Veterinarians and Veterinary Inspectors
Description OES Code: 32114
Diagnose and treat diseases and dysfunctions of animals. May engage in a particular function such as research and development, consultation, administration, technical writing, sale or production of commercial products, or rendering of technical services to commercial firms or other organizations. Include Veterinary Inspectors.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $24.50
25th Percentile $28.51
50th Percentile $37.25
75th Percentile $48.59

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Veterinarians often work long hours, with one-third of full-time workers spending 50 or more hours on the job. Those in group practices may take turns being on call for evening, night, or weekend work; and solo practitioners can work extended and weekend hours, responding to emergencies or squeezing in unexpected appointments.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 3,400
Projected Employment 2008 4,600
Percent Change 1998-2008 35.3%
Separations 1998-2008 800

Employment Trends by California County

The number of jobs for large animal veterinarians is expected to grow slowly, because productivity gains in the agricultural production industry mean demand for fewer veterinarians than before to treat food animals. Nevertheless, job prospects may be better for veterinarians who specialize in farm animals than for small animal practitioners, because most veterinary medical college graduates do not have the desire to work in rural or isolated areas.

Advancement
Beginning Veterinarians going into private practice usually accept positions in established group practices. If the group practice is a small one, this might mean having to buy into the partnership. Experienced veterinarians may decide to open their own practices. Establishing a new practice requires a substantial financial investment.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Many graduates begin their careers by joining practitioners they have worked with during veterinary college. Job leads can also result from letters of inquiry addressed to the school by potential employers. Other graduates locate positions by direct contact and networking. Professional organizations and journals are also good sources for job leads.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Applicants to California's only school of veterinary medicine -- University of California, Davis -- must have completed the equivalent of three full academic years of pre-veterinary study at an accredited college or university. This work must include required units in physics, chemistry, biology, physiology, genetics, English, social science or humanities and statistics. Required courses taken in accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities are acceptable. Evaluation for admission to this four-year veterinary program is based upon academic excellence, the Graduate Record Exam, and demonstrated motivation and experience in working with animals. Enrollment at UC Davis is limited to 108 openings per year. Competition for these openings is intense; there are five to six applicants for each. The majority of those admitted are biological or animal science majors.

Enrollment is limited at all schools of veterinary medicine in the United States. Most veterinary colleges are located in state universities and give preference to applicants who are state residents. States without veterinary colleges usually contract with other states to admit a specified number of their students each year. Many of the schools also reserve a limited number of openings for non-resident, non-contract students. To be licensed in California, Veterinarians must pass the California State Board Exam. This exam requires passing scores on both the National Exam and Clinical Competency test.

Skills & Other Requirements
Prospective veterinarians must have good manual dexterity. They should have an affinity for animals and the ability to get along with animal owners. Additionally, they should be able to quickly make decisions in emergencies. Veterinarians who treat animals must be able to use medical equipment, such as stethoscopes; surgical instruments; and diagnostic equipment, such as radiographic and ultra-sound equipment. Veterinarians working in research use a full range of sophisticated laboratory equipment.

References
California Occupational Guide #282

Related Occupations: Physicians & Surgeons, #319, Veterinary Technicians , #402

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)