Caroline C. Tonozzi, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC,  a 2003 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, had no idea that she was a member of one of the fastest growing segments of the veterinary workforce—those who pursue post-graduate education. Interested in a career in an intensive care unit, a “last minute” decision to take an internship would cut her first-year income by about two-thirds and require many late nights and weekends at work.

Why did she do it? There is a lot of speculation about why new veterinarians are pursuing post-graduate education like never before, but it’s extremely common. Last year, almost 40% of graduates from veterinary schools matriculated into post-graduate education, primarily internships and residencies, according to an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). It’s a rising trend. In 1995, only 15% of graduates opted for more education.

Certainly, one motivating factor driving these young applicants into residencies is the promise of additional income in the long term. According to the 2007 AVMA Report on Veterinary Compensation, board-certified veterinary specialists earned a median income of $139,000 in 2005 compared to the median income of $79,000 for private practice veterinarians with no post-graduate education.

According to AVMA research, there were 8,510 active, board-certified diplomats on Dec. 1, 2006, up from 6,983 in 2001. Furthermore, there were more than 500 candidates waiting to take certification exams in the 20 recognized veterinary specialties