Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Other.
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Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. .
Each year, over 954 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Other (CIP 01.8199) is an advanced scientific field that focuses on the biological research and clinical application of medical principles to animal health. While a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) focuses on clinical practice, this "Other" category is often reserved for high-level research tracks like veterinary immunology, molecular pathobiology, or animal infectious disease modeling. It is designed for those who want to discover the cures and treatments that veterinarians will use in the future.
This field is ideal for "medical scientists"—individuals who want to solve complex health puzzles at the cellular level to protect both animal populations and the humans who interact with them.
What Is a Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (Other) Degree?
A degree in this category focuses on the mechanisms of disease and the development of new medical technologies. Because it falls into the "Other" category, these programs are often found at the intersection of human and animal medicine. You might study comparative oncology (how cancer in dogs can help us treat cancer in humans) or zoonotic epidemiology (how viruses jump from wildlife to domestic animals). It is a research-intensive path that prioritizes laboratory discovery and clinical trials.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Veterinary Scientists" to lead pharmaceutical research for animal medications
- Develop experts in Regenerative Medicine, such as stem cell therapy for animals
- Prepare researchers to track and stop global outbreaks of animal-borne diseases
- Study the genetic basis of inherited disorders in specific animal breeds
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to look past the symptoms of an animal and into the genetic and chemical causes of its illness.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Molecular Biology techniques like PCR, gene sequencing, and cell culture
- Design and oversee clinical trials to test the safety of new animal drugs
- Analyze complex biological data using bioinformatics and statistical software
- Understand the pathology of tissues and fluids through advanced microscopy
- Develop diagnostic kits used by veterinarians in the field or in clinics
- Manage the ethical and regulatory requirements of animal-based research
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a deep dive into advanced biology and medical science:
- Veterinary Immunology: How animal immune systems defend against—or succumb to—disease.
- Pathobiology: The study of the biological processes that result in disease.
- Toxicology: How chemicals and environmental pollutants affect animal health.
- Virology and Bacteriology: The study of the microscopic organisms that cause animal pandemics.
- Pharmacokinetics: How animal bodies absorb, distribute, and eliminate medications.
- Comparative Medicine: Studying the similarities and differences between human and animal biology.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles in high-level scientific research, government oversight, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Common job roles include:
- Biomedical Research Scientist: Leading studies on animal health for universities or private labs.
- Veterinary Pathologist: Diagnosing diseases by examining animal tissues and cells.
- Pharmaceutical Project Manager: Overseeing the development of new veterinary vaccines or antibiotics.
- Epidemiologist: Tracking the spread of diseases through livestock or wildlife populations.
- Laboratory Director: Managing the operations of a veterinary diagnostic or research facility.
- Regulatory Scientist: Working for the government to ensure animal health products are safe.
Where Can You Work?
Veterinary biomedical specialists work in high-tech environments focused on innovation:
- Veterinary Pharmaceutical Companies: Large firms like Zoetis, Elanco, or Merck Animal Health.
- Government Research Agencies: The USDA, the CDC, or the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Academic Research Institutions: Leading laboratories at major veterinary colleges.
- Diagnostic Laboratories: Facilities that process tests sent in by veterinary clinics.
- Biotech Startups: Companies developing gene therapies or high-tech animal nutrition.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings in this field are generally high, reflecting the advanced scientific training required, especially for those with a Master's or Ph.D.
- Biomedical Scientists: Median annual salary of approximately $85,000–$110,000.
- Medical Scientists (Veterinary Focus): Salaries typically range from $75,000 to $120,000.
- Epidemiologists: Median annual salary of around $78,000–$95,000.
- Research Directors: In the private pharmaceutical sector, salaries can exceed $160,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the scientific and analytical rigor. You must have an expert-level grasp of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology. It requires a "detective's mind" to interpret subtle data and the patience to conduct experiments that may take months or years to yield results. You must also be comfortable working with animal tissues and in high-security laboratory environments.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love animals but prefer a "science lab" to a "doctor's office"
- Want to be a researcher who discovers cures rather than a clinician who applies them
- Are fascinated by DNA, viruses, and how the body works at a microscopic level
- Enjoy working with complex technology and data sets
- Want a career that has a global impact on both animal and human health
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Advanced Math
- Participate in science fairs or research competitions like the Regeneron STS
- Learn the basics of data analysis and laboratory safety protocols
- Volunteer at a university lab or a veterinary diagnostic center if possible
- Read scientific journals like Journal of Veterinary Science to see the latest research
The ability to unlock the biological secrets of animal disease and develop life-saving treatments is the hallmark of a successful veterinary biomedical scientist.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
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