New Veterinarians Face Tough Job Market

by Dr. Chris

May 22, 2011 It was very common for new veterinarians to receive multiple job offers. This was always true, and even true through the last few years. But now it seems like the economy has finally caught up with the growth of veterinarian jobs.

According to a recent VIN article, many new veterinarians are grateful just to receive just one job offer, in what was called the “worst job market” for new veterinarians in over 30 years.

And it seems like it isn’t just new veterinarians that are having a tough time, but older veterinarians are having trouble looking for work as well.

The need for veterinary care has decreased, so fewer veterinarians are needed, this coincides with a recent report from the American Animal Hospital Association showing fewer people taking their pets to the veterinary clinic.

New veterinarians are not only facing a tough time finding a job, but many carry a huge debt load that according to AVMA averages over $130,000.

So its tough to find a job, especially a job that will cover your debt and living expenses.

Another reason for the tough job market is that more veterinary schools are graduating more students. On average 2,500 vet students graduate a year, but many schools, like Purdue University plan on increasing their veterinary class size from 70 to 84.

But actually there is a shortage of veterinarians when it comes to laboratory animal medicine, public health, large animal practice, and pathology. So if vet students what to pursue other areas besides small animal practice the job prospects are outstanding!

Source: New Veterinarians Face Tough Job Market

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