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Doctor of veterinary medicine vs small animal veterinarian

The differences between doctors of veterinary medicine and small animal veterinarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a doctor of veterinary medicine and a small animal veterinarian. Additionally, a doctor of veterinary medicine has an average salary of $136,242, which is higher than the $65,546 average annual salary of a small animal veterinarian.

The top three skills for a doctor of veterinary medicine include patient care, veterinary medicine and patients. The most important skills for a small animal veterinarian are PET, excellent interpersonal, and patient care.

Doctor of veterinary medicine vs small animal veterinarian overview

Doctor Of Veterinary MedicineSmall Animal Veterinarian
Yearly salary$136,242$65,546
Hourly rate$65.50$31.51
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs27,90214,844
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

Doctor of veterinary medicine vs small animal veterinarian salary

Doctors of veterinary medicine and small animal veterinarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Doctor Of Veterinary MedicineSmall Animal Veterinarian
Average salary$136,242$65,546
Salary rangeBetween $66,000 And $277,000Between $31,000 And $135,000
Highest paying CityBurlington, VT-
Highest paying stateMaine-
Best paying companyColumbus Zoo and Aquarium-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between doctor of veterinary medicine and small animal veterinarian education

There are a few differences between a doctor of veterinary medicine and a small animal veterinarian in terms of educational background:

Doctor Of Veterinary MedicineSmall Animal Veterinarian
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common majorMedicineVeterinary Medicine
Most common collegeTexas A&M UniversityUniversity of Georgia

Doctor of veterinary medicine vs small animal veterinarian demographics

Here are the differences between doctors of veterinary medicine' and small animal veterinarians' demographics:

Doctor Of Veterinary MedicineSmall Animal Veterinarian
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 50.7% Female, 49.3%Male, 31.5% Female, 68.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 1.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 4.9% White, 82.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 1.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 5.8% Asian, 4.7% White, 83.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage15%15%

Differences between doctor of veterinary medicine and small animal veterinarian duties and responsibilities

Doctor of veterinary medicine example responsibilities.

  • Handle patient medical history, physical examination, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Gather research data access through EMR.
  • Perform cardiac surgery including pacemaker, ICD and CRT implantations.
  • Perform phlebotomy, pap smears, EKG, Spirometry and minor surgeries.
  • Assist in surgery, suturing and deliveries in the maternity unit, including complications eg.
  • Interview patients, perform clinical examination and diagnose medical emergencies.
  • Show more

Small animal veterinarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage wildlife rehabilitation program for native species, including state and federal rehabilitation licenses for the practice.
  • Gain valuable small animal and exotic pet surgical and medical experience.
  • Work at various small animal practices in Indiana after obtaining DVM degree
  • Perform healthy pet exams and administer preventative health care, including spays and neuters.
  • Manage wildlife rehabilitation program for native species, including state and federal rehabilitation licenses for the practice.
  • Supervise laboratory testing, reagent selection and flock management staff for in-house SPF poultry operation.f.

Doctor of veterinary medicine vs small animal veterinarian skills

Common doctor of veterinary medicine skills
  • Patient Care, 80%
  • Veterinary Medicine, 17%
  • Patients, 1%
  • Medical Care, 1%
  • Internal Medicine, 0%
  • Diabetes, 0%
Common small animal veterinarian skills
  • PET, 35%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 17%
  • Patient Care, 11%
  • Soft Tissue, 8%
  • DVM, 8%
  • Internal Medicine, 8%

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