Veterinarian

I chose to write about being a veterinarian because I love pets and would definitely love to save the lives of animals. I am such a baby when it comes to seeing an animal hurt on the side of the road, or even when I see a stray animal.

Veterinarians should have the ability to be able to calm animals and to really let the animal know that you care. Graduation from an accredited college of veterinary medicine and a State license are required. Competition for admission to veterinary school is keen; however, graduates should have very good job opportunities.

There are many things that this job field needs; here are some of them; Prospective veterinarians must graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree from a 4-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine and must obtain a license to practice. There are 28 colleges in 26 States that meet accreditation standards set by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The prerequisites for admission vary. Many of these colleges do not require a bachelor's degree for entrance, but all require a significant number of credit hours ranging from 45 to 90 semester hours at the undergraduate level. However, most of the students admitted have completed an undergraduate program. Applicants without a bachelor's degree face a difficult task gaining admittance.

Median annual earnings of veterinarians were $66,590 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,420 and $88,060. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $118,430.

According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, average starting salaries of veterinary medical college graduates in 2004 varied by type of practice as follows: Small animals, predominantly $50,878 ,Small animals, exclusively $50,703, Large animals, exclusively $50,403, Private clinical practice $ 49,635, Large animals, predominantly $48,529 ,Mixed animals $47,704, Equine (horses) $38,628. The average annual salary for veterinarians in the Federal Government in no supervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions was $78,769 in 2005.

The working conditions for veterinarians are kind of sometimes rough. Veterinarians often work long hours. Those in group practices may take turns being on call for evening, night, or weekend work;