Veterinarians diagnose and treat all animal disease, pain, illness, and injury. "Animal" includes every living creature except humans. Examples of services:
- health assessments, including the use of imaging procedures
- write prescriptions
- perform surgeries
- practice in specialized fields (such as internal medicine), based on advanced training and research
Salary and Projected Growth
Median salary: $132,115
Salary range: $82,497-$169,238
Projected growth: faster than average
Where Could I Work?
Private clinics and hospitals
Farms and ranches
Research and education
Government agencies
Animal shelters, zoos, and aquariums
Your Interests and Abilities
Work with animals
Basic sciences
Perform medical procedures
Manual and technical skills
Professional Skills
Concern for animals and people
Ethical standards
Attention to detail
Communication
Education
Complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from a Department-registered, veterinary medicine licensure program, accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, or the equivalent. Such programs consist of at least four years of college study, including a year of clinical training.
Visit the Office of the Professions for a listing of all options and requirements.
Examination
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)
What Interests You?
Match your interests and personality to career options! Explore a free career tool at mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Tip: try searching for mentoring programs—talk to a veterinarian about what they do and how they got started!
