Veterinary Science Jobs

This area provides information on Veterinary Science Jobs ( vet jobs ) including educational requirements, duties and tasks and related fields.

For many people pets are important additions to their families. Many pet owners pay close attention to their cat or dog’s health and spend large sums of money for the top foods, products, and health care for their animals. Those who work in agricultural businesses that involve animals also care a great deal about health and nutrition of the animals. Their livelihoods depend on it. Whether it is a better way to treat distemper, a new vaccine for Lyme’s disease, or avoiding an outbreak of mad cow disease, the public count on those in the veterinary sciences to help keep them and their animals safe and healthy.

What is Veterinary Science?

Veterinary sciences programs focus on ways to prevent and treat animal diseases. Students learn how diseases begin, develop, and transfer to other hosts. They also learn how to research the causes of animal diseases. The phrase is sometimes used to include those who practice veterinary medicine, and colleges may lump all related programs into this one category. And while a veterinary scientist knows how to treat animals and may eventually pursue a career as a veterinarian, the focus of those in this field is typically on research rather than hands on treatment.

Educational Requirements for Veterinary Science

Training for a career in veterinary science starts with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a major related to science or math. From there, a graduate degree is required. A number of four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. and other countries offer graduate programs in veterinary sciences. Coursework is often offered through the school's veterinary medicine program. Qualifications for many top positions in this career field require a doctorate degree.

Coursework

Anatomy

Animal Physiology

Biochemistry

Mathematics

Microbiology and Bacteriology

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Statistics

Introduction to Animal Nutrition

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Animal Reproduction and Breeding

Advanced Animal Evaluation

Endocrine Physiology

Animal Disease Management

Domestic Animal Growth and Development

Genetics of Farm Animals

Veterinary Science Career Areas

Veterinary scientists can specialize in microbiology, toxicology, physiology, pharmacology, infectious diseases, genetics, or other similar fields. Most people with a degree in veterinary science work as researchers. They may be employed by pharmaceutical laboratories and drug companies. Many work for government agencies involved in monitoring livestock health and the safety, public health, or the quality of food and drugs. Others work at colleges and universities, either in research labs or as instructors. A recently developing field for veterinary scientists is work being done in cloning and stem cell research.

Common Duties & Tasks

In the course of their daily work, veterinary scientists are often involved in the following activities:

Work to prevent and control animal diseases

Prevent the transmission of the animal diseases to other animals and to people

Produce vaccines and other drugs

Obtain and record assessment data and analyze animal health and production records

Collect, preserve and transport samples

Interpret laboratory results

Perform post-mortem inspection of animals

Related Career Fields

Those who pursue a career in veterinary science have many related career options. Some possibilities include:

Agribusiness

Range livestock management

Animal science and husbandry

Wildlife conservation

Environmental safety

Veterinary medicine

Veterinarian technology

Animal biology

Zoology