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VeterinariansVeterinarians

Significant PointsSignificant Points Graduation from an accredited college Graduation from an accredited college

of veterinary medicine and a license to of veterinary medicine and a license to practice are required.practice are required.

Competition for admission to veterinary Competition for admission to veterinary school is high. school is high.


Nature of the WorkNature of the Work Veterinarians play a major role in the Veterinarians play a major role in the

healthcare of pets, livestock, and zoo, healthcare of pets, livestock, and zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals. sporting, and laboratory animals.

Most veterinarians perform clinical Most veterinarians perform clinical work in private practices.work in private practices.

More than one-half treat small animals More than one-half treat small animals predominately. predominately.

A small number work exclusively with large animals, A small number work exclusively with large animals, focusing mostly on horses or cowsfocusing mostly on horses or cows

These veterinarians usually drive to farms or ranches These veterinarians usually drive to farms or ranches to provide veterinary services for herds or individual to provide veterinary services for herds or individual animals. animals.


Nature of the WorkNature of the Work A number of veterinarians work with A number of veterinarians work with

physicians and scientists.physicians and scientists. Research ways to prevent and treat human Research ways to prevent and treat human

health problemshealth problems Determine the effects of drug therapies and Determine the effects of drug therapies and

surgical techniques. surgical techniques. Some veterinarians are involved in food Some veterinarians are involved in food

safety. safety. Check animals for transmissible diseasesCheck animals for transmissible diseases Advise owners on treatmentAdvise owners on treatment


Working ConditionsWorking Conditions Over one-third of veterinarian work 50 or Over one-third of veterinarian work 50 or

more hours a week. more hours a week. Often work outdoors in all kinds of weatherOften work outdoors in all kinds of weather Treat animals or perform surgery under less-Treat animals or perform surgery under less-

than-sanitary conditions.than-sanitary conditions. When working with animals that are When working with animals that are

frightened or in pain, veterinarians risk being frightened or in pain, veterinarians risk being bitten, kicked, or scratched. bitten, kicked, or scratched.


Employment Employment Veterinarians currently hold about 59,000 jobs Veterinarians currently hold about 59,000 jobs

in the U.S. in the U.S. About 28 percent are self-employed in solo or About 28 percent are self-employed in solo or

group practices. group practices. The Federal Government employed about 800 The Federal Government employed about 800

civilian veterinarians.civilian veterinarians. Other employers of veterinarians colleges of Other employers of veterinarians colleges of

veterinary medicine, medical schools, research veterinary medicine, medical schools, research laboratories, animal food companies, zoos and laboratories, animal food companies, zoos and pharmaceutical companies.pharmaceutical companies.


Training Training Veterinarians must graduate from a 4-year Veterinarians must graduate from a 4-year

program at an accredited college of veterinary program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree and obtain a license (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree and obtain a license to practice. to practice.

There are 27 colleges in 26 States that meet There are 27 colleges in 26 States that meet accreditation standards set by the Council on accreditation standards set by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Association.


Training Training Bachelor’s degree not required for some Bachelor’s degree not required for some

schools.schools. All schools require credit hours ranging from All schools require credit hours ranging from

45 to 90 semester hours.45 to 90 semester hours. Preveterinary courses emphasis the sciences:Preveterinary courses emphasis the sciences:

Organic, inorganic and biochemistryOrganic, inorganic and biochemistry PhysicsPhysics General biologyGeneral biology Animal biology, animal nutrition, genetics, vertebrate Animal biology, animal nutrition, genetics, vertebrate

embryology, cellular biology, microbiology, zoology, embryology, cellular biology, microbiology, zoology, and systemic physiology. and systemic physiology.


Training Training GPA of 3.0 or better is average. GPA of 3.0 or better is average. Standardized Tests vary from school to Standardized Tests vary from school to

school:school: Graduate Record Examination (GRE)Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT)

(no longer offered)(no longer offered) Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).


Training Training Veterinary and animal experience is highly Veterinary and animal experience is highly

desirable.desirable. Formal experience, such as work with veterinarians Formal experience, such as work with veterinarians

or scientists in clinics, agribusiness, research, or in or scientists in clinics, agribusiness, research, or in some area of health science, is particularly some area of health science, is particularly advantageous.. advantageous..

Number of applicants is currently rising. Number of applicants is currently rising. About 1 in 3 applicants are currently accepted. About 1 in 3 applicants are currently accepted.


Training Training While in veterinary medical college:While in veterinary medical college:

Students receive additional academic instruction in Students receive additional academic instruction in the basic sciences for the first 2 years. the basic sciences for the first 2 years.

Later in the program, students are exposed to Later in the program, students are exposed to clinical procedures, such as diagnosing and treating clinical procedures, such as diagnosing and treating animal diseases and performing surgery. They also animal diseases and performing surgery. They also do laboratory work in anatomy, biochemistry, do laboratory work in anatomy, biochemistry, medicine, and other scientific subjects.medicine, and other scientific subjects.

Veterinary graduates who plan to work with Veterinary graduates who plan to work with specific types of animals or specialize in a specific types of animals or specialize in a clinical area complete a 1-year internship. clinical area complete a 1-year internship.


Job Outlook Job Outlook Replacement of retiring veterinarians as Replacement of retiring veterinarians as

numerous as new jobs resulting from numerous as new jobs resulting from employment growth.employment growth.

Faster growth of the cat populationFaster growth of the cat population Reduced demand for veterinary care for dogs. Reduced demand for veterinary care for dogs. U.S. population increasingly likely to seek U.S. population increasingly likely to seek

veterinary care for their animals. veterinary care for their animals. Slower growth for large animal veterinariansSlower growth for large animal veterinarians

Productivity gains in the agricultural production. Productivity gains in the agricultural production.


Earnings Earnings Median annual earnings of veterinarians is Median annual earnings of veterinarians is

$60,910.$60,910. Average starting salaries by type of practice: Average starting salaries by type of practice:

Small animal, predominant - $42,918 Small animal, predominant - $42,918 Large animal, predominant - $41,439Large animal, predominant - $41,439 Mixed animal - $40,358Mixed animal - $40,358 Equine - $28,526Equine - $28,526 Federal Government - $35,808. Federal Government - $35,808.


Additional Information Additional Information American Veterinary Medical American Veterinary Medical

Association Association http://http://www.avma.orgwww.avma.org Association of American Veterinary Association of American Veterinary

Medical Colleges Medical Colleges http://http://www.aavmc.orgwww.aavmc.org

Pharmacists Pharmacists

Significant PointsSignificant Points Pharmacists are becoming more involved in Pharmacists are becoming more involved in

drug therapy decision making and patient drug therapy decision making and patient counseling. counseling.

Very good employment opportunities are Very good employment opportunities are expected. expected.

Earnings are very high, but some pharmacists Earnings are very high, but some pharmacists work long hours, nights, weekends, and work long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays. holidays.


Nature of the WorkNature of the Work Dispense prescribed drugs.Dispense prescribed drugs. Provide information to patients about Provide information to patients about

medications and their use. medications and their use. They advise physicians and other health They advise physicians and other health

practitioners on the selection, dosages, practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. interactions, and side effects of medications.

Must understand the use; clinical effects; and Must understand the use; clinical effects; and composition of drugs, including their chemical, composition of drugs, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties. biological, and physical properties.


Working ConditionsWorking Conditions Many pharmacists spend most of their Many pharmacists spend most of their

workday on their feet. workday on their feet. Many community and hospital pharmacies are Many community and hospital pharmacies are

open for extended hours or around the clock, open for extended hours or around the clock, so pharmacists may work evenings, nights, so pharmacists may work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. weekends, and holidays.

About 1 out of 7 pharmacists work part time. About 1 out of 7 pharmacists work part time. Most full-time salaried pharmacists worked Most full-time salaried pharmacists worked

about 40 hours a week. about 40 hours a week.


Employment Employment Pharmacists currently hold about 217,000 jobs Pharmacists currently hold about 217,000 jobs

in the U.S. in the U.S. About 6 out of 10 work in community About 6 out of 10 work in community

pharmacies. pharmacies. Most community pharmacists are salaried Most community pharmacists are salaried

employees, but some are self-employed employees, but some are self-employed owners. owners.

About 21 percent of salaried pharmacists work About 21 percent of salaried pharmacists work in hospitals, clinics, mail-order pharmacies, in hospitals, clinics, mail-order pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, home healthcare pharmaceutical wholesalers, home healthcare agencies, or the Federal Government.agencies, or the Federal Government.


Training Training A license to practice pharmacy is A license to practice pharmacy is

required in all Statesrequired in all States To obtain a licenseTo obtain a license

Must serve an internship under a licensed Must serve an internship under a licensed pharmacistpharmacist

Graduate from an accredited college of Graduate from an accredited college of pharmacypharmacy

Pass a State examination.Pass a State examination.


Training Training 84 colleges of pharmacy are accredited to 84 colleges of pharmacy are accredited to

confer degrees by the American Council on confer degrees by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education. Pharmaceutical Education.

