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Veterinary Employment

Veterinary employment remains strong throughout the US, despite recent negative economic cycles.  By 2012 the veterinary employment rate is expected to increase by 25.1 percent for veterinarians and veterinary technicians due to anticipated demographic and economic changes. Evolving technologies may improve the employment outlook as skilled and knowledgeable veterinarians are required in the veterinary process.

Veterinary employment statistics for 2002 reveal that veterinarians held approximately 42,900 jobs. Compensation for veterinary employment varied significantly depending upon the size and nature of the employer, its geographic location, and economic conditions. In 2002, most veterinarians earned between $49,050 and $85,770. The lowest 10 percent of the profession earned less than $38,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,370. Most veterinary technologists and technicians earned between $19,210 and $27,890, with the lowest 10 percent of the profession earning less than $16,170, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $33,750.

Recent studies predict that the number of domestic animals such as cats and dogs will increase drastically through 2014.  In addition to the increase in the number of pets, advancements in technology will aid with procedures veterinarians perform, which will cause a need for all positions within the veterinary field.  Professionals interested in veterinary careers may enter positions such as receptionist, office manager, veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, laboratory care worker, or veterinarian.  Each position is responsible for completing a variety of tasks in order to provide excellent care to all animals. 

Experts project excellent occupational outlooks for all positions within the veterinary field.  Veterinarians, who are responsible for the overall health of a patient under the facilities care, will experience excellent opportunities despite that they will only grow approximately 14% through 2014.  The restricted number of educational institutions that offer veterinary medicine degrees will limit the number of associates entering these careers.  Every year competition for veterinary schools increases, and graduates are greeted with numerous opportunities.  Approximately 20% of all veterinarians are self employed. 

Veterinary assistant, lab care worker, and veterinary technician positions are expected to increase much faster than the average occupational growth, and will offer numerous positions to qualified candidates.  Veterinary assistants and lab technicians filled 74,000 jobs in 2004, while veterinary technicians held 60,000 occupations.  These associates may be required to complete a variety of duties including room preparation and admitting, evaluating, diagnosing, or treating animals.  All veterinary associates are integral to the success of an animal healthcare institution. 

Educational requirements for occupations in veterinary medicine vary from basic on the job training to doctoral degrees.  Candidates interested in receptionist, veterinary assistant, or laboratory care worker positions may begin with little past experience or formal education because the majority of these skills are obtained on the job.  Office managers are commonly skilled in basic veterinary duties, and generally have substantial on the job training.  Veterinary technicians may pursue a formal two to four year degree and gain licensure, while veterinarians must complete a scientific four year degree before competing for entrance into a school that focuses in veterinary medicine, which requires four additional years of study.  Upon completion of the program, veterinarians must obtain licensure, and often complete a two year apprenticeship. 

Professionals interested in these occupations must be physically and emotionally strong.  Veterinary associates often witness animals suffering from debilitating diseases, illnesses, or injuries, and may be involved in the euthanizing of an animal.  Many animals feel threatened or frightened in veterinary facilities, and may be prone to biting, scratching, or kicking professionals.  Associates must be able to calm and comfort pets, and when necessary restrain violent or agitated animals.  A love for animals and a strong desire to help them is pertinent for success in any veterinary career. 

For more information on employment within the veterinary field, please visit the following sites:

• The American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association
• Florida Atlantic University
• The Merck Veterinary Manual
• Veterinary Cancer Society
• VeterinaryPartner.com

If you are searching for veterinary employment, or looking to hire veterinary professionals, please visit iHireVeterinary.  We are a niche job board focusing only in animal healthcare candidates and positions.