Wayne Centers
Director of Student Relations
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
dsr@uky.eduIf you have a strong interest in science and want to work in the animal industry, a career in veterinary medicine might be for you. There is a saying that veterinarians are medical doctors who are not limited to one species of animal. This is very true. In training to become a veterinarian, you will learn about cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, poultry, dogs, cats, and other animals, including wildlife. So what is involved in the long road to becoming a veterinarian?
One year prior to completing all of the required courses, you should apply for admission to veterinary schools. Approximately one in three students is accepted into veterinary schools as an in-state or contract student. Acceptance rates steeply drop and tuition fees steeply rise for out-of-state students. If you are accepted, you will have a rigorous four years of study ahead.
Veterinarians can plan careers in many areas:
The UK faculty in veterinary science are the best! They exemplify what all students want – a combination of teacher, advisor and mentor, with the heart of a family member.
Pre-Vet alum and practicing veterinarian from Nicholasville, KY
In addition to the required courses, veterinary-related experience is required for a competitive application to veterinary school. Working with large and small animal veterinarians is ideal for the exposure to several animal species. How do you gain veterinary experience? While you’re still in high school, begin by volunteering with local veterinarians in private practice, at local dog shows or livestock exhibitions, and humane shelters. Many UK pre-vet students find employment in Lexington area veterinary clinics working with small animals and horses. They also work in research centers and diagnostic laboratories. Veterinary admissions committees also consider these to be important: extracurricular activities letters of recommendation community service leadership skills
The Pre-Vet Club is run totally by students, so it is an opportunity to become involved within the college. Monthly meetings feature speakers from all areas of veterinary medicine, such as: private practitioners, current veterinary students, industry veterinarians, animal welfare/animal rights speakers and many others. Additionally, members have gone on field trips to several local veterinary hospitals, the Cincinnati Zoo and Keeneland Racetrack.
Opportunities exist to attend an annual national pre-veterinary student conference held at one of the 28 veterinary schools in the U.S. as well as state and national veterinary conferences which are held in Lexington.
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$119,100
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
89,500
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
17,700
new jobs (average)
Most veterinarians work in private clinics and hospitals. Others travel to farms or work in settings such as laboratories, classrooms, or zoos.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreZoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$70,600
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
19,100
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
600
new jobs (average)
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in a variety of settings, including offices and laboratories. Depending on their job, they also may spend time outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Wayne Centers
Director of Student Relations
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
dsr@uky.eduMartin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
859-257-3469
