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.