What skills and education do vets need to treat our beloved pets?

Question

Hello. I have some questions not really pet related but more on the lines of being a vet for a career. It is for a project for my school so if you could take the time and answer them it would be greatly appreciated. First question: what are the necessary skills for being a vet. Second: what are the educational requirements to obtain a job in this career, both at an entry level and if it provide an opportunity for growth. Those are the question I have. Thank you. Pet's info: Dog | Alaskan Malamute | Female | spayed | 100 lbs

Ann Dion, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The skills required for being a vet are numerous, as you not only have to have the skills to complete 2 difficult university degrees, but also have the people skills to talk to owners. You also have to have skills to think on your feet, be resourceful, be good at both working alone and as a team, be good with handling animals and also be good with understanding money and be good at running a business. Along with this you also have to be kind, compassionate, patient and caring. It is a very difficult career, but a very rewarding one. In order to become a vet you first need to finish high-school, and then do an undergraduate degree taking specific courses (the list of courses you can get from the vet school in your province), and then you have to apply to vet school which is competitive. In order to get into vet school, you have to not only get good grades in university, you also sometimes need to write the MCAT (depending on the school) which is a test that doctors write to get into medical school, and you also need to have experience with animals, both small companion animals and large animals (sheep, cows, etc.). Once you get into vet school, you have to complete that degree, and then write a board exam called the NAVLE. A veterinary career is full of oppourtunities and is incredibly variable, allowing one to pursue many different types of jobs. Also, you can specialize after vet school if you want to work specifically in one area, such as surgery, or medicine. Best of luck with your project! I recommend contacting the vet school in your province to get more specific information about requirements.

What skills and education do vets need to treat our beloved pets?

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