Veterinarian

Duties/Responsibilities:

Veterinarians may focus on providing medical care for common household pets, like cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds. They can also care for large farm animals including horses, and cattle or even exotic animals. Other  types of veterinarians focus solely on research. The animals are examined and treated for any problems they might have.

Salary: $88,490

Education:

Your pre-veterinary bachelor's curriculum includes coursework in animal biology, genetics, chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics and animal nutrition. Aspiring veterinarians must then attend one of 28 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited schools of veterinary medicine and earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Curricula for these programs usually include courses such as veterinary immunology, advanced surgical techniques, veterinary physiology and zoological medicine.

Demands for this career:

To practice veterinary medicine, you must be licensed by your state. Requirements for licensing include a DVM degree and successful completion of the comprehensive North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. You might also be required to pass a jurisprudence examination, which deals with state regulations. You may choose to complete an internship before joining or opening a veterinary practice. To become a board-certified vet, you must complete a residency program, which will allow you to specialize in such areas as surgery, cardiology or preventive medicine after an additional four years of training.