Veterinary Surgeons, or Vets, are the medical professionals for the animal kingdom.
A Veterinary Surgeon will:
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Treat sick and injured animals
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Advise owners and keepers on how best to care for their animals
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Diagnose and control animal diseases
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Work to prevent the transmission of animal diseases to people
The role is a demanding and responsible one. Vets in practice are expected to deal with emergencies in any species, at any time. Most Vets work in private practice, though some work for government agencies and in industry.
It is essential to have:
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A keen interest in science
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A strong affinity for animals, combined with an unsentimental approach
A Vet may treat:
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Small or ‘companion’ animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, budgies and other common pets
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‘Exotic’ animals, such as reptiles, snakes and rarer birds
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Farm animals, such as cattle, sheep and pigs - vets in this type of practice are more concerned with the of the health of the herd or flock than treating individual animals
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Equines - horses, ponies and donkeys
A veterinary practice may cover all types of animal or specialise in one or more. Some specialised practitioners also treat zoo animals, working to improve their survival and reproduction in captivity.
Daily tasks might include:
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Diagnosing conditions, sometimes with the aid of X-rays or laboratory tests
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Emergency life-saving measures
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Vaccinating animals against diseases
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Prescribing drugs
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Setting fractures
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Delivering newborn animals
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Performing surgery
Euthanasia or humane killing is also part of the job. This may be required when sick animals have no prospect of recovery, when their treatment would cost more than their value or as part of a culling programme to control disease.
Vets keep comprehensive records. They may work with other Vets and support staff in their practice and supervise the work of Veterinary Nurses.
Vets who work in public health aim to prevent and control animal and human diseases. They may investigate animal and human disease outbreaks such as foot and mouth disease. They also assess the safety of food processing plants and abattoirs.
Vets in industry develop, test and supervise production of drugs, chemicals and biological products.
A full-time Vet in general practice typically works about 43 hours a week and takes a share in on-call emergency work at night and at weekends. Many Vets also work part-time.
Vets working in industry or government generally have more regular hours than those in clinical practice.
Most Vets work in surgeries or clinics or visit the owners’ premises. For farm and equine Vets, much of the work is outdoors in all weathers. They may have to travel long distances to visit clients in rural areas. A driving licence is important for many clinical posts.
Vets wear protective clothing appropriate to the task in hand. The job can be physically demanding and vets need to be alert to the risk of injury from animals.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live.
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Salary packages for most new graduates start from around £31,000, which may include the value of accommodation as well as fuel and other allowances
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Vets with five to ten years’ experience can earn salary and rewards worth between £40,800 and £50,000
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A Senior Partner in a veterinary practice can earn up to £100,000
- The National Occupational Standards for this role are currently under development
- Interpersonal - Leadership
- Interpersonal - Teamwork
- Personal - Professional Impact
- Problem Solving
- Numeracy
- Communication
- Initiative
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
- Understanding and working with your rights and responsibilities
- Management / Leadership Skills
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Instruction / Training Skills
- Decision Making Skills
The early parts of the veterinary science degree courses usually concentrate on sciences, including anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Later, students acquire practical clinical skills.
In their holidays, students are expected to complete 26 weeks of placements (known as extra-mural studies) in different veterinary work. This includes one week at an abattoir and one week in a veterinary laboratory.
On graduation, entrants are required to register with the RCVS before they can practise. During their first year of practice, new graduates must complete the RCVS Professional Development Phase, an online database of skills and experience.
Once in practice, many Vets go on to study for further qualifications, such as the RCVS certificates and diplomas. Throughout their careers, Vets must keep their skills and knowledge up to date by attending courses and conferences or reading journals.
Read more about all types of qualifications available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Vets must complete a degree approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Seven veterinary schools in the UK provide approved degree courses. They are in Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Liverpool and University of Nottingham. The courses are listed on the RCVS website.
The degree course lasts five years (six at Cambridge).
Applicants need three A levels at high grades, usually including biology and chemistry. The other subject should be physics or maths. Some universities accept a third A level in a non-science subject that is academically sound. GCSEs (A*-C) in English, maths and science are also required, as well as in biology and physics for those who do not have those subjects at A level.
Candidates also need to show they have gained a range of practical experience of working with animals. This might include visiting a laboratory or voluntary work at stables, farms or kennels, as well as shadowing a vet in practice.
Some universities will consider applicants with relevant vocational qualifications, such as the BTEC Diploma in animal science, with distinction grades.
For students who do not have the required grades or subjects, some universities offer a six-year course. The first year focuses on science subjects, to prepare students for the five-year degree.
It may also be possible to study abroad. The RCVS approves some degrees in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
While competition for veterinary degrees is keen, there are many employment opportunities for qualified Vets.
Most graduates start work as an Assistant or Junior Vet in a practice, hospital or clinic, before progressing to more senior roles.
Established Vets may buy into a practice, or set up their own business. They advance their careers by marketing the business and building a good reputation.
There may be opportunities to specialise or to move into teaching or public health. With specialised training, Vets can work in research and development for pharmaceutical and biomedical research firms.
There are more than 20,000 Veterinary Surgeons in the UK. Most work in private practice.
Other employers include:
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University veterinary schools and research institutes
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Government bodies, such as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Animal Health, the Food Standards Agency and the Meat Hygiene Service
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The Royal Army Veterinary Corps
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Pharmaceutical and pet food companies
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Charities such as the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals)
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Zoos and wildlife centres
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
For further support and information on careers you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 02476 69 69 96 or e-mail veterinaryactivities@lantra.co.uk
Industry Information
You can find additional information from the following organisations and publications:
Publications, magazines and websites (some may be priced):
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Veterinary Record
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Veterinary Times
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‘Walks of Life’ (Veterinary careers information)
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Vet School: Getting your foot in the door
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RCVS News
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Veterinary Practice