Job Description for Veterinary Surgeon
Becoming a veterinary surgeon can be a very rewarding career, especially if you enjoy working with and caring for animals and want to pursue an occupation in the medical field. Most veterinary surgeons practice in small clinics in larger cities and will primarily treat domestic pets. Approximately 80 percent of practicing veterinarians are self-employed, or work in private sectors. Veterinary surgeons often work in zoos, medical research facilities, ranches or food-producing companies as inspectors.
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Education
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Becoming a veterinary surgeon requires an advanced degree, which can be achieved by attending an accredited undergraduate course or veterinary school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), acceptance and admission to veterinary school is competitive. Courses include physical and biological sciences as well as English and math. Veterinary surgeons are required to pass oral and written exams for state licensing.
Job Duties
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Veterinary surgeons are responsible for the health and welfare of animals, typically in a clinic environment. Due to the nature of the work, there may be times when a veterinary surgeon will be required to perform the job duties on-site, such as at a farm or ranch. Job responsibilities include administering anesthesia, surgery and other medical procedures. Veterinary surgeons also provide education geared toward the prevention and spread of diseases. They write prescriptions and are responsible for record keeping and other paperwork.
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Employment Outlook
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The BLS estimated that employment opportunities for veterinary surgeons will increase approximately 33 percent from 2008 to 2018. The projected increase is due in part to the rapid repopulation rates of felines and their increased choice as a pet by owners. The human animal bond also is cited as increasing by the BLS and many owners treat their pets as part of the family. Therefore the pet owners are more inclined to spend money to have their pets treated. The employment outlook for veterinary surgeons was excellent as more small animal veterinarians will be needed to care for domestic animals.
Earnings
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According to the BLS, the median annual wages reported during the period of May 2008 for veterinary surgeons was $79,050. The lowest 10 percent earned during the reporting period earned $46,610 while the highest 10 percent reported incomes reaching $143,660. The median annual wage for the middle 50 percent ranged from $61,370 to $104,110. The BLS also states that for the period of March 2009, veterinarians employed by the federal government earned $93,398.
Related Job Opportunities
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Pharmaceutical companies employ veterinarians and veterinary surgeons in laboratories conducting research and development into medicines to help prevent the outbreak and spread of diseases in the animal kingdom. Other veterinary surgeons work as educators or inspectors. Several charitable organizations dedicated to animals employ veterinary surgeons to help care for rescued, abused or abandoned animals.
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References
- Photo Credit cat2 image by Mikhail Olykainen from Fotolia.com