Pharmacy programs grant the degree of Pharmacy programs grant the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

The Pharm.D. is a 4-year program that requires at The Pharm.D. is a 4-year program that requires at least 2 years of college study prior to admittance. least 2 years of college study prior to admittance.

This Pharm.D. has replaced the Bachelor of Science This Pharm.D. has replaced the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, which will cease to be awarded after (B.S.) degree, which will cease to be awarded after 2005. 2005.


Training Training Colleges of pharmacy require at least 2 years Colleges of pharmacy require at least 2 years

of college-level prepharmacy education. of college-level prepharmacy education. MathematicsMathematics ChemistryChemistry Biology,Biology, PhysicsPhysics Courses in the humanities and social sciences. Courses in the humanities and social sciences.

Some colleges require the applicant to take Some colleges require the applicant to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) others require the GRE. others require the GRE.


Training Training Pharmacy school classes includePharmacy school classes include

Pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical Pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistrychemistry

Physical and chemical properties of drugs and Physical and chemical properties of drugs and dosage formsdosage forms

PharmacologyPharmacology effects of drugs on the bodyeffects of drugs on the body

Pharmacy administration. Pharmacy administration.


Training Training Pharmacists in chain drug stores may be Pharmacists in chain drug stores may be

promoted to: promoted to: Pharmacy supervisor or manager at the store levelPharmacy supervisor or manager at the store level Manager at the district or regional levelManager at the district or regional level Executive position within the chain's headquarters. Executive position within the chain's headquarters.

Hospital pharmacists may advance to:Hospital pharmacists may advance to: supervisory or administrative positions. supervisory or administrative positions.

Pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry Pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry may advance in:may advance in:

marketing, sales, research, quality control, marketing, sales, research, quality control, production, packaging, or other areas. production, packaging, or other areas.


Job Outlook Job Outlook Very, very good employment opportunities are Very, very good employment opportunities are

expected for pharmacists.expected for pharmacists. The growing numbers of middle-aged and The growing numbers of middle-aged and

elderly peopleelderly people Use more prescription drugs than do younger Use more prescription drugs than do younger

people. people. Faster than average employment growth is Faster than average employment growth is

expected in retail pharmacies. expected in retail pharmacies. Employment in hospitals is expected to grow Employment in hospitals is expected to grow

about as fast as averageabout as fast as average


Earnings Earnings Median annual earnings of pharmacists is Median annual earnings of pharmacists is

$70,950.$70,950. Median annual earnings in the industries Median annual earnings in the industries

employing the largest numbers of employing the largest numbers of pharmacists:pharmacists:

Department stores - $73,730Department stores - $73,730 Grocery stores - $72,440Grocery stores - $72,440 Drug stores and proprietary stores - $72,110Drug stores and proprietary stores - $72,110 Hospitals - $68,760Hospitals - $68,760


Additional Information Additional Information American Association of Colleges of American Association of Colleges of

Pharmacy Pharmacy http://http://www.aacp.orgwww.aacp.org National Association of Boards of National Association of Boards of

Pharmacy Pharmacy http://http://www.nabp.netwww.nabp.net National Association of Chain Drug National Association of Chain Drug

Stores Stores http://http://www.nacds.orgwww.nacds.org

Chiropractors Chiropractors

Significant Points Significant Points Employment of chiropractors is expected Employment of chiropractors is expected

to increase faster than average. to increase faster than average. Chiropractic care has become more Chiropractic care has become more

accepted as a result of recent research accepted as a result of recent research and changing attitudes. and changing attitudes.

Earnings are relatively low in the Earnings are relatively low in the beginning, but increase as the practice beginning, but increase as the practice grows. grows.


Nature of the WorkNature of the Work Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients

whose health problems are associated whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous, and with the body's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. skeletal systems, especially the spine.

Chiropractors believe interference with Chiropractors believe interference with these systems impairs normal functions these systems impairs normal functions and lowers resistance to disease.and lowers resistance to disease.

The chiropractic approach to healthcare The chiropractic approach to healthcare is holistic, stressing the patient's overall is holistic, stressing the patient's overall health and wellness. health and wellness.


Nature of the WorkNature of the Work Some chiropractors use water, light, Some chiropractors use water, light,

massage, ultrasound, electric, and heat massage, ultrasound, electric, and heat therapy. therapy.

Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. perform surgery.

Many chiropractors are solo or group Many chiropractors are solo or group practitioners who also have the practitioners who also have the administrative responsibilities of running a administrative responsibilities of running a practice.practice.

