Career Definition for Veterinary Pathologists
Veterinary pathologists are specialized veterinarians who diagnose and treat diseases in domesticated and wild animals. According to the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, their responsibilities include examining fluid and tissue samples for signs of disease and determining if food-producing animals pose any risks to people who may eat or handle their milk or meat products (www.avcp.org). Veterinary pathologists may also develop pharmaceuticals or belong to research teams. Potential employers can include clinics, universities, laboratories and government agencies.
| Education | Bachelor's degree, Veterinary Medicine Doctorate |
| Job Skills | Experience with animals, analytical skills, communication skills |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $100,370 (veterinarians) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 19% (veterinarians) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Veterinary pathologists must complete a 4-year Veterinary Medicine Doctorate (V.M.D.) program, pass a certifying veterinary pathology exam and work as clinical residents for a minimum of three years. Requirements for veterinary medical school include a bachelor's degree in one of the life sciences, excellent school records and high test scores on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE), Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Skills Required
Veterinary pathologists usually have previous experience working with animals before being admitted to a veterinary medical school. Keen analytical skills and the ability to solve problems are also required. Some communication skills may be needed to explain diagnoses to patient owners.
Career and Salary Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that veterinarians, including veterinary pathologists, earned annual median salaries of $100,370 in 2021. According to the BLS, employment of veterinarians is expected to grow by 19%, or much faster than average, between 2021 and 2031 (www.bls.gov).
Alternate Career Options
Some other careers that involve studying and working with animals include the following:
Agriculture and Food Scientists
Agriculture and food scientists conduct experimental and research-based studies that are designed to improve the efficiency and quality of agricultural processes and products. They typically specialize in soil and plant, animal or food science. Minimum educational requirements include a bachelor's or master's degree in agricultural science; completion of a doctoral or professional program is usually needed to work as an animal scientist. An 8%, or faster than average, growth in jobs nationwide is expected for agriculture and food scientists from 2021-2031, as reported by the BLS. Agricultural and food scientists received a median annual wage of $74,160 as of 2021 (www.bls.gov).
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animal behaviors and characteristics, including their relationships to their physical environments. Entry-level jobs require a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology or zoology; students interested in advanced, research or teaching positions will need a master's or a doctoral degree. Nationwide, the BLS has projected a slower-than-average increase of just 1% in jobs for zoologists and wildlife biologists from 2021-2031 As reported by the BLS, zoologists and biologists earned median annual salaries of $64,650 in May 2021 (www.bls.gov).
