Veterinarian Job Description Sample & Description

What skills and qualifications do Veterinarians need?

Table of Contents

1. Future Job Prospects for Veterinarians
2. Veterinarian Salary and Benefits
3. Education and Training Requirements
4. Veterinarian Job Description Sample – Free Download

1. Future Job Prospects for Veterinarians

• Veterinarians are doctors that diagnose and treat small and large animals or conduct research. They work in independent vet offices, large university hospitals, or government labs.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says these roles are expected to increase at a predicted rate of nine percent (9%) by 2024.

2. Veterinarian Salary and Benefits

• The BLS suggests a median pay rate of $88,7700 annually.
• These positions are typically full-time with benefits.

3. Education and Training Requirements

• Vets must complete their D.V.M. (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree at a four-year accredited institution.
• A Bachelor’s Degree is not required to be a veterinarian, although most applicants to medical school complete it, focusing heavily on science, biology, and chemistry as preparation for the D.V.M.
• The D.V.M. includes classroom, lab, and hands-on clinical training.
• After receiving their D.V.M., new vets must take the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam.

4. Veterinarian Job Description Sample

Download This Job Description Template

We are seeking a general practice Veterinarian to staff our full-service small animal hospital. From gerbils to golden retrievers, our clinic sees them all from Monday through Saturday. Our hospital is the go-to facility for animal emergencies, so you will need to demonstrate the ability to remain calm under pressure. In this role, you will serve alongside three other experienced veterinarians and an animal care staff of fifteen.

The veterinarian we are seeking will have five years’ hands-on clinical expertise with a variety of four-and two-legged creatures. You will join our team in a state-of-the-art modern clinic as you diagnose and treat the pets in our region. You will be an excellent communicator, professional, and have a strong commitment to practicing at the highest levels while maintaining the veterinary code of ethics. You will have the ability to work independently while providing supervision to support staff.

The veterinarian in this role will staff our low cost spay neuter clinic one day per month, as well as providing on-call services three days each month. You will be responsible for building a relationship with new and existing clients by being personable and engaging even while handling the most difficult to manage creatures.

Our practice is equipped with electronic medical records, as well as in-house lab facilities, ultrasound and x-ray, as well as dental radiography. You will maintain all clinical standards and will seek out opportunities to improve your skills through continuing education.

A D.V.M. with five years’ experience in a similar setting required. Surgical expertise required with specialization in canine dentistry a big plus.

Responsibilities

• Examining and observing small or large animals and providing correct treatment.
• Prescribing courses of treatment.
• Dressing wounds or prescribing medications.
• Testing and vaccinating animals.
• Operating medical equipment including x-ray or surgical tools.
• Reading and analyzing test results.
• Communicating with owners about the care and treatment of their pets.
• Euthanizing animals when necessary.

Required Skills

Educational

• Bachelor’s Degree in science, chemistry, zoology, or biology is typically required.
• A D.V.M. is required along with licensure to practice.

Technical

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Manual dexterity and physical strength is required.
• Patient and able to handle nervous animals with skill.
• Clinical expertise with on-the-spot decision making ability.
• Skilled with the “tools of the trade”; from stethoscopes to vaccines to surgical tools.
• Excellent at thorough documentation, strong technical writing skills.
• Phone and strong computer skills are required.

Communication/Organizational

• Compassionate but strong with mental toughness.
• Leadership, managerial, and decision making skills.
• Able to handle the sights, sounds, and smells of animals (and owners) in distress.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communicator with internal and external teams.
• Expert multitasker and an organized documenter with almost-perfect attention to detail.
• Great with people, able to handle stress under crisis.
• Calm under tight deadlines, able to function under heavy pressure in life or death situations.
• Highly ethical and responsible.
• Strong work ethic.
• Able to work independently or on a team to complete job functions.
• Able to work long hours; some nights and weekends or on-call may be required.
• A team player, with strong interpersonal skills.
• Creative problem solver.
• Critical thinking skills.

Benefits

• Full-time with benefits.

How to Apply

• Apply by forwarding your resume along with a cover letter.