Fast Facts: Veterinary Science & Animal Care

Projected job growth for veterinarians through 2016: 35 percent
Average salary for veterinary technicians: $28,920 per year
Percentage of veterinarians who operate a private practice: 3 out of 4
Highest-paying sector: spectator sports such as horse racing
Most surprising employer: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Source:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Veterinary Science & Animal Care Degree and Programs

Animal lovers have a range of career paths to choose from. You can train for a position as a veterinarian, a veterinary technologist or technician, or a veterinary assistant. If you're not interested in veterinary care, consider becoming an obedience trainer or pet groomer. Each position requires a different level of career training, but all offer the hands-on job opportunities that make this profession so rewarding for animal lovers.

Animal Care Careers

It's very difficult to become a veterinarian; the training is intense and the fewer than 30 vet schools in the country have long waiting lists. Veterinary technologist, technician, and assistant positions offer a significantly lower bar to entry--a two-year associate degree or four-year bachelor's degree offers sufficient career training. Each of the veterinary and animal care degrees offers a different curriculum, but all offer courses in animal biology, nutrition, and physiology. Opportunities in all veterinary fields are expected to be strong through 2016.