VETERINARIAN
Veterinarians provide clinical
care for pets and livestock. They diagnose and provide treatment for animals
suffering from injuries, disease or disorders. They also protect humans
from diseases carried by animals as well as conduct animal research for
curing human diseases. Veterinarians use technology similar to what is
used in human medicine such as x-rays, drugs and surgeries. Veterinarians
may employ veterinary technologists (persons who have completed an accredited
program of veterinary technology and are registered), veterinary technicians
(persons who have an associate degree related to veterinary sciences or
its equivalent and are registered), and veterinary assistants (persons
who receive on-the-job training).
Education
Many schools offer pre-veterinarian
programs. After completing pre-veterinary requirements lasting three years
or less at a college or university, students must then graduate from a
four-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. Veterinarians
who plan to work with specific types of animals or specialize in a clinical
area usually will complete an internship lasting one year. Total years
of education without specialization can be completed in seven years.
Kentucky students have the
opportunity to enter veterinary medical school at Auburn University, Auburn,
Alabama or Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama. The Commonwealth of
Kentucky has made this possible through its participation in the Southern
Regional Education Program. The state of Kentucky pays approximately $11,800
annually for each student. The School of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn
reserves 34 positions and at Tuskegee two positions are reserved for entering
students from Kentucky who meet admission requirements. If admitted, Kentucky
students do not pay out-of-state tuition. Minimum education requirements
for admission to one of the above mentioned schools is satisfactory completion
of an approved curriculum at an accredited college or university and a
minimum grade point average is required overall and for the required courses.
Auburn University requires the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Tuskegee
Institute requires the Veterinary College Admissions Test (VCAT).
Registration/Certification/Licensor
All states require veterinarians
to be licensed before they can practice. Successful completion of a Doctor
of Veterinarian Medicine (D.V.M.) Degree and passage of a national board
examination, clinical competency test and a state exam which covers state
law, federal law and administrative regulations which apply to veterinary
practice in Kentucky satisfies requirements for licensor.
Salary
$29,000-60,000
Employment Opportunities
Veterinarians may work in private
practice, local and state governmental agencies such as the Dept. of Agriculture
as a food inspector, zoos, aquariums, research laboratories, military,
animal food companies, colleges of veterinary medicine and pharmaceutical
companies.
Programs
Professional Associations
Last updated: June 26, 2001