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What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Studies?

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Although a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Studies commonly prepares students to become a veterinarian, other occupations can be entered with this degree. Many of these are other roles in veterinary practice but can include related jobs as well. Graduates with this degree have the following career paths to consider.

Veterinarian

Most students who choose to pursue a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Studies want to become veterinarians. It is not possible to become a veterinarian with only a bachelor’s degree, however. An additional four years of schooling to obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is required to become licensed and go into practice. A bachelor’s degree in veterinary studies is a good choice to prepare students for a doctorate program and a career as a veterinarian, although a related undergraduate degree such as in biology or animal science is also acceptable. Veterinarians work to maintain the health of pets, livestock or exotic zoo animals and typically choose to study one of those specialties. They mostly work in private clinics but may travel to farms or private homes to treat their patients.

Veterinarian Technician

Students who do not want to become full veterinarians or who want to work before going to vet school can get a job as a veterinary technician with this degree. Veterinary technicians, or vet techs, work under the supervision of a veterinarian to perform routine work such as weighing animals, trimming nails, measuring vital signs, performing diagnostics such as x-rays and assisting with surgery. They need to have good strength and stamina for physically moving or restraining patients. According to The Balance, candidates typically need to be certified as veterinary technicians to be able to find work. Their college program must have been accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association as well.

What Can I Do with a Bachelors in Veterinary Studies

Veterinary Clinic Administrator

Vet clinics need professionals who have specialized knowledge in veterinary practices to manage the business side of their operations. These professionals are responsible for overseeing receptionists, hiring employees, directing business activities, managing an organization’s finances and working with clients. Their role is to manage the practice so the veterinarians can spend more time seeing patients. Much of their work is related to finance: they set client rates, manage accounts receivable and settle fees with clients. They are also responsible for overseeing the management of patient records and sending them out at request. A background and knowledge of veterinary science coupled with solid administrative skills make someone a good candidate for this position.

Related Resource: 15 Best Affordable Veterinary Studies Degree Programs

Animal Pharmacology Or Nutrition

Veterinary studies programs include coursework on animal pharmacology and nutrition, which paves the way for graduates to get jobs in these fields as well. Animal pharmacologists work on developing and testing drugs for animal use. Animal nutritionists do the same only with food. They learn what nutrition every animal needs and then work to create feed formulas that taste good and provide a balanced diet. These are both good career options for animal lovers who are interested in animal health but do not want to interact with the owners of those animals regularly.

There are several other jobs available in the veterinary field besides becoming a veterinarian. Earning a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Studies is a good first step to enter this industry in any capacity.

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