Career Details :: Veterinarians
Description
Diagnose and treat diseases and dysfunctions of animals. May engage in a particular function, such as research and development, consultation, administration, technical writing, sale or production of commercial products, or rendering of technical services to commercial firms or other organizations. Includes veterinarians who inspect livestock.
Experience
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education
A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Tasks
- Examines animal to detect and determine nature of disease or injury and treats animal surgically or medically.
- Inspects and tests horses, sheep, poultry flocks, and other animals for diseases and inoculates animals against various diseases, including rabies.
- Establishes and conducts quarantine and testing procedures to prevent spread of disease and compliance with governmental regulations.
- Participates in research projects, plans procedures, and selects animals for scientific research based on knowledge of species and research principles.
- Oversees activities concerned with feeding, care, and maintenance of animal quarters to ensure compliance with laboratory regulations.
- Ensures compliance with regulations governing humane and ethical treatment of animals used in scientific research.
- Exchanges information with zoos and aquariums concerning care, transfer, sale, or trade of animals to maintain all-species nationwide inventory.
- Trains personnel in handling and care of animals.
- Participates in planning and executing nutrition and reproduction programs for animals.
- Inspects housing and advises animal owners regarding sanitary measures, feeding, and general care to promote health of animals.
- Conducts postmortem studies and analysis results to determine cause of death.
Related Careers
- Anesthesiologists
- Biological Technicians
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Physician Assistants
- Podiatrists
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings
- Analyzing Data or Information
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Consequence of Error
- Frustrating Circumstances
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Provide a Service to Others
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine |  [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.