Career Opportunities
A career in veterinary medicine may appeal to you if you are interested in medical research, pet health, wildlife activities, domestic livestock, and animals of every species. A doctor of veterinary medicine has prestige in the community, independence, a position in a highly regarded profession, interesting and intriguing work, and the satisfaction of contributing to the welfare of society.
A degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University can offer many unique opportunities for both self-employment and salaried work, include:
- Private practice working with food and/or companion animals.
- Government services with state, federal, or foreign assignments in disease control, food inspection, public health, and animal research.
- Armed forces careers as veterinary medical officers in charge of disease control, food inspection, sanitation, and research.
- Teaching and research in veterinary or human medical schools and other departments of colleges, universities, and institutions of higher education.
- Industry positions in research, development, production, and sales of medicinal and food agents for both human and animal use.
- Private employment as ranch or feedlot veterinarians and ranch managers.
- Specialization in laboratory animal medicine, research, and care.
- Extension veterinary medicine, being responsible for communication information to practicing veterinarians, the livestock and poultry industries, and the companion animal field.
- Specialty practices focusing on zoo and exotic animals, as well as individual species such as cats, horses, pet birds, poultry, swine, or fur-bearing animals.
Survey Results from 2017 and 2018 K-State Vet Med Graduates by Position Type:
Position Type | # of Graduates | % of Graduates | ||
2017 | 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | |
Small animal exclusive practice | 34 | 34 | 32% | 32% |
Mixed animal practice (small/large) | 16 | 18 | 15% | 17% |
Large animal exclusive practice | 3 | 1 | 3% | 1% |
Large animal predominant practice | 3 | 7 | 3% | 6% |
Equine practice | 3 | 3 | 3% | 3% |
Military service | 6 | 5 | 6% | 5% |
Not-for-profit organization | 4 | 2 | 4% | 2% |
Other veterinary practice | 7 | 6 | 7% | 6% |
Ph.D. program | 1 | 0 | 1% | 0% |
Internship or residency | 28 | 30 | 26% | 28% |
