There is a growing demand for veterinarians these days. Aruna Singh tells you how students can make it a lucrative option
If you love animals and are comfortable living around them, then you can explore the options of education and career in veterinary science and animal care.
Veterinarian is basically a doctor who cares for the health of animals. Veterinarians treat the injuries and illness of pets and other animals. They provide treatments for animals that is similar to the job of a physician. Veterinary science deals with the health and wellbeing of animals; it covers everything from preventative care to psychological assessment to complex surgical procedures.
Now-a-days, there is a growing demand for veterinarians. People both in the rural and urban area are keeping pets, both for livelihood and protection.
Nature of work
To get a career in this field candidates can obtain bachelor degree in Veterinary Sciences and in addition, there are other courses available in related subjects at the diploma, master degree and PhD levels.
To be eligible for the course, a candidate should have passed the Class XII examination with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Perversely, veterinary council of India All India Pre Veterinary test for admission in veterinary science and husbandry. It was the examination of three hours duration and contained 180 objectives types question from PCB group. The selection is made process on the basis of entrance examination. If you want to take such an admission in a private college, then you can take direct admission too.
Opportunities
After doing this course, there is a lot of potential in India as well as abroad. You can work in government and non -government organisation. You also work in a private clinic and hospitals. Dairy research institutes, dairy, piggery and poultry farms also require services of veterinarians.
In urban areas people need the services of veterinarians owing to the practice of keeping pets (dogs, cats and parrots) in the affluent and upper class homes. The government also employs veterinarians as public health professionals whose services are utilised in zoos, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The Defense Services use horses, dogs and camels. Therefore they too need the services of veterinarians.
In addition, there are the academic sections in various institutions, where experienced professionals are recruited to train the new entrants to the field.
Future prospectus
Due to the commercialisation of veterinary industry and the liberalisation policies of the Indian government, this industry is growing very much. One can work in the field of Government and non-government veterinary hospitals, animal husbandry department, poultry farm, dairy industry, milk and meat processing industry, seed industry, pharmaceutical sector and animal biotechnology.
Salary
The remuneration of a veterinarian depends on the kind of practice and the animals which are under treatment. In government veterinary centers, fresh graduates are appointed as a junior veterinary surgeon. Their average gross starting salary ranges between `10,000 to `15,000 per month. Depending upon the years of experience the salary will also increase.
The writer is from Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute