What You Need to Become a Vet

The life of a veterinarian is a mixed bag. One minute, in a meticulously clean operating theatre, performing routine surgery on an anaesthetised cat; the next, battling through wind and rain to help a (large and frightened) bullock that's managed to wrap itself in wire. From 'A' levels to veterinary practice; it takes hard work to get there and even more to stay!

Qualifications Needed

Vets who want to practice in the UK must be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. To get this far, they need to have done a veterinary degree at one of the RCVS approved establishments; a course that usually takes 5 years. Acceptance for entry to these universities varies, but candidates will probably need the following:

• Biology 'A' Level, as well as one or two from Physics, Chemistry and Maths.
• Grades at 'A' Level, two A's and a B, or, in some cases, three A's.
• Alternatively, a distinction in BTEC Diploma in Animal Science may be considered.

The requirements for mature students without degrees include good GCSE and 'A' level results in the above subjects. Graduates should have at least one upper second class degree in a related subject. For both, check first, as these students may have to pay full tuition fees.

Applications for places on veterinary degree courses are made through the Universities & College Admissions Service, UCAS. Anyone interested in applying should consult the prospectus carefully first.

Evidence of a candidate's interest and commitment to the subject will be required by all university veterinarian schools. It will be expected that they have worked with and handled animals, including livestock. This is another thing to check-work experience requirements do vary between universities.

General Obligations

All vets are obliged to deal with emergencies that involve any species of animal, at any time, every day of the year. The vets' job involves a huge amount of commitment and hard work wherever it takes them. Their role is crucial in the prevention of disease in animals, the care of pets, horses, farm animals and zoo animals and in the provision of medical and surgical treatment for them all.

General Practice

This is where most vets start their working lives. Small animals like cats, dogs, rabbits and other companion animals are seen more than any other animal, but, unless otherwise stated, vets from general practices will also treat horses and other large animals.

The experience gained by working at a general practice is extremely valuable; whatever the next stage in a vet's career.

Basically, the work entails routine surgery like the castration of dogs and neutering of cats, giving preventive treatment by vaccination, the supply of prescribed drugs for worming and flea treatment, supervision of special diets and dealing with emergencies. This is a very basic outline though-there are numerous other elements to be considered!

Specialising

For vets who want to continue working in small animal practice, there are several different areas of