Veterinary surgeons diagnose and treat all types of animals, including family pets, farm and zoo animals. They discuss treatment for the animals with their owners, which may mean taking x-rays, conducting tests, prescribing medication, giving injections or arranging surgery. Other work can include discussing illness prevention and healthy lifestyles with owners and giving routine vaccinations. Vets can work in general practice or specialise, for example, in equine, farm or exotics; some work for the government. Veterinary scientists study animal diseases; they look at ways to diagnose, treat and prevent them. Their work can involve study of an animal’s body systems or behaviour. It may involve the study of various animal diseases in more detail. Veterinary scientists work in laboratories where they design and conduct experiments, analyse the results and report their findings; their work can also include developing and testing medications. They may be asked to check for specific diseases and ways in which they can be contained. Scientists can work for the government, for pharmaceutical companies or in research.
What It Takes:
knowledge of 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
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
In general veterinary practice you could be
diagnosing and treating sick and injured animals
performing operations
carrying out tests such as blood analysis, X-rays and scans
providing care for an animal in veterinary hospitals
carrying out regular health checks and giving vaccinations
checking farm animals and advising how to stop diseases spreading
supervising veterinary nurses and support staff
keeping records of treatments
communicating with pet owners and insurers
neutering animals to stop them breeding
putting severely injured or terminally ill animals to sleep
following public health and hygiene laws
IB Requirements:
top grade IB Diploma in one sitting
an IB diploma including chemistry
an IB diploma including biology
Other requirements?
work experience in a veterinary practice
work experience with animals
A list of approved degrees is on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) website. Degree course selectors look for experience of working with animals in a veterinary and non veterinary setting; this can include a farm, stables, zoo or similar. Work experience must be completed before you start your degree; be prepared to talk about it at your interview. Each university will specify how many hours of work experience they require to be eligible to apply. Students will also be required to attend an interview.
The degree course requires students to complete 26 weeks of placements during the vacations; where these placements take place may be specified by the course provider. Initial job comprises induction programmes and opportunities to undertake part-time postgraduate study or to keep knowledge and skills up-to-date. Graduate 4 year degree available if first degree is not in veterinary science/medicine.
Useful Resources:
https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/veterinary-science