.