The Veterinarian
As a responsible pet owner every member of our family requires regular medical care. Your veterinarian is your first point of contact. The veterinarian is a highly trained and compassionate individual. That’s why becoming a veterinarian is a noble occupation, a necessary public service.
Become A Veterinarian
Becoming a vet begins with a passion for animals. If my vets did not have the same compassion for my pets as I do they would not be my doctors. A veterinarian is a Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine that has six years of training at a university and is licensed to provide medical, dental and surgical care for animals.
It should be noted that as a DVM the work is not all cute and cuddly. There will some messy days and it must be necessary to overcome the messy part of the business. Remember the rewards are priceless.
Required Education
Should you be fortunate enough to still be in high school you can prepare by selecting courses in science. Science courses in biology, chemistry and physics will give you a foundation to build on as you undertake post secondary education. Other disciplines to consider and depending on how you want to specialize will include courses in the humanities, social sciences, mathematics and business administration/management.
Practical experience can be gained by volunteering at an animal shelter or veterinary clinic. Experience with several animal species is helpful. Be sure to maintain a list of references for future applications.
This next paragraph is Canadian oriented, however an internet search or a session with a guidance counselor should answer any questions you may have to suit your local situation.
Obtaining a Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in Canada will require two years of pre-veterinary study at a regular university. Then four years of study at one of the five Canadian veterinary colleges.
They are : University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College
University of Montreal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Veterinary College
University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
In order to practice veterinary medicine in Canada you will need a license. This will be obtained in the province where you chose to work.
The average income for a new vet is approximately $62000/year CDN
The Specialized Veterinarian
In the field of human medicine there are specialists. Its is the same for veterinarians. Here are some options.
Small Animal Practice
In this field a veterinarian works with companion animals and services a local community. Patients can include dogs, cats, reptiles, birds and small mammals. Other services may include a broad spectrum of pet care and counseling, including wellness, preventative medicine and late stage life education. Other courses that this practice requires are surgical, dental and alternative medical procedures.
These facilities are regularly inspected and must comply with a high standard. Most facilities equipped with laboratories, x-ray equipment, surgical facilities and pharmacies. They will have proper kennels and may provide 24 hour care.
Private Practice
In Canada this is the largest employment group in veterinary medicine. This practice includes small, large and mixed animal care Vets in private practice manage their own business and treat and maintain various animals with current recommended techniques and procedures. Veterinarians in private practice ensure healthy maintenance among farm and companion animals.
Large Animal And Mixed Animal Practice
Large animal practice as the name suggests encompasses the group of large livestock including poultry. Medical services include diagnostic and treatment of individual animals and herd maintenance.
The mixed animal practice encompasses both large animals and companion animals. This practice is common in rural areas and will provide comprehensive medical and surgical service. I personally use a clinic like this and I think that this type of practice provides a new DVM extensive life experience.
Becoming A Specialist
Some examples of a veterinary specialist are: cardiology, dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology, oncology, behavior specialist, internal medicine, dentistry, and anesthesiology. There are also species specialists which focus on felines, equine, bovine or a zoo specialist.
Additional study is required after achieving a DVM to be considered a specialist. Then a board certification is necessary. The American College of Veterinary Medicine and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners are examples of boards registering specialists.
Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT)
A RVT works under the supervision of a DVM. Training for a career as a RVT requires up to three years of college education at an approved educational facility. In Canada this will be from a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association or the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians accredited program. It will necessary to complete the Veterinary Technician National Examination.
Upon graduation employment may be found in private practices, zoos or wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Research laboratories also hire RVT graduates.
For more detailed information please look at the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada at rvttcanada.ca
In Closing
This discussion on becoming a veterinarian is Canadian oriented. Please contact your career counselor or search for a university in your area. If you need any help please leave a comment below.
I have eight cats, Two dogs and two horses. The veterinarian is a necessary part of my life. From UTI with the cats, dental work for the dogs, vaccinations and medical care for the horses I could not live without my association with my veterinary facility. The Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants Inc located in St. Claude, Manitoba has been my point of contact for twenty years. They have provided my menagerie with highly professional compassionate care. Visit them at https://rpvc.ca/
Becoming a DVM or RVT requires dedication and study and this will provide you with spectacular career. I really believe that this profession is a necessary public service. Becoming a Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine will give you a lifetime of rewards.
That’s my story for today. Take a look at my Cat Care Products page for something you might want to give your special kitty for Christmas. Now do something green for the environment and have a wonderful day. If you have any questions or comments please do so below.
Here are a couple of books from Amazon for more information. Please click on the image for pricing and access to other books.
Trevor
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