Are you a Vet Student questioning if veterinary practice is for you? Or a practicing veterinarian ready to do something different?  

We've compiled a list of career alternatives you might not realize veterinary school prepared you for!

Industry

As the animal health industry continues to grow, the contribution of veterinary experts is more important than ever!  A veterinary endorsement ads value to any product, and the animal health industry knows this! Today, veterinarians are regularly chosen for roles historically filled by business people.  

For example, it is not unusual for vets to be hired as Brand Managers, Sales Force, and Management roles. Not sure where to start?  Check out pet food and pharmaceutical companies!

Technical Services

A subset of Industry, this opportunity deserves its own nod.  Pet owners and consumers are savvy.  As a result, they are questioning the products they buy more than ever before.  Smart companies know the individuals best suited to answer pet product related questions are vets and vet techs.  And opportunity for advancement in these roles exists as well!  Want proof?  Check out the story of Dr. Brent Mayabb, our February Spotlight Veterinarian!

Research

Most of us are aware of research opportunities exist in university settings.  But did you know there are research related opportunities available to you even if you didn't go on to specialize?  Bottom line- if research involves animals, veterinary professionals are needed in some capacity.  Large facilities often employ a resident vet whose sole responsibility is to oversee the health and well-being of the research animal population.  

USDA

Opportunities with the United States Department of Agriculture should not be forgotten!  These jobs are well suited for self-motivated, independent vets that like to travel and interact with people in a variety of settings.  Inspection of USDA registered facilities and protecting the nation's animals is the main focus of APHIS.  Food safety and inspection is the focus of FSIS.  These vets are also regularly called to assist with emergency situations.  The training provided for new-hires is very thorough, and opportunity for advancement does exist. 

Military

A veterinary positions within the Military is another avenue for alternative career-seekers to consider.   You are probably already aware of the benefit to your student loan debt that active duty service may offer.  The military also  has a lot of opportunity for advancement.  Check out our March Vet Spotlight, Dr. Pamela Fonti, for an example of where military service has lead one veterinarian.  

In addition, the military also offers opportunity for DVMs free of active duty requirements.  Military installations that offer veterinary care to military members' pets often hire local veterinarians to work in the on-site clinic. These practices typically offer basic preventive care and refer complicated cases off site.  For vets looking for a different pace and focus than traditional practice, these positions are worth considering

Education

No alternative-career list would be complete without including opportunities in education.  You may be thinking education-based careers are not an option for you because you did not complete an internship/residency and specialty certification.  Think again!  

General practitioners are regularly employed by veterinary schools to teach in the community practice portion of the teaching hospital.  Even greater opportunity exists in the world of veterinary technician education.  The AVMA requires a full-time DVM (or equivalent) to be employed by each veterinary technician program as part of their required standards of accreditation.  There is no reason that person can't be you!  

Vets are employed as Vet Tech Program Directors, Instructors, Resident DVMs and a variety of other positions in education.  Once you get your foot in the door, the opportunity to advance will present itself!

Other Opportunities

Still not finding an alternative-career that interests you?  Here are some final areas to consider:  professional organizations (AVMA, state VMAs, etc.), veterinary publishing companies, veterinary technology companies, reference laboratories, and organizations responsible for creating licensure exams.