Veterinary Parasitologist Career Profile
- Career Name - Veterinary Parasitologist
- Category - Health / Specialists
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic Subjects - Biology, Science, Language
- Minimum Education - Doctorate Degree
- Species Worked With - Insects, Arachnids, Worms
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Direct
Do you want to work as a veterinary parasitologist?
READ: This page helps you to read about the career and the info you need to decide on whether this is indeed the career you want to follow.
RESEARCH: Learn about the skills required and minimum subjects to enter this career, as well as the places where you can study further after school.
PREPARE: If you want to plan and prepare for your career, then join the OZT Community! Members have access to tools while chatting with other students and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
CAREER MENTORS
UPDATED:
19 August 2024
Page Adverts:
What is a Veterinary Parasitologist?
A veterinary parasitologist studies how parasites can transmit specific diseases which can negatively impact domesticated animal health. So they study how parasites affect the animals.
The career is very similar to a Veterinary Entomologist, but a parasitologist works with microscopic creatures, worms and arthropods.
Where veterinary parasitologists study how parasites affect the animals, you may also be interested in the profile of a Medical Parasitologist, who studies how these parasites that animals have, can affect us as humans.
Career Categories
The animal related careers are organized into categories. Here are the categories in which Veterinary Parasitologist can be found:
- Animal Health
- Specialists
History?
Modern medical parasitology began during 1886-1871 in Taiwan when Sir Patrick Manson, a medical doctor from UK, first came to investigate the prevalence of parasitic diseases
Longest parasite?
The longest tapeworm ever removed from a human was 82 feet long, and was removed from a patient in India
What does a Veterinary Parasitologist do?
Groups of animals a Veterinary Parasitologist works with
Veterinary parasitologists work with a wide range of animals, focussing on those that are commonly affected by parasitic infections. Their work spans domestic animals, livestock, wildlife, and sometimes companion animals. Here’s a breakdown of the types of animals they typically work with:
1. Domestic Animals:
Dogs and cats:
Common pets that can be infected by a variety of parasites, including fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms.
Horses:
Equine parasitology involves studying parasites that affect horses, such as strongyles, tapeworms, and bots.
2. Livestock:
Cattle:
Veterinary parasitologists study parasites like liver flukes, gastrointestinal worms, and ticks that affect cattle, impacting their health and productivity.
Sheep and Goats:
These animals are prone to parasitic infections such as barber pole worms and lungworms, which are a focus of study.
Pigs:
Swine can be affected by various parasites, including roundworms and mange mites, which veterinary parasitologists help to control.
Poultry:
Parasites like coccidia and lice are studied to improve the health and productivity of chickens, turkeys, and other poultry.
3. Wildlife:
Wild Mammals:
Veterinary parasitologists may study parasites in deer, foxes, and other wild mammals, especially those that can also affect domestic animals or humans.
Birds:
Both wild and captive birds can be affected by parasites like mites, lice, and protozoa, which are of interest to veterinary parasitologists.
Fish and Amphibians:
Parasites affecting fish, frogs, and other Aquatic animals are studied, particularly in aquaculture and conservation settings.
4. Exotic Animals:
Zoo Animals:
Parasites affecting zoo animals, such as big cats, elephants, and reptiles, are also a focus, with veterinary parasitologists helping to manage the health of these animals in captivity.
5. Companion Animals:
Exotic Pets:
Small mammals (like rabbits and guinea pigs), reptiles, and birds kept as pets can also be studied, focussing on the parasites that commonly affect them.
By working with such a diverse array of animals, veterinary parasitologists play a crucial role in ensuring the health of both animals and humans, given the Zoonotic potential of many parasites.
What is the level of Interaction with the Animals?
- Directly - A person works directly with the animals with some form of physical contact at least once every few days
- Indirectly - The career doesn't require direct or physical contact at all.
With who does a Veterinary Parasitologist work?
Besides working with all of the animals, Parasitologists will need to interact with other people while doing their daily tasks. The people might include fellow staff members or the public.
Fellow staff might include:
- Supervisors/Managers
- Operational staff, such as Human Resources, Finance and Maintenance
- Veterinary staff
- Lab Technicians
What does a Veterinary Parasitologist focus on?
Veterinary Parasitologists study and treat illnesses caused by microscopic animals, worms and different kinds of insects and arthropods and their vectors.
In providing crucial protection, these specialists work to reduce the adverse impact these parasites may have on various kinds of domesticated animals.
Daily tasks of a Veterinary Parasitologist
- Collect and inspect parasites found in animals
- Research the possible diseases the parasites may carry
- Providing technical advice in safeguarding the animals
- Design an appropriate surveillance strategy against parasitic diseases
- Administration and filing
The work Environment of a Veterinary Parasitologist
Work environment and places where a veterinary parasitologist can be employed
Environment –
Veterinary Parasitologists work equal amounts indoors and outdoors. Scientific analysis of these parasites takes place within a laboratory.
Places of Employment –
They are mainly employed by government, private pharmaceutical companies, forensic laboratories, farms, zoos and aquariums.
Average annual salary for a veterinary parasitologist
They can earn an average of US$65,000 per year. The salary will also differ from country to country.
Can a veterinary parasitologist be promoted?
They do have the opportunity to be promoted within the unit or department, or join a different organization at a higher position.
Advancement in the field typically depends on work experience. First-year parasitologists often fit their training commitments around daily work demands.
The levels of each promotion might differ from organization to organization, but generally are the following:
Intern -> Junior Parasitologist -> Senior Parasitologist -> Manager
What difficulties do veterinary parasitologists face?
The most dangerous aspect of this career is working with microscopic animals that might be carrying deadly pathogens.
They may also work long hours, in difficult conditions, and might need to travel frequently.
Future growth and possibilities in this Career
The future growth of the sector is growing at around 5% per year.
Which Skills does a Veterinary Parasitologist need?
The skills required for a career as a veterinary parasitologist can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
Which Subjects must I have at School to help me prepare for this Career?
Biology will be a good subject at School as a foundation for future studies in parasitology
Science is a foundational subject and required by many colleges and universities for standard admission
Language as a subject is key for you to understand more about communication.
The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it’s also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
OZT has a list of various tertiary institutions where you can study further, after school. Each of these institutions also have their own Group page on OZT where you will find the exact subjects they require of you to have passed in school. Keep these requirements in mind, and discuss it with your school, guidance counselor and parents to ensure that you are prepared!
What will I need to Study to become a Veterinary Parasitologist?
Minimum educational requirement
The minimum international requirement is a Doctorate Degree in Veterinary medicine.
Subject focus
Majors –
The following majors can be taken biosecurity, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, parasitology, Entomology.
Short Courses –
Many colleges have excellent short courses in parasitology.
Subject duration
The duration of a Doctorate Degree includes the 3 to 4 years for a Bachelor’s Degrees, plus an additional 3 to 4 years for masters and Doctorate. Specialization in parasitology could add another 1 year. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Preparation Path
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it’s important to plan the way forward.
Why is planning important?
To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A preparation path is like a road map to where you want to be.
Possible Paths:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions
Attend sessions or workshops offered by school counsellors, career centres, or local organisations to learn more about careers in veterinary science and parasitology. To gain insight into the field of veterinary parasitology, understand the required education and skills, and connect with mentors.
2. Research All Possible Careers
Research the roles and responsibilities of veterinary parasitologists and related careers, such as veterinary microbiologists, epidemiologists, or wildlife biologists. To understand the full range of career options and decide if veterinary parasitology aligns with your interests.
3. Explore Educational Paths
Investigate educational requirements, such as undergraduate degrees in biology, animal science, or veterinary medicine, and advanced degrees in parasitology or veterinary science. To plan your academic journey and identify institutions that offer relevant programmes.
4. Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path
Focus on science courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Take advanced placement (AP) or honours classes, if available. To build a strong foundation in the sciences, which are crucial for veterinary and parasitological studies.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Successfully complete high school, ensuring that you meet all graduation requirements. To qualify for entry into college or university programmes in relevant fields.
6. Learn About Animals You Will Work With
Study the biology and behaviour of domestic animals, livestock, wildlife, and exotic animals. Consider volunteering at animal shelters, farms, or zoos. To gain practical knowledge about the animals you may work with in your career.
7. Align Post-School Path with Career, Further Studies, or Business
Decide whether to pursue further education (e.g., a degree in veterinary science), enter the workforce directly (e.g., as a veterinary assistant), or explore entrepreneurship in the animal health field. To ensure your post-school activities align with your long-term career goals.
8. Gain Experience through Volunteering, Internship, Mentorship, etc.
Seek internships, volunteer opportunities, or mentorships at veterinary clinics, research labs, or wildlife centres. To gain hands-on experience and insight into the day-to-day work of a veterinary parasitologist.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities
Join science clubs, 4-H, FFA, or other organisations that focus on animal care, biology, or environmental science. To develop leadership skills, expand your knowledge, and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
10. Join Professional Associations
Join organisations like the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) as a student member. To access resources, attend conferences, and connect with professionals in the field.
11. Gain Specialised Skills
Learn laboratory techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies through courses or internships. To acquire the technical skills necessary for research and diagnostics in veterinary parasitology.
12. Network with Professionals
Attend conferences, seminars, or webinars related to veterinary science and parasitology. Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. To build a professional network that can provide guidance, mentorship, and job opportunities.
13. Enter the Job Market, Finish Tertiary Studies, or Launch a Business
After completing your education, apply for positions in veterinary clinics, research institutions, or government agencies. Alternatively, consider starting your own practice or consulting business in animal health. To begin your professional career in veterinary parasitology.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education
Regularly attend workshops, courses, and conferences to stay updated on the latest research and advancements in veterinary parasitology. To ensure you remain knowledgeable and competitive in your field, contributing to your professional growth and the advancement of veterinary science.
This path will help students systematically prepare for a successful career in veterinary parasitology, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, experience, and connections.
Possible Combined Career Paths
It is possible to sometimes combine two or more related careers. This normally happens when you study and practice a specific main career, but the knowledge and experience gained also help you to have a paying hobby or secondary income career.
Possible Alternatives (there are a lot more):
Training and apprenticeship
Even though it is important to study to get into some of the animal careers, most of the research and other laboratory skills you will need as a parasitologist will be acquired through practice. This means that you will learn how to perform some of the daily tasks by actually doing it a few times and learning the steps.
In some cases entry level positions require training sessions even before you are allowed to actually perform your job duties. These sessions are offered by the place of employment, after you have successfully applied.
Join the Veterinary Parasitologists Group in the OZT Community to learn more and even interact with the educational institutions that will help you secure your dream career!
Average level of education of those entering the career:
Licenses, Certificate, Registration and Professional Associations
Certain animal careers require some form of legal certification to prove that you can indeed do the work, and work with the necessary equipment.
Certifications might be required in certain countries, and it may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills.
Learn more about requirements by joining the OZT Community.
Professional Associations
Where can I study further to become a Veterinary Parasitologist?
All of the above information will help you understand more about the Career, including the fact that there are different paths to take to reach it. But if you are almost done with High School (Grades 11 or 12), you also need to start thinking about further studies, and WHERE you will study.
See the List of Universities, Colleges and Online Training Academies who offer courses towards parasitology.
How do I start to prepare for this Career?
If you do decide on following this career, then OZT can assist you in figuring out a path to prepare, as well as help you to gain further knowledge about the career and the animals you will be working with. We do this by offering you FREE career development tools. There are almost a dozen free tools, but these are the three primary ones:
CAREER PATH PLAN
Use the career path plan above on this profile as an example to follow, or to work out your own path.
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
SHORT COURSES
Access easy-to-use short courses to make your career preparation easier! The basic information in each course is free, but the rewards can only be unlocked as an OZT member!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
STUDY GUIDE
Get a supercharged study guide that fits into the career path plan! Now that's really upping your preparation game! Join us for free to gain access!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Members Only
But, if you are still uncertain about choosing this specific career, and even where to start, then have a look at our special series of WHAT NEXT courses (link below). They take you through all of the questions you might have on how to choose the right career, what to do while at and after school, and even how to start your own business.
OR
Join the OZT community and career Group
Join us as a special member and learn more about becoming a veterinary parasitologist.
Members of the Platform have special access to:
- Info on the best places where you can study (colleges, universities and online)
- Expertly designed advice to prepare you for the career, and links to places where you can gain valuable experience. For some career experience is necessary, otherwise you wont get the job!
- Top notch info on each of the different species you will work with
- Make friends around the world and share knowledge
- Compete and win points, badges, games, prizes and certificates. Be the best of the best, while you learn and prepare!
If you have decided on being a Veterinary Parasitologist, please click on the JOIN GROUP button. Members will be directed to the Group, while non-members will be assisted to register first.
If this career is NOT the career for you, then you may return to the MAIN CAREER menu, and search for something different.
Other interesting Careers
Do you want to Contribute?
Do you have information that you would like to contribute to this career?
Career Profiles and Resources
Career Mentors are Members who assist by volunteering to keep each Career Page factual and current, while mentoring Students in the related Career Group.
Contributions by expert members are always appreciated to allow the Students to make informed decisions. Please add your contribution through the attached Form:
List of Career Mentors/Educators who have contributed to this Career info:
One Zoo Tree
A few pictures about the Career:
Some of the best websites to help you decide on the Career:
