Becoming a veterinarian is not easy.  By the time a veterinarian is able to begin practicing, he or she has completed high school, a four-year undergraduate degree, a four-year professional program, plus or minus a year internship and three year residency.  Some guidance councilors say that the hardest part of veterinary school is getting in!  That is true provided that you begin acquiring the necessary study skills and work ethic now, otherwise veterinary school is a real bear.

What do you need to get into veterinary school?  First and fore most, you need good grades.  A university degree in a science oriented field is usually necessary and most veterinary schools want applicants with 3.0 GPA's or better.  Realistically, plan on having a GPA of at least 3.5 if you are serious about getting into a veterinary school.

Some experience with animals, especial veterinary associated experience is important, although not mandatory.  Generally, veterinary students have a letter of recommendation from a veterinarian.

Be active.  Extra curricular activities are important.  Get involved with clubs and with student government.  Get a job.  In doing these things, you will acquire the skills that make successful veterinary students and veterinarians.

So Now You Are A Veterinarian.  Why work that hard?  At least eight years of school?  For what?

The field of veterinary medicine is a large and varied one.  There are many places that veterinarians can be employed and there are many things that veterinarians do other than practice at a corner veterinary hospital.  Veterinarians work with the CDC as epidemiologists.  They ensure the quality of our animal derived food supply.  They work for drug companies.  They perform valuable medical research that benefits both animals and humans.  They are in the military and work for the federal, state and local government.  Veterinarians have served as Surgeon General of the United States.

Being a veterinarian in private practice is a wonderful job.  We go home at night feeling good about what we have done during the day.  A typical day at our hospital includes surgery, several challenging medical cases, vaccinations, allergies and answering a bunch of questions for concerned pet owners.  We have an x-ray machine and developer, an EKG, endoscopes, blood chemistry machines and more.  Almost anything done at a human hospital is done at our animal hospital.

Now, for the answer to the BIG question: How much do veterinarians make?  Well it depends on what you do with your degree.  Starting salaries range from about $25,000 to $60,000.  The longer you work, the more you make up to a point.