Career paths of veterinarians during the first 10 years

Veterinarians who graduated from The University of Queensland in 1985 and 1986 were surveyed 10 years later. The pattern of employment changed over that period, with decreases from 55% to 20% in mixed practice, and increases in small animal practice (29% - 46%), non-practice veterinary work (12% - 22%), non-veterinary work (0% - 7%). When allowance was made for part-time work, it was estimated that after 10 years, those in private practice represented 48% of the graduating class in full-time equivalents (FTE), and those working in all veterinary pursuits represented 66% FTE. The average veterinary working life was estimated to be the equivalent of 25 years full-time for females and 34 years for males. The location of the workplace also changed over the 10 years, with fewer remaining in country towns. Although most respondents cited significant frustrations associated with their careers, virtually all were either very glad or generally glad to have done the veterinary course.