As the U.S. faces an ongoing veterinarian shortage, today's veterinary students are well-positioned to enter a market with significant demand for their skills. By understanding the current employment landscape and changing future projections for job needs, students can make informed decisions about their career paths and increase their marketability after graduation.
Understanding the Regional Demand for Veterinarians
While demand for veterinarians is nationwide, certain regions feel the shortage more acutely than others. Rural areas, especially in states with large agricultural sectors like Texas, Kansas, and Iowa, experience shortages in food-animal and large-animal veterinarians due to a lack of qualified professionals willing to work in these less urbanized locations. Rural regions of the South and Midwest, in particular, report critical staffing shortages that impact livestock care, which can affect food safety and local economies.
For companion animal veterinarians, suburban and urban areas see an increased demand, driven by rising pet ownership rates, especially following the pandemic pet adoption boom. For instance, California, New York, and Florida report a surge in demand for companion animal veterinarians, with pet healthcare spending expected to grow more than 6% per year in these areas.
The AVMA has projected that by 2030, the U.S. will need about 41,000 new veterinarians, largely in areas with high pet density and in regions with significant agricultural sectors. The disparity in distribution creates both a challenge and an opportunity for veterinary students, as positions in underserved regions may offer additional incentives, loan forgiveness, or competitive salaries.
Making Yourself Marketable in a High-Demand Field
Graduating veterinary students can enhance their employability by taking the following steps:
Gain Specialized Skills and Certifications: Students can distinguish themselves by focusing on high-demand specialties such as food-animal, equine, or emergency and critical care. Certifications in these areas can increase competitiveness, especially in regions facing shortages in these specialties.
Consider Rural or Underserved Locations: Rural and underserved areas often offer additional incentives such as loan repayment programs, higher starting salaries, and unique cases that provide a diverse practice experience. Organizations like the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) offer financial support for graduates working in designated shortage areas.
Explore Telemedicine and Preventive Care Skills: With the increased integration of technology in veterinary practices, skills in telemedicine and preventive care are highly valued. Many practices, particularly in remote areas, have begun implementing telehealth services to reach pet owners who may not have regular access to in-person veterinary care. Gaining experience in these areas can make new graduates particularly attractive to modernized practices.
Seek Mentorship and Internships in High-Demand Practices: Gaining hands-on experience through internships, residencies, or mentorships in high-need specialties or locations can significantly improve employment prospects. Building relationships with seasoned professionals can also lead to early job offers and networking opportunities.
Prioritize Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance Strategies: Veterinary practices increasingly look for candidates who can handle the demands of the profession sustainably. By focusing on stress management and resilience, new veterinarians can better handle the demands of a high-paced environment, making them more appealing to employers aware of the industry's burnout issues.
Could the Veterinarian Shortage Slow Down?
Some of the most recent data from the AVMA suggests that the projected shortage of veterinarians may not be as dire as some of the aforementioned studies have previously indicated. According to the AVMA while demand remains high, factors such as new veterinary program expansions, increased graduation rates, and alternative care models like telemedicine may help alleviate some of the workforce pressures over time. The AVMA points out that enrollment increases and the growing role of veterinary technicians could mitigate the shortfall, especially as new veterinary schools continue to emerge across the U.S., allowing more students to enter the profession annually. These developments could mean a stabilization in the workforce over the next decade, depending on the profession's ability to manage burnout and workload issues.
Why Now Is the Time for Veterinary Students to Act
For students preparing to enter the workforce, this potential shift highlights an important opportunity. While the demand is still high, taking advantage of current employment trends can ensure strong job placement and career stability:
Secure Roles in High-Demand Regions and Practices: With the industry likely to see more balanced staffing in the future, now is a great time for students to target high-demand areas or underserved regions, where there may still be significant incentives.
Focus on Emerging Specialties and Technologies: Veterinary practices are increasingly adopting telehealth, preventive care, and remote treatment models, so experience in these areas will be a long-term asset. New graduates with these skills will be especially appealing as practices aim to balance demand and streamline service delivery.
Build Skills for Leadership and Flexibility: As the workforce potentially stabilizes, veterinarians who can lead and adapt to changes in service models or roles, such as collaborative care with veterinary technicians, will remain competitive. Understanding business models or practice management is a powerful asset as the field evolves.
By positioning themselves strategically within the current high-demand environment, veterinary students can lay the groundwork for a robust career in a rapidly evolving industry. Understanding and watching these trends and preparing strategically for their careers will help find rewarding employment that meets the needs of communities across the U.S. By focusing on underserved areas, pursuing specialized skills, and exploring telemedicine, students can enter the workforce with a competitive edge while making a meaningful impact on animal care access across the country. This ensures they capitalize on today’s needs while remaining adaptable to potential future changes in the profession’s staffing landscape.
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