Veterinary medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and, in general, the care of various diseases and injuries in non-human animals. If you are interested in studying veterinary medicine, working in this area, or knowing how much a veterinarian earns in the United States, in this article, we share relevant information:
What does a veterinarian do in the United States?
On a normal day, the veterinarian can perform one or more of the following actions:
- carry out surgery
- Prescribing or administering medications, either intramuscularly, orally, or intravenously.
- It can treat and heal wounds, as well as fractures or related injuries.
- Carry out blood collection for tests, as well as request tests of fecal matter, urine, ultrasound or X-rays.
- It can also be in charge of the application of euthanasia in animals in very poor health conditions.
On the other hand, we must mention that a veterinarian, in the United States, can work in various areas. For example, he very often works in clinics, but also visits animals in homes, works in farms or zoos.
Among the different animals that a veterinarian treats, in addition to pets such as dogs and cats, are sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, birds and other farm animals; as well as various wild animals.
There are also veterinarians working in areas such as food inspection and product safety. Essentially, what they do is check and test the substances in the food in order to prevent possible diseases, some of them with possible transmission to humans.
Frequently, the veterinarian in the United States will need the cooperation of the owner, who will inform him about the health history of his pet, as well as his diet and habits.
How to become a veterinarian in the United States?
According to information from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you want to work as a veterinarian in this country, you should have a degree, awarded by an officially recognized university, in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: In addition to having a state license (specifically the state where you want to work).
On the other hand, we must mention that most of the candidates interested in working as veterinarians also have an undergraduate degree. This type of training provides essential information and experience in fields such as biology, chemistry, animal anatomy, zoology, among many others.
Today, as in other branches of health, veterinary studies in the United States are highly sought after at the national level; both by students from this same country, as well as by foreigners.
Likewise, it is common for more advanced students to work (and thus put their knowledge into practice) through internships, in places such as zoos, animal shelters or as assistants in veterinary offices.
Where can I find veterinary jobs in the United States?
Many veterinarians in the United States work in private clinics and hospitals that treat a variety of animals. However, as we have already mentioned, these are not the only places where veterinarians can find work. Since they also have the opportunity to work for government institutions, farms or laboratories; even in the area of training, educating future veterinarians.
How much does a veterinarian earn in the United States?
The service provided by a veterinarian, if it is a consultation, can have an average cost of $150 dollars. Although, this amount will vary depending on the reason for the consultation and the severity of the disease or illness that the animal presents.
This cost charged by a veterinarian in the United States will also be different based on the size and type of our pet; thus, the price for treatment in a hamster will not be the same as in a horse, even if the disease is the same or similar.
If we talk about how much a veterinarian in the United States earns per year, the sum would amount to around 100,000 dollars; although the number will also vary based on the region, location of the practice, level of preparation of the veterinarian, among other aspects. In a more realistic sum, we would speak of between 80,000 and 120,000 dollars annually.
