What It's All About
When the pets we care so much about are ill, who is the first person we call to make them feel better? A veterinarian , of course. But how much do you know about what goes into a career in veterinary medicine?Karen Kessler, a small animal veterinarian, wants to let all aspiring vets know what to expect. Read on as she shares the ins and outs of her career. The first thing that Dr. Kessler does in the morning is make her rounds and follow the progress of the currently hospitalized animals. Then she moves on to her patients for the day. "When I first see an animal, I start off with a physical exam," says Dr. Kessler. "I really have to use my senses because the animals cannot tell me what is bothering them." Fortunately, Dr. Kessler can get a few clues from the animal's owner, but it is then up to her to figure out the rest. "In trying to diagnose the animal, I may do bloodwork or take x-rays," she explains. "If it turns out that the animal is very sick, it may have to be admitted to the hospital for further care." What You Need To Know
Have your sights set on veterinary medicine? If so, Dr. Kessler recommends getting the strongest science background possible. "Some good undergraduate majors include biology, physiology, animal sciences, and agriculture," states Dr. Kessler. "It is really important to concentrate on the sciences." After completing your undergraduate study, it's on to vet school. Although each school has its own requirements, most will require you to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) and, in some cases, the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) or the VCAT (Veterinary College Admission Test). Veterinary school is a four-year commitment; the first three years are spent in the classroom and the last year is spent working on patients under close supervision. What You'll Earn
Upon passing the board examinations, some students choose to do an internship in order to get more experience. Usually, such internships pay a salary of $18,000 - $20,000. If you choose not to do an internship, and instead dive into your first job, you can expect to earn $35,000 - $40,000. Those who have the experience of an internship under their belt, however, can command a salary of $55,000 - $60,000 in their first veterinary endeavor. What You'll Enjoy
While there are many things that Dr. Kessler enjoys about her profession, her favorite part is dealing with the animals. "They are so great to work with because their attitude about life is so good. They can be very sick, but still wagging their tails." There are, however, some things Dr. Kessler does not like to see happen with her patients. "It is heartbreaking to see people who must put their animals to sleep because they cannot afford to treat their pets after we have stabilized them." A Final Thought
"The most important thing [for aspiring veterinarians] is to get as much experience as you can," advises Dr. Kessler. "Start now. If you can, volunteer or work in an animal-related environment."
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