How the Veterinary Science Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Veterinary science is the study of animal health and welfare. Veterinary science majors are typically animal lovers and feel passionately about helping those who cannot speak for themselves. These majors can choose to focus on working with any number of animals, from domesticated pets such as dogs and cats, large marine mammals such as dolphins and whales, wild animals such as lions and elephants, or small animals like fish and lizards. To prepare for a future in working with animals, veterinary science majors take courses in veterinary anesthesia and surgery, animal behavior, ethics in veterinary medicine, and other topics related to successfully diagnosing and treating animal conditions. Many veterinary science majors are also required to complete internships or outside clinical work before graduating, giving them the exciting opportunity to work alongside professionals. This combination of formal classroom education and work experience prepares veterinary science graduates for immediate entry into the field upon graduation.
Best Career Paths for Veterinary Science Majors
The veterinary science field has many exciting career opportunities for animal lovers to pursue. The best career paths for veterinary majors are:
- Veterinarian. Veterinarians are responsible for the health and happiness of all kinds of animals. They can work with horses, large mammals, small animals, domesticated house pets, and many other creatures. They function just as a physician does for a human. Veterinarians perform routine checkups and administer vaccinations against disease. They also search for warning signs of health issues, diagnose animal health problems, develop treatment plans for animals with issues, and administer the treatments. Some veterinarians also work with food safety, checking livestock and other food animals for transmissible diseases and quarantining animals suspected of harboring diseases. The demand for veterinarians is high, and the need for qualified veterinarians exceeds the supply, according to Becker College. Veterinarians make an average salary of $79,050 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Veterinary Technologist. Veterinary technologists work under a veterinarian. They analyze samples taken from the animal patient, scanning for disease or any other abnormality. Technologists also assist veterinarians in animal dental care, taking blood samples from the patient, steadying the patient for any other required tests, and provide assistance to the veterinarian in general. Technologists can also provide animals with routine care. Veterinarian technologists earn an average salary of $28,900 annually, according to the Bureau.
How to Market Your Veterinary Science Degree
Your veterinary science degree was hard-earned, but the only way to get the most out of your formal education is to market your degree effectively. It is not enough to simply inform your potential employers of your degree. You must also prove to them why that degree makes you a qualified candidate for the position. Play up the experience and skills that your internships and classroom education provided. Explain that the foundation of biology, chemistry, and other related topics you developed in the classroom helped you to successfully work alongside professionals in your internship. The best way to market your veterinary science degree is to prove that your skills easily translate into the real working world.
