 “I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs... [They] are an obligation put on us, a responsibility we have no right to neglect, nor to violate by cruelty.” -- James Herriot  I think what got me started on this career was when I was little, I always loved playing with and learning about animals.  My mom told me that if I wanted to be a vet then do it in the beginning, because now she regrets not finishing college or trying to be a vet.  In order to get a better understanding of a career as a veterinarian, I will be researching nature of work; working conditions; training, qualification, advancement; job outlook/employment; earnings; and a related occupation.

 Examine animals to diagnose their health problems  Treat and dress wounds  Perform surgery on animals  Operate medical equipment such as x-ray machines  Advise animal owners about general care, medical conditions, and treatments  Euthanize animals

 Physical and mental; dealing with animals and having to know what their diagnosis is, also knowing what to do and how to do it  Could be indoor or outdoor  Very often long hours; Some nights or weekends, might have to respond to emergencies outside of schedule  Different environments include clinics, farms, labs, outdoors

 Required-Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) at a college of veterinary medicine(only 28 colleges with the accredited programs)  Doctoral or Professional Degree  Generally 4 years but a bachelor’s degree isn’t required  Many science classes required; typically biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, zoology, microbiology, animal science  Some also require math, humanities, social sciences

 Rising~36% (Much faster than average)  61,400 jobs in 2010  Very competitive  Someplace near Michigan so I can visit my family when wanted or needed

 Average Earnings~ $82,040 per year~ $39.44 per hour  Visit Sicily, Italy +  Stay in Las Vegas with best friends +  Have a really fancy extravagant wedding –  Have 2 or 3 kids +

~~Animal Control Worker~~  Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.  Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree  Not competitive  $35,410-$51,470 for Michigan

 Yes, I am still interested in this career field.  One thing I look forward to doing is helping the animals and possibly saving their lives.  I will not look forward to having to put animals down even though it is for the best.  My overall learning experience was the responsibilities of a vet and how much work you actually have to do