Becoming an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian
Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians provide primary case management or supervision of critically ill or acutely injured patients such as animals hit by vehicle, suffering from burns, bite wounds, poaching etc. They conduct diagnostic and treatment plans and provide a complete estimate for emergency stabilization. They frequently find patients suffering from trauma, blood clotting disorders, immune-mediated diseases, neurological issues, renal problems, and post-operative complications.
Their key responsibilities include assessing patients for trauma injuries, monitoring vital signs, taking x-rays or ultrasounds, suturing wounds, administering injections, performing surgeries, monitoring the intensive care unit, writing prescriptions and supervising emergency veterinary technicians. They also facilitate the owner of the patients in decision-making process by coordinating primary care veterinarians and other specialists.
Work Environment
Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians are employed both in government and private settings. Most of these professionals work in hospitals and private clinics. Others work in animal farms, zoos, scientific laboratories, research centre etc. While working with animals that are frightened or in pain, veterinarians risk being bitten, kicked, and scratched. Since most emergency veterinary hospitals are open around the clock, these professionals are required to work late evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
Educational Requirement
To become Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians, the candidates must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary medical college. A DVM program usually takes 4 years to complete. The syllabus includes animal anatomy, physiology, disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
In the United States, Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam in order to practice veterinary medicine. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers exam based certifications to these professionals.
Job Outlook and Salary
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities for Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians may rise 9 percent from 2014 to 2024. The average annual salary of an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians was $88,490 in May 2015.
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