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Careers/Qualifications?

kloe2008

kloe2008

Newbie Member...
Is there a course in herpetology? Or just snakes? I know of equine courses, but out of interest - Also, are there any actual careers in herping? I spose you could go down the ultra-clever route & do science qualifications to get to uni and do more science then hopefully you might get to work with reps - But is there anything else?...
Forgive me if it's a useless/stupid question
Thanks
 
I'm taking a herpetology class currently at my university, so I'm sure there are other schools all around that teach this. As far as careers go, many people here major in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and end up working in reptiles houses at zoos. Others do research in herpetology.

I personally plan on becoming a veterinarian that sees reptiles. I work for one that currently sees them (as well as other exotic animals), and I have a ton of fun there.
 
If I had the smarts, the money, and the stomach for it, I'd love to be a reptile vet. You'd probably have to get a doctorate in veterinary studies with a minor in exotics, if not herpetology.
 
AshleyShadows said:
I'm taking a herpetology class currently at my university, so I'm sure there are other schools all around that teach this. As far as careers go, many people here major in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and end up working in reptiles houses at zoos. Others do research in herpetology.

I personally plan on becoming a veterinarian that sees reptiles. I work for one that currently sees them (as well as other exotic animals), and I have a ton of fun there.
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I had no idea we were going for the same career goal!
If vet school doesn't work out for me, I plan on continuing my education in biology and zoology, with an emphasis on herpetology to eventually do herp research at a major university. As far as I know, there's no actual herpetology degree, but you can have an emphasis on herpetology. Talk to Jeff Mohr (MohrSnakes). I'm sure he can answer a few school related questions.
 
RobbiesCornField said:
I had no idea we were going for the same career goal!
If vet school doesn't work out for me, I plan on continuing my education in biology and zoology, with an emphasis on herpetology to eventually do herp research at a major university. As far as I know, there's no actual herpetology degree, but you can have an emphasis on herpetology. Talk to Jeff Mohr (MohrSnakes). I'm sure he can answer a few school related questions.
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Awesome! You'd make a great herp vet! It's actually quite an up-and-coming field right now, and I'm excited to become a part of it.

I was thrilled today at work when someone brought in a king snake and the vet asked me to listen in on the history, diagnose the problem, and come up with possible treatment. Luckily it was all just husbandry-related, so that was easy :p
 
I saw a presentation last year at the Minnesota Herp Society by the vet listed below. Unfortunately I can't locate a transcript of the presentation, but I would recommend researching him online, his presentation was really great. He presented 4 cases, one snake-lung parasite, crestie (I think?)-brain tumor, frog-ingested rocks, and sea turtle-botched surgery repair (botched by other facility).

"Douglas Mader, MS, DVM, DABVP is a well-known herp expert, lecturer, and author on all aspects of reptile care and medicine. He practices at the Marathon Veterinary Hospital, Marathon, FL. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and editor of Reptile Medicine and Surgery, published by W.B. Saunders Company. Dr. Mader's writings also appear in popular reptile magazines such as The Vivarium and Reptiles Magazine." (taken off of www.peteducation.com)

Where he works: www.marathonvethospital.com
He also volunteers at: www.turtlehospital.org
 
2ndChildhood said:
I saw a presentation last year at the Minnesota Herp Society by the vet listed below. Unfortunately I can't locate a transcript of the presentation, but I would recommend researching him online, his presentation was really great. He presented 4 cases, one snake-lung parasite, crestie (I think?)-brain tumor, frog-ingested rocks, and sea turtle-botched surgery repair (botched by other facility).

"Douglas Mader, MS, DVM, DABVP is a well-known herp expert, lecturer, and author on all aspects of reptile care and medicine. He practices at the Marathon Veterinary Hospital, Marathon, FL. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and editor of Reptile Medicine and Surgery, published by W.B. Saunders Company. Dr. Mader's writings also appear in popular reptile magazines such as The Vivarium and Reptiles Magazine." (taken off of www.peteducation.com)

Where he works: www.marathonvethospital.com
He also volunteers at: www.turtlehospital.org
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Oh goodness, yes it's Dr. Mader...only the veterinarian who literally wrote the veterinary book on reptiles! We refer to his reference texts all the time. He's fantastic :D
 
2ndChildhood said:
"Douglas Mader, MS, DVM, DABVP is a well-known herp expert, lecturer, and author on all aspects of reptile care and medicine. He practices at the Marathon Veterinary Hospital, Marathon, FL. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and editor of Reptile Medicine and Surgery, published by W.B. Saunders Company. Dr. Mader's writings also appear in popular reptile magazines such as The Vivarium and Reptiles Magazine." (taken off of www.peteducation.com)
Click to expand...

I love Dr. Doug! He's such a sweet man and is so passionate about animals. I've had the great pleasure of meeting him a few times, as he's best friends with my Uncle. I hope to hear him speak, and maybe even do a hands-on lab with him at the NAVC Conference when I become a vet.

Edit: Also, to answer the OP's question, I found a list of careers/jobs that all have to do with herps.

So you can be...professor, biologist, researcher, zoo keeper, museum curator or scientist, museum assistant, wildlife management or conservation, and then of course breeders. All of these jobs require at least a four-year degree (Bachelor's of Science or related), except for the occasional zoo keeper or if you were to be a breeder.
 
I didn't realize how many replies this has got, unfortunatly i would have to consider moving to the US to do these courses, would be worth it though. Interesting to see how many opportunities you guys have in the specific fields, being a small island i'm really having trouble finding vaguely appropriate course, then you got entry levels etc.. Maybe one day. Great replies ! Thankyou
 
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