Careers Veterinary Medicine Information Provided By: Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center (AHEC) PowerPoint Presentation By: Juliane Monko & Dr. Frank Flanders CTAE Resource Network, June 2009 Based On PowerPoint Ideas From: Penny Howard, RN, Healthcare Science Instructor

AHECAHEC There are six centers in the Georgia AHEC Network, and each serves a multi-county region. The AHEC mission is to meet the health needs of Georgia by improving the supply, distribution and quality of healthcare providers. AHECs offer enrichment programs, camps, learning tools, student counseling, volunteer and mentoring activity coordination, and access to other educational resources. Contact your regional AHEC for more information.

Objectives Students will be able to describe health careers in the field of Veterinarian Medicine. Students will be able to plan a healthcare career path in Veterinarian Medicine.

Careers in Veterinary Medicine Veterinarian Veterinary Technician

Veterinarian

Veterinarians are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and illnesses in animals. They help to prevent the transmission of diseases, such as rabies and salmonella between animals and humans. Veterinarians also play an important role in biomedical research.

Work Environment Salary Agribusiness Emergency care centers Governmental agencies Military Pharmaceutical companies Private practice Public health departments Research institutions Veterinary colleges Zoos Average Starting Salary $54,452  Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Medicine Academic Requirements Some veterinary medical colleges do not require applicants to have undergraduate degrees, but applicants must satisfy certain course requirements. Acceptance into vet school is highly competitive in terms of grades, test scores, and work experience. Applicants may be required to submit scores for one or more of the following: the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Biology Subject Test.

Veterinary Medicine Academic Requirements Individuals should gain as much experience as possible working with animals. This experience, both paid and volunteer, is an important factor in the application process to veterinary medical college. Veterinary medical colleges require four years to complete. After graduation, some veterinarians enter one-year internships for additional training in a particular area. To become certified in a specialty area, a veterinarian must complete a residency which lasts two to three years.

Veterinary Technician

Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of veterinarians. They are trained to take an animal’s medical history from its owner, perform laboratory tests, sterilize instruments, dress wounds, monitor anesthesia, assist during diagnostic and surgical procedures, and take x-rays. In some animal clinics, veterinary technicians also serve as office managers.

Work Environment Salary Agribusiness Governmental agencies Pharmaceutical companies Private practice Research institutions Sales Veterinary and veterinary technician schools Zoos Average Starting Salary $29,883  Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician Academic Requirements Two-and four-year programs are available leading to associate or bachelor's degrees, respectively.

Summary There are a variety of careers available in Veterinary Medicine. Educational requirements vary by career and career level. Students interested in these careers should use the information provided here as a basis for a career plan. The student should also research the career further to complete a career plan. Careers available in Veterinary Medicine include: Veterinarian Veterinary Technician