Veterinary School

Veterinary medicine is a burgeoning field of study that is as complex as medicine for humans. Diagnosing and treating animals is a vital profession that extends beyond the care of family pets. Veterinarians work on farms and for government agencies protecting animals and humans from food-borne illnesses. They also are responsible for caring for wild animals and those housed in zoos. The knowledge to treat animals and protect humans must be earned with a degree from a veterinary school. Veterinary schools usually offer a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) to candidates upon their graduation. Candidates make an intensive study of animal biology, so that they can recognize a diseased animal when they see one. There will be special courses on common animals that veterinarians are likely to treat, like dogs, cats, and farm animals. Their anatomy and internal systems will be studied. Students will learn how to compile a medical history and perform a physical examination. Much of the work is hands-on in the school or off-site. Health and nutrition will be studied along with typical medical school core classes, such as organic chemistry and molecular biology. All kinds of treatments, from pharmacology to surgery, are taught. Additionally, special courses are given in dealing with food animals.

Walking away from a veterinary school with a degree opens a large number of doors for the ambitious doctor. Veterinarians are employed by the armed services, the agribusiness industry, and the government to care for animals and protect humans from animal disease vectors. Many choose to enter private practice, caring for animals on farms or in cities. Regardless of where one works, compensation in the industry is competitive with any other.

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