The average workweek is about 40 hours.The average workweek is about 40 hours. Chiropractors, like other health practitioners, Chiropractors, like other health practitioners,

are sometimes on their feet for long periods. are sometimes on their feet for long periods.


Employment Employment Chiropractors currently hold about Chiropractors currently hold about

50,000 jobs in the U.S. 50,000 jobs in the U.S. Most chiropractors are in solo practice, Most chiropractors are in solo practice,

although some are in group practice or although some are in group practice or work for other chiropractors. work for other chiropractors.


Training Training Most states require at least 2 years of Most states require at least 2 years of

undergraduate educationundergraduate education An increasing number of states require a 4-An increasing number of states require a 4-

year bachelor's degree.year bachelor's degree. All states require completion of a 4-year All states require completion of a 4-year

chiropractic college course at an accredited chiropractic college course at an accredited program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. degree.


Training Training There are 16 chiropractic programs in the There are 16 chiropractic programs in the

United States accredited by the Council on United States accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Chiropractic Education.

All required applicants must have at least 90 All required applicants must have at least 90 semester hours:semester hours:

EnglishEnglish Social sciences and/or humanitiesSocial sciences and/or humanities Organic and inorganic chemistryOrganic and inorganic chemistry BiologyBiology PhysicsPhysics Psychology. Psychology.


Training Training First 2 years of Chiropractic SchoolFirst 2 years of Chiropractic School

Classroom and laboratory work in basic sciences. Classroom and laboratory work in basic sciences. Last 2 years of Chiropractic SchoolLast 2 years of Chiropractic School

Courses in manipulation and spinal adjustmentsCourses in manipulation and spinal adjustments Clinical experience in physical and laboratory Clinical experience in physical and laboratory

diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, physiotherapy, and nutrition. physiotherapy, and nutrition.


Job Outlook Job Outlook Job prospects are expected to be good for Job prospects are expected to be good for

persons who enter the practice of chiropractic persons who enter the practice of chiropractic with faster than average growth.with faster than average growth.

Chiropractic care is appealing to many health-Chiropractic care is appealing to many health-conscious Americans due to its holistic conscious Americans due to its holistic approach. approach.

Demand for chiropractic treatment is also Demand for chiropractic treatment is also related to the ability of patients to pay, either related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance. directly or through health insurance.


EarningsEarnings Median annual earnings of salaried Median annual earnings of salaried

chiropractors is $67,030.chiropractors is $67,030. Self-employed chiropractors usually earn more Self-employed chiropractors usually earn more

than salaried chiropractors.than salaried chiropractors. The average income for all chiropractors, The average income for all chiropractors,

including the self-employed, was about including the self-employed, was about $81,500 after expenses. $81,500 after expenses.

Self-employed chiropractors must provide for Self-employed chiropractors must provide for their own health insurance and retirement. their own health insurance and retirement.


Additional InformationAdditional Information American Chiropractic Association American Chiropractic Association

http://http://www.amerchiro.orgwww.amerchiro.org International Chiropractors Association International Chiropractors Association

http://http://www.chiropractic.orgwww.chiropractic.org World Chiropractic Alliance World Chiropractic Alliance http://http://

www.worldchiropracticalliance.orgwww.worldchiropracticalliance.org

PodiatristsPodiatrists

Significant PointsSignificant Points A limited number of job openings for A limited number of job openings for

podiatrists is expected because the podiatrists is expected because the occupation is small and most podiatrists occupation is small and most podiatrists remain in the occupation until they remain in the occupation until they retire.retire.

Most podiatrists are solo practitioners, Most podiatrists are solo practitioners, although more are entering although more are entering partnerships and multispecialty group partnerships and multispecialty group practices.practices.

Podiatrists enjoy very high earnings. Podiatrists enjoy very high earnings.


Nature of the Work Nature of the Work Podiatrists, also known as Podiatrists, also known as doctors of podiatric doctors of podiatric

medicinemedicine ( (DPMsDPMs), diagnose and treat ), diagnose and treat disorders, diseases, and injuries of the foot disorders, diseases, and injuries of the foot and lower leg. and lower leg.

Most podiatrists have a solo practice, although Most podiatrists have a solo practice, although more are forming group practices with other more are forming group practices with other podiatrists or health practitioners. podiatrists or health practitioners.

Some specialize in surgery, orthopedics, Some specialize in surgery, orthopedics, primary care, or public health. primary care, or public health.


Working Conditions Working Conditions Podiatrists usually work in their own offices. Podiatrists usually work in their own offices.

They also may spend time visiting patients in They also may spend time visiting patients in nursing homes or performing surgery at a nursing homes or performing surgery at a hospital.hospital.

