Veterinary school isn’t cheap, but it’s a rewarding career for anyone who loves animals. Some studies have shown that veterinarians enjoy their jobs more than the average worker. It is also a profession that offers stable employment and a stable salary.
But getting a veterinary degree takes a lot of time, effort, and money. Tuition is not cheap and can cost as much as $160,000 a year.
Whether it’s worth getting a veterinary degree depends on your passions and goals, the cost of schooling, and other factors. If you are considering applying to veterinary school, there are a few things to consider before applying.
Is a veterinary degree worth it?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a veterinary degree is worth it. Becoming a veterinary doctor can be a challenging and expensive job. Four years of schooling are required and admission to veterinary programs is highly competitive as there are very few schools in the country.
But for someone passionate about caring for animals, the costs and requirements may seem like a reasonable price to pay for the opportunity to work in a field you love. great need.
Most veterinarians pursue careers that involve caring for animals through personal medical practice, but there are many other career paths for those with a veterinary degree. , can work in roles that include controlling the spread of disease or conducting research that benefits both animals and humans. Service.
We recommend weighing the pros and cons to determine if a veterinary degree is worth taking.
rewarding work
Veterinarians enjoy their jobs more than the average worker. According to Career Explorer, veterinary career happiness ranks in the top 20% of all occupations.
job security
Most veterans can expect good job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that veterinarian employment will grow by 19% between now and 2031.
favorable payment
A veterinarian can expect a decent salary. The veterinarian’s average salary in 2021 was almost $100,370, according to BLS.
fulfilling education
Earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DMV) degree requires about four years of hard work after completing your bachelor’s degree. For most people, that’s eight years of college in total.
Competitive Admission
There are only 32 veterinary schools in the United States. Due to the limited number of training institutions, the veterinary school admissions process can be very competitive.
high tuition
Veterinary school can be expensive. Median yearly tuition ranges from about $53,000 for out-of-state students to her $32,000 for in-state students, according to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.
What is the salary of a veterinarian?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a veterinarian is $100,370. However, the income you can expect depends on the type of practice you choose. For example, the American College of Veterinary Medicine found that the starting salary of a veterinarian who cares for companion animals is more than 50% higher for him than a veterinarian who works with horses.
Of course, your salary will increase as you gain experience. Indeed lists the average salary for veterinarians as $122,392 overall.
Some parts of the country pay more than others. However, remember that just because you can earn more as a veterinarian in some areas doesn’t necessarily mean you will have a better life. It’s also important to consider the cost of living in the area and the quality of life you can expect based on your preferences.
Can I become a veterinarian without a degree?
To become a veterinarian, you must pass a state licensing exam. The exact requirements may vary by state, but most places require a degree from an American Veterinary Association-approved college.
How much do veterinarians get in student loans?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the average veterinary school graduate has about $176,920 in student loans. However, the cost depends on where you attend and whether you are paying for in-state or out-of-state tuition. Some vets can graduate with zero student debt.
If you’re serious about veterinary medicine, it’s important to research several colleges and universities to understand the costs compared to the value of the education you can expect to receive.
If you’re struggling with student loan debt after graduation, options are available to help you save money. For example, student loan refinancing rates may be lower than the rate of the original loan, and the refinancing process may allow more flexibility in payment schedules. If so, you should consider the cost of losing the benefits of a federal loan before refinancing with a private lender.
Alternatives to veterinary school
If you’re unsure if a veterinary degree is right for you, consider the following options.
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Veterinary Technician: If you don’t want the price tag of a veterinary degree but want to dedicate your life to helping animals, working as a veterinary technician may be a good choice. You can also expect much lower salaries. According to the BLS, the median annual salary is $38,250.
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Zoologist or wildlife biologist: These career paths teach you about animal traits, behaviors, and more. You may also have the opportunity to publish findings from your research and experiments in scientific journals. You can usually work as a zoologist or wildlife biologist with a bachelor’s degree, but certain career paths may require a higher degree, according to the BLS.The median salary is $64,650. .
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Doctor or Surgeon: If you want a job in medicine but expect a higher salary, consider becoming a doctor or surgeon. Of course, you’ll be dealing with people instead of animals, but the average BLS salary is over $208,000.
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Other careers working with animals: There are many other opportunities to work with animals that don’t require a PhD. Other jobs include animal trainers, groomers and sitters. Some of these can be done as a side business rather than as a primary source of income.
next step
Figuring out what to do with the rest of your life can be a daunting task. If you take the time to consider all your options before deciding on your education and career path, you’ll be in a better position to make the right choice.
To help, talk to people who work in the veterinary field or other fields that interest you. It helps to understand if it seems