Veterinary Opportunities: New Hire Training

New Hire Training

Training is emphasized throughout a career with FSIS. Beginning in early 2004, all newly hired field veterinarians who will be assigned to slaughter and processing establishments will receive 9 weeks of a new public health focused veterinary educational program. The Center for Learning (CFL) and the Office of Field Operations (OFO) will jointly conduct these classroom training and on the job mentoring programs. Courses include:

Essentials of a Public Health Regulatory Agency
FSIS Regulations and Acts
Ethics
Food Security
Multi-Species Post Mortem Dispositions
Occupational Safety Considerations
Food Microbiology
Humane Handling and Slaughter

Mentoring will continue throughout the first probationary year of employment with FSIS. This training and mentoring combination will provide the new hire a strong foundation in the art and science of practicing public health assurance in FSIS by integrating scientific and technical principles. The trainees will obtain certification through a series of validated competency examinations and on-the-job evaluations. The certification will be a condition of employment. For more information view the The FSIS Veterinary New Hire Curriculum.

Additional Training Programs

The FSIS Veterinary Student Employment Program, allows veterinary students to participate and explore a career within FSIS while attending veterinary school. Veterinary students may also gain valuable Public Health Service and USDA experience by participating in the Junior and Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (COSTEP).
Many veterinary courses are offered by the FSIS Center for Learning either on site at Texas A&M University or by its web based Food Safety Virtual University.
With the possibility of the introduction of a foreign animal disease in this country, natural or intentional, FSIS veterinarians become the first lines of defense. The agency takes this mission seriously and conducts training either in house or at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Plum Island facility (PDF Only).
FSIS encourages veterinarians to apply for post doctorate education and to obtain board certification in a recognized AVMA specialty. The Agency actively participates in two post-doctorate programs, the FSIS Food Safety Fellows and the Center for Disease Control Epidemic Intelligence Service Program (EIS). The FSIS Food Safety Fellows program attracts a diverse cadre of post-doctoral candidates who have valuable expertise and knowledge to assist the Agency in taking a more proactive approach to public health safety and policy. The EIS program provides the Agency trained individuals in epidemiological investigations, research, and public health surveillance.
In addition to professional training, the Agency also provides instruction in technical/managerial courses assuring the veterinarian meets the competency requirement of many positions at the FSIS senior executive level. The FSIS Leadership Competence Development Resource Guide provides a list of the courses offered.

Last Modified: March 7, 2006


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