Usually have fewer after-hours emergencies Usually have fewer after-hours emergencies than other doctors. than other doctors.

Those with private practices set their own Those with private practices set their own hours, but may work evenings and weekends hours, but may work evenings and weekends to meet the needs of their patients.to meet the needs of their patients.


Employment Employment Podiatrists currently hold about 18,000 Podiatrists currently hold about 18,000

jobs in the U.S. jobs in the U.S.


TrainingTraining All States and the District of Columbia All States and the District of Columbia

require a license for the practice of require a license for the practice of podiatric medicine.podiatric medicine.

An applicant must be a graduate of an An applicant must be a graduate of an accredited college of podiatric medicine accredited college of podiatric medicine and pass written and oral examinations. and pass written and oral examinations.

Most States also require completion of Most States also require completion of a postdoctoral residency program. a postdoctoral residency program.


TrainingTraining Prerequisites for admission to a college of Prerequisites for admission to a college of

podiatric medicine include the completion of at podiatric medicine include the completion of at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate studyleast 90 semester hours of undergraduate study

Grade point average of around 3.0Grade point average of around 3.0 Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) 8 semester hours each of biology, inorganic 8 semester hours each of biology, inorganic

chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, and 6 chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, and 6 hours of English. hours of English.

Potential podiatric medical students may also be Potential podiatric medical students may also be evaluated on the basis of extracurricular and evaluated on the basis of extracurricular and community activities, personal interviews, and community activities, personal interviews, and letters of recommendation. letters of recommendation.


TrainingTraining More than 90 percent of podiatric students More than 90 percent of podiatric students

have at least a bachelor's degree. have at least a bachelor's degree. Colleges of podiatric medicine offer a 4-year Colleges of podiatric medicine offer a 4-year

program whose core curriculum is similar to program whose core curriculum is similar to that in other schools of medicine. that in other schools of medicine.

During the first 2 years, students receive classroom During the first 2 years, students receive classroom instruction in basic sciences, including anatomy, instruction in basic sciences, including anatomy, chemistry, pathology, and pharmacology. chemistry, pathology, and pharmacology.

Third- and fourth-year students have clinical Third- and fourth-year students have clinical rotations in private practices, hospitals, and clinics. rotations in private practices, hospitals, and clinics.

Graduates receive the doctor of podiatric Graduates receive the doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) degree. medicine (DPM) degree.


TrainingTraining Most graduates complete a hospital Most graduates complete a hospital

residency program after receiving a residency program after receiving a DPM. DPM. Residency programs last from 1 to 3 years.Residency programs last from 1 to 3 years. Residents receive advanced training in Residents receive advanced training in

podiatric medicine and surgery and serve podiatric medicine and surgery and serve clinical rotations in anesthesiology, internal clinical rotations in anesthesiology, internal medicine, pathology, radiology, emergency medicine, pathology, radiology, emergency medicine, and orthopedic and general medicine, and orthopedic and general surgery. surgery.


Job OutlookJob Outlook Employment of podiatrists is expected to grow Employment of podiatrists is expected to grow

about as fast as the average for all occupations.about as fast as the average for all occupations. More people will turn to podiatrists for footcare More people will turn to podiatrists for footcare

as the elderly population grows. as the elderly population grows. Employment of podiatrists would grow even Employment of podiatrists would grow even

faster were it not for continued emphasis on faster were it not for continued emphasis on controlling the costs of specialty healthcare. controlling the costs of specialty healthcare.

Over the next 10 years, members of the "baby Over the next 10 years, members of the "baby boom" generation will begin to retire, creating boom" generation will begin to retire, creating vacancies. Relatively few job openings from this vacancies. Relatively few job openings from this source are expected, however, because the source are expected, however, because the occupation is small. occupation is small.


EarningsEarnings Median annual earnings of salaried Median annual earnings of salaried

podiatrists is $107,560podiatrists is $107,560 Median net income of podiatrists in solo Median net income of podiatrists in solo

practice, including the self-employed, is practice, including the self-employed, is $89,681.$89,681.

Those in group practices or partnerships Those in group practices or partnerships earned median net income of $96,200 in earned median net income of $96,200 in 2000. 2000.

Self-employed podiatrists must provide for their Self-employed podiatrists must provide for their own health insurance and retirement.own health insurance and retirement.


Additional InformationAdditional Information American Podiatric Medical Association American Podiatric Medical Association

http://http://www.apma.orgwww.apma.org American Association of Colleges of American Association of Colleges of

Podiatric Medicine Podiatric Medicine http://http://www.aacpm.orgwww.aacpm.org

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