Veterinarians are medical professionals or doctors for animals. They oversee their overall well-being. The field of veterinary science is vast, and there are innumerable specializations available for students to choose from. While some may choose to practice in private clinics, many can work in academic institutes or perform research, and others may work in animal sheds, or for the government and NGOs. Some are responsible for the safety of the entire nation’s food and livestock supply.
Do you love animals? Do you love animals and have a natural tendency to provide care and compassion? Then veterinary medicine could be the right course for you. The vet school curriculum is not any easier than other medical degrees. This too is extremely challenging. Read on to know more about this career that’s in high demand.
- Private Practice
Most veterinarians, after earning their degrees and license to practice, choose to perform private practice wherein they provide health care for pet animals or companion animals in privately-owned clinics. Some veterinarians also work with larger teams in a bigger clinical setting, like hospitals or camps.
Most vets at clinics treat privately owned pets and companion animals. These vets can extend a range of medical services like: vaccinations, performing surgery, treatments of illnesses, emergency care, etc. Some vets take additional training for years specializing in some distinct arenas like internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, surgery etc.
- Educators
Several veterinarians choose the education industry and choose to teach in higher institutes like colleges and universities. No matter where a medical or agricultural school is located, a veterinarian has to be present to help a working team acquainted with the basics in terms of knowledge of diseases, precautions, treatments and animal health care etc. Some veterinarians are more dedicated to research and write for journals, conduct research and develop educational programs in different veterinary institutes.
- Researchers
Many research vets work in private labs, universities, as well as many government agencies or NGOs. They investigate and apply their veterinary knowledge to solve and find out problems with ill companion animals, wildlife, or laboratory animals etc. For instance, some laboratory vets would be working on the development and testing of vaccines and serums for disease control. On the other hand, some may be in charge of their housing, feeding, and breeding etc.. Research is integral to the
- Diagnostic Laboratorians
Vets who have specialized in diagnostics or diagnosis of diseases in animals, also receive advanced training in microbiology or pathology. As specialists these veterinarians focus on the development and quality of the techniques performed on animals, in order to analyze samples like blood, and tissue etc. which is imperative for providing accurate diagnostics and performing a treatment plan. Some of these labs are largely affiliated with teaching hospitals but they can even be privately operated and owned hospitals as well.
- Consultants
Several vets work as full or part-time consultants when they have years of experience. With their expert knowledge and training, they mostly work as advisors for private businesses or start-ups. They also offer consultation on businesses like poultry farms, ranches, diaries, and meat processing facilities etc. Consultancy is also very common in NGOs and government agencies who work on the aid of animal welfare.
Veterinary medicine does not mean working on the same duties. There is diversity in the degree and a lot to learn from. Students get the opportunity to specialize and choose an arena where their skills and career interests suit them best. Now that you have a detailed knowledge of veterinary medicine, enroll in a program of your choice and get started.
