Veterinarians

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds, or performing surgery.94
Inoculate animals against various diseases, such as rabies or distemper.93
Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.92
Collect body tissue, feces, blood, urine, or other body fluids for examination and analysis.89
Operate diagnostic equipment, such as radiographic or ultrasound equipment, and interpret the resulting images.88
Educate the public about diseases that can be spread from animals to humans.87
Counsel clients about the deaths of their pets or about euthanasia decisions for their pets.86
Specialize in a particular type of treatment, such as dentistry, pathology, nutrition, surgery, microbiology, or internal medicine.86
Direct the overall operations of animal hospitals, clinics, or mobile services to farms.85
Advise animal owners regarding sanitary measures, feeding, general care, medical conditions, or treatment options.82
Euthanize animals.82
Attend lectures, conferences, or continuing education courses.81

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Inspect and test horses, sheep, poultry, or other animals to detect the presence of communicable diseases.79
Train or supervise workers who handle or care for animals.78
Establish or conduct quarantine or testing procedures that prevent the spread of diseases to other animals or to humans and that comply with applicable government regulations.73
Research diseases to which animals could be susceptible.72
Provide care to a wide range of animals or specialize in a particular species, such as horses or exotic birds.70
Determine the effects of drug therapies, antibiotics, or new surgical techniques by testing them on animals.68
Perform administrative or business management tasks, such as scheduling appointments, accepting payments from clients, budgeting, or maintaining business records.66
Plan or execute animal nutrition or reproduction programs.63
Conduct postmortem studies and analyses to determine the causes of animals' deaths.56

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening78
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.
Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning75
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making72
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Science72
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing63
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Service Orientation60
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Monitoring56
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness56
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

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Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Mathematics53
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources50
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Systems Evaluation50
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation47
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Operations Analysis44
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operations Monitoring31
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Financial Resources25
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control22
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection19
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Equipment Maintenance3
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Biology92
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Medicine and Dentistry92
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service87
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language84
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics68
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training62
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Chemistry59
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Personnel and Human Resources59
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administration and Management58
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Psychology53
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Public Safety and Security49
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Computers and Electronics47
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Administrative45
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Law and Government44
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Sales and Marketing42
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Therapy and Counseling42
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Economics and Accounting40
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Physics34
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Communications and Media32
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sociology and Anthropology30
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Mechanical25
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing23
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Telecommunications23
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Engineering and Technology19
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design18
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Geography18
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Food Production16
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Foreign Language16
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology12
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Transportation10
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
History and Archeology8
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Fine Arts4
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension78
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression66
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility56
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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Flexibility of Closure56
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Finger Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Mathematical Reasoning53
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Multilimb Coordination47
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization47
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Perceptual Speed44
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure38
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Auditory Attention35
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity35
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Extent Flexibility31
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Stamina31
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Trunk Strength31
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Depth Perception28
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Static Strength28
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control19
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time19
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation19
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Explosive Strength10
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Speed of Limb Movement6
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility3
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity3
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision3
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision3
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems95
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information88
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge88
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events87
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Documenting/Recording Information82
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public81
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships77
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others76
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates70
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings70
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Analyzing Data or Information68
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Processing Information68
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

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Assisting and Caring for Others67
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization58
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Selling or Influencing Others58
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials57
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards56
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Working with Computers56
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Developing and Building Teams55
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others54
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work54
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information52
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates52
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People52
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Training and Teaching Others52
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Performing General Physical Activities51
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others47
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Handling and Moving Objects46
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Developing Objectives and Strategies45
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others44
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Coaching and Developing Others42
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Thinking Creatively42
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Controlling Machines and Processes37
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Performing Administrative Activities34
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Scheduling Work and Activities33
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources28
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Staffing Organizational Units24
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment16
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment15
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment14
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment11
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail89
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability85
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness76
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity76
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Intellectual Curiosity76
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Stress Tolerance76
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control75
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Perseverance72
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Empathy70
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Achievement Orientation67
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Cooperation66
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Sincerity65
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

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Adaptability63
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Social Orientation59
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Self-Confidence57
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative51
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Leadership Orientation51
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Innovation50
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity50
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Optimism45
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility38
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative83
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic83
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional41
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social41
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising12
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day97%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day96%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others86%
- Contact with others most of the time14%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important82%
- Very important18%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day90%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom76%
- Some freedom24%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important71%
- Very important22%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important69%
- Very important22%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results67%
- Important results28%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important71%
- Very important14%
- Important15%
E-Mail
- Every day57%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%

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Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)71%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)12%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom47%
- Some freedom40%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day53%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility45%
- High responsibility35%
- Moderate responsibility14%
Time Pressure
- Every day61%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Never12%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious58%
- Very serious21%
- Not serious at all11%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day48%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day55%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility38%
- High responsibility46%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually55%
- More than half the time25%
- Never13%
Exposed to Radiation
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day52%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually28%
- More than half the time39%
- About half the time32%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day36%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day36%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours56%
- 40 hours26%
- Less than 40 hours18%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Never17%
Conflict Situations
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Once a month or more but not every week37%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never15%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive16%
- Highly competitive28%
- Moderately competitive26%
- Slightly competitive24%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never30%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important23%
- Very important27%
- Fairly important25%
- Not important at all16%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually16%
- More than half the time24%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time31%
- Never11%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually16%
- More than half the time24%
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time28%
- Never16%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never25%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Continually or almost continually14%
- More than half the time21%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time48%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually19%
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time38%
- Never18%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time32%
- Less than half the time60%
Public Speaking
- Every day21%
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never37%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- More than half the time11%
- Never63%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never64%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated29%
- Slightly automated21%
- Not at all automated50%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never68%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all72%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never71%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never74%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never73%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never74%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month37%
- Never57%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never69%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never81%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)92%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never94%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never94%
Exposed to High Places
- Never93%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Doctoral degree
Post-doctoral training
Professional degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
IDEXX Laboratories IDEXX VPM, Microsoft Access
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Medical software
American Data Systems PAWS Veterinary Practice Management, InformaVet ALIS-VET, Sneakers Software DVMax Practice, Vetport
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Operate on patients to treat conditions.
Prescribe medications.
Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.
Immunize patients.
Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
Collect biological specimens from patients.
Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
Counsel family members of clients or patients.
Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.

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Manage healthcare operations.
Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
Treat animal injuries or illnesses.
Supervise medical support personnel.
Train medical providers.
Determine protocols for medical procedures.
Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
Provide care for animals.
Maintain medical facility records.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
Develop medical treatment plans.
Analyze medical data to determine cause of death.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology