5 Reasons for Pursuing a Career in the Veterinary Industry
Animals are a huge part of life for many people. In 2020, Americans spent $99 billion on their pets, putting veterinary care among today’s fastest-growing industries. In AVMA’s annual Economic State of the Veterinary Profession report, from 2018 to 2019 salaries increased for veterinarians, with the average increasing from $65,983 to $70,045. With low unemployment and plentiful job offers, more than 94% of 2019 veterinary school graduates found full-time work or were able to continue their education.
A career as a veterinarian is a rewarding opportunity to support the health and welfare of your animal patients in a work environment in which no two days are alike. Becoming a veterinarian, however, can be challenging for some—it’s typically a four-year program. Consequently, some students choose to become veterinary technicians instead. Most veterinary assistant programs can be completed within two years.
Why Starting a Veterinary Career is Best for You
A veterinary assisting diploma program allows interested students to get a diploma in as few as ten months. This position provides students with the necessary skills to fill an entry-level role in the animal care industry. This allows students to determine whether the field is a good fit for them without dedicating years to their studies first. Here are some reasons to consider getting a veterinary assisting diploma:
- Job Qualification
While some practices may hire veterinary assistants with only a high school diploma, some of the bigger animal healthcare institutions require their vet assistants to have diplomas, particularly if they will be responsible for handling tasks that require scientific principles. Getting a veterinary assisting diploma helps students grasp scientific theory and earn hands-on experience in animal handling and care, including surgery participation and laboratory testing.
As mentioned, a veterinary assisting diploma can be completed within ten months, wherein students learn about animal nursing, terminologies, animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, surgical assisting, and aseptic techniques. After the coursework, they have the opportunity to learn and hone their practical skills during on-the-job training.
- Strong Job Demand
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth outlook for veterinary assistants is expected to rise by 14% from 2020 to 2030, ranking second to healthcare support occupations. Per year, job openings can reach close to 20,000.
It’s also notable that demand for the career is driven by the increase in consumer spending on their pets. Most pet owners nowadays want professional care, requiring procedures to be handled by professionals.
- Flexible Schedules
For individuals who prefer a more flexible schedule, a career in veterinary care, such as veterinary assisting, can be perfect. Veterinary assistants can choose to work part-time should they want to pursue other tasks or educational requirements, and there are daytime and night shifts available.
- Wide Career Options
Veterinary assistants rarely have a dull day in their line of work. Many people assume that veterinarians and their assistants deal mainly with dogs and cats. However, those working in animal care and husbandry may work with a variety of species, including reptiles, birds, and large mammals like horses and cows.
Working in the veterinary field means opening different opportunities for career growth. Veterinary assistants are not limited to working in clinics. Some may work in zoos, equestrian centers, wildlife parks, or aquariums. Others may choose to use their knowledge by starting a business related to animal care, such as providing grooming or developing pet products.
- Continuous Learning Opportunity
Those working as a veterinary assistant can pursue higher education to work as a veterinary nurse, veterinary technician, or even a full-fledged veterinarian. Remember, medical sciences continue to evolve. There will always be new things to learn, especially with the amount of investment in the field.
As in any healthcare career, diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and drug therapy will also develop, requiring each practitioner to continue learning.
If you’re considering a career related to animal care, you are likely an animal lover. Perhaps this is the best reason of all—having a career that allows you to spend time with all kinds of animals, daily. While not all days will be easy, taking care of pets and other animals is highly rewarding.
If you want to know more about a career in the veterinary industry, please visit our programs page.
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