A doggone great career!
Veterinary pharmacists compound, dispense, and administer medications to meet the specific needs of sick or injured animals, or to prevent animals from getting sick. Many human illnesses such as cancer, eye problems, heart conditions, asthma, and diabetes can also affect animals.
While most “patients” are traditional pets, veterinary pharmacists may care for a wide variety of animals or choose to specialize in one species (e.g., horses). Veterinary pharmacists adjust the dosage, strength, or taste medications to make them easier for animals to take or digest. They may also have research or administrative duties and work with veterinarians and technicians.
Practice Setting: You can find them in veterinary hospitals, veterinary schools, zoos, aquariums, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA).
Educational Requirements: Veterinary pharmacists must complete specialized training in veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics after earning a PharmD degree.
Patients: Most “patients” are traditional pets like cats and dogs. But, veterinary pharmacists may also care for a wide variety of animals or choose to specialize in one species (e.g., horses).
Traits: You love animals or have an interest in veterinary science, are comfortable with both animals and people, and enjoy the idea of creating custom medicines.