Careers in Agriculture

1. Careers in Agriculture Veterinarian By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Jennie Simpson Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

2. What Is a Veterinarian? • Veterinarians are doctors who care for animals. • They treat diseased and injured animals • Vaccinate animals • Provide advice on care and breeding. • Vets play a major role in the healthcare of many kinds of animals. • They conduct research on animal health Source: Cornelia Veterinary Hospital, Baldwin, GA

3. Duties of Veterinarians • Examine animals to diagnose diseases or treat injuries. • Treat sick or injured animals • Vaccinate animals against diseases, such as rabies and distemper. • Collect body samples, and feces, blood, and urine for testing • Operate diagnostic equipment and interpret the results. • Advise owners on feeding and general care necessary to promote health of animals. • Educate the public about zoonotic diseases. • Train and supervise workers who handle and care for animals. • Provide care to a wide range of animals or specialize in a particular species, such as horses or exotic birds. • Euthanize animals. *These are some common duties of the profession. This list is not all inclusive, and duties can vary greatly within the profession.

4. Becoming a Veterinarian • Veterinarians must have a deep desire for the well being and care of animals. • Personal qualities include being personable, compassionate, assertive, a keen power of observation, and an inquiring mind. • Aptitude and interest in biological sciences is important too. • Need to get along with pet owners because many will form a strong bond with their pet. • You need excellent communication, business skills, scientific knowledge and have high ethical standards. • Good problem solving skills and the ability to think creatively, “outside of the box,” make a person successful in a career as a veterinarian.

5. Education • There are 28 schools of veterinary medicine in the US, and only 43% of applicants are accepted per year. • 75% of students in vet school are women. • You need to make good grades in science, biology and math in high school. • Undergraduate coursework usually includes three to four years of college and is needed to be admitted to vet school. • Medical study is difficult and time consuming. Develop good study habits • Volunteer at local clinics, zoos, or humane societies to gain experience.

6. Employment • Veterinarians can work for the state or federal government, zoos, labs, research, universities, or private practice. • Demand is high for veterinarians in the fields of pathology, lab animal medicine, and food animal medicine. • Demand for veterinarians is increasing by 3% each year. • The salary can range from $45,000 to over $100,000 depending on location, experience, and area of vet medicine. • Vets in private practice can concentrate on small animals, large animals, exotics, or a mixed practice. Equine medicine is another area of private practice.

7. Vocabulary Zoonotic Disease- an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans. Ex. Ringworm-a fungus that can be found on the skin of animals. This fungus can be transmitted to humans if they touch it!

8. Related Careers • Animal Behaviorist • Animal Nutritionist • Avian Veterinarian • Biological Scientist • Ichthyologist • Marine Biologist • Zoologist • Veterinary Technician

9. Career Resources Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges 1101 Vermont Ave. NW Suite 301 Washington, DC 20005 Internet: http://www.aavmc.org University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Internet: www.vet.uga.edu American Veterinary Medical Association 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100 Schaumburg, Illinois 60173-4360 Internet: http://www.avma.org American Animal Hospital Association P.O. Box 150899 Denver, Colorado 80215-0899 Internet: http://www.healthypet.com