Veterinarians
Veterinarians diagnose, treat and prevent animal diseases, ailments and injuries.
- The Job
- The Facts
- Related Courses
What the job involves
- Treating animals medically and surgically, and administering and prescribing drugs, analgesics, and general and local anaesthetics
- Determining the presence and nature of abnormal conditions by physical examination, laboratory testing and through diagnostic imaging techniques including radiography and ultrasound
- Performing surgery, dressing wounds and setting broken bones
- Rendering obstetric services to animals
- Participating in programs designed to prevent the occurrence and spread of animal diseases
- Inoculating animals against, and testing for, infectious diseases and notifying authorities of outbreaks of infectious animal diseases
- Performing autopsies to determine cause of death
- Advising clients on health, nutrition and feeding, hygiene, breeding and care of animals
- May provide professional services to commercial firms producing biological and pharmaceutical products
- May specialise in the treatment of a particular animal group or in a particular specialty area such as cardiology, chiropractic, dermatology or critical care
Key values of workers in Veterinarians
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Top skills required for workers in Veterinarians
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.