Vet

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course

University

You'll need to complete a veterinary degree approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Entry to courses is highly competitive. For this reason the selection process is very thorough. You can expect to be interviewed and to take screening tests at most universities. You'll need to show that:

• you are able to meet the academic requirements of the course
• you understand what the role involves
• that you are highly motivated
• that you have gained some relevant work experience

You can find out more about studying veterinary science from UCAS .

Full-time veterinary degrees usually take 5 to 6 years.

If you already have a degree in a related subject, you may be able to take a 4-year graduate entry veterinary degree course.

You can also apply to join the Army Medical Service while completing your degree at university. On selection, you would receive further training to become a veterinary officer in the army.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

You'll need to get experience of working in a veterinary practice, plus experience of handling different animals from small domestic pets to larger livestock.

You could also volunteer with a local kennel or animal welfare centre, or with animal charities like the PDSA or RSPCA .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of animal medicine and dentistry
• knowledge of biology
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to read English
• science skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Vets diagnose and treat sick or injured animals.

In general veterinary practice you could:

• diagnose and treat sick and injured animals
• perform operations
• carry out blood analyses, X-rays and scans
• provide care for animals in veterinary hospitals
• carry out regular health checks and give vaccinations
• check farm animals and advise on how to stop diseases spreading
• supervise veterinary nurses and support staff
• keep records of treatments
• communicate with pet owners and insurers
• neuter animals to stop them breeding
• put severely injured or terminally ill animals to sleep
• follow public health and hygiene laws

Location : You could work at a veterinary practice, in remote rural areas or in a laboratory.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors some of the time.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £30,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is on call as customers demand

Career Path:

You could focus on treating particular animals, or specialise in areas such as dermatology or cardiology, by taking RCVS-approved postgraduate courses .

Experience in veterinary surgery could also help you to get a job in environmental conservation.

You could also move into a career in research and teaching with a university or research body.