Veterinary medicine is one of the most popular professions worldwide due to its service to animals and humans in many areas. Although veterinary medicine primarily treats animal diseases, it also impacts general public health by discovering and immunizing viruses and bacteria in animals.
Studying veterinary medicine opens the door to many opportunities in several niches. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program teaches animal science basics and gives you enough practical experience to begin your career.
If you are interested in pursuing a DVM degree, here is how to start a veterinary medicine profession.
How Can a DVM Degree Help You Start Your Veterinary Career?
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) consists of basic science and clinical rotations and teaches you basic and advanced lessons in veterinary science. The basic science program lays the foundation for you to build your career. This is followed by clinical rotations, where you can convert the theoretical knowledge from lectures into practical experience.
During your veterinary science classes, you must also prepare for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), a licensing examination necessary to practice in the veterinary field. After clearing NAVLE and completing your graduate degree in veterinary medicine, you can start practicing adhering to the requirements of the state regarding conduct and competence.
If you wish to get additional training after graduation, you can apply for clinical or hospital internships and even a veterinary residency.
Check this: Veterinary Schools in the USA
What are the Careers in Veterinary Medicine?
There are many career roles within veterinary medicine beyond working as a veterinarian. There is a wide range of specializations for you to choose from. Some of the popular careers in veterinary medicine are:
Veterinary diagnostic technician
Veterinary technicians perform tests on blood samples and other tissues of animals to detect certain diseases which help formulate an accurate treatment plan.
Wildlife veterinarian
Wildlife veterinarians work towards treating diseases of wild animals and often assist in rehabilitating such species.
Veterinary surgeon
A veterinary surgeon performs surgeries on different types of animals and prescribes medicines for the healing process.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists are concerned with the diet and nutrition of animals and how it affects their productivity. As a nutritionist, you must check animal feeds’ quality and nutritional value and ensure they are safe for consumption.
Ophthalmologist
A veterinary ophthalmologist is specialized in treating the eye diseases of animals and suggesting treatments. You must also perform eye surgeries if necessary.
Aquatic veterinarian
An aquatic veterinarian looks after the health of aquatic animals like fish, dolphins, turtles, whales, lobsters, etc.
Veterinary research scientist
You can also work as a research scientist in laboratories and examine the effect of certain viruses and bacteria on animal health and public health.
The careers in veterinary medicine are numerous and lucrative. You need a DVM degree and good practice to kickstart your journey.
