Q&A for How to Become a Veterinarian

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  • Question
    Is becoming a vet worth it?
    Brian Bourquin, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Yes, if you value helping animals over a high-paying job. Unfortunately, becoming a veterinarian isn't a path to becoming very rich. Students often graduate with student loan debt and you won't start out making the same as your colleagues in the dental or human medical professions. If you have an intrinsic motivation to assist animals, it will be easier to disregard your pay and have a rewarding career.
  • Question
    How much do veterinarians earn?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The average salary for a vet is around $87,000, with the lowest paid earning around $52,000 and the highest paid earning around $157,000.
  • Question
    How much experience do you need to become a vet?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Becoming a vet is a long path that involves 8 years of study to degree level. Aside from academic achievement you also need experience working with animals in order to be offered a place at vet school. Each university has their preferred requirements in terms of practical skills, such as working on a dairy farm or in a stables, seeing small animal practice, or working in laboratory, so check with each educational institution before applying.
  • Question
    What is average payment for vets in America?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The average salary for a US veterinarian is $85,000. This ranges from a newly qualified vet who earns around $52,000, to a senior vet involved in scientific research, who earns $157,000.
  • Question
    What if you have no experience with farm animals? Can I still get as good as an education as others who have this experience?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Each vet school has their own entry requirements, which amount to around 400 hours of practical experience prior to application. This is made up of a mixture of working with animals and seeing practice at a vet clinic. Some schools stipulate large animal experience, whilst others are not as rigid. Lack of large animal practical experience could possibly disadvantage you when applying for a place, but once on the course, the training will make up for this.
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