What does an Associate Veterinarian do?
Published 3 min read
An Associate Veterinarian is a licensed professional who diagnoses and treats medical conditions and diseases of animals.
Associate Veterinarian job duties include:
- Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries
- Prescribe and administer medications, vaccinations, serums, and other treatments
- Perform surgeries on animals, as necessary
- Advise animal owners on proper nutrition, exercise, and general care
- Keep records of animal health and treatments
- Work with animal breeders to select and mate healthy animals
- Inspect food and water supplies to ensure they meet safety standards
- Investigate reports of neglected or abused animals
- Euthanize animals when necessary
Associate Veterinarian Job Requirements
An Associate Veterinarian typically needs a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school, as well as a state license. Many states require continuing education for veterinarians to maintain their licenses. Some Associate Veterinarians may choose to specialize in a certain area of veterinary medicine, such as surgery or dentistry. In addition to formal education and licensing, most employers also require some level of experience.
Associate Veterinarian Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Able to work well under pressure
- Good organizational skills
- Able to multitask
- Detail oriented
- Problem solving skills
- Good people skills
- Compassionate
- Patient
- Love of animals
- Strong stomach
Related: Top Associate Veterinarian Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Associate Veterinarian
There are many ways to become an Associate Veterinarian. The most common way is to have a degree in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited college of veterinary medicine, and then to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). After passing the NAVLE, one must then complete a one-year clinical internship at a veterinary hospital. Once the internship is completed, the individual can then take the state licensing examination in order to become licensed to practice veterinary medicine.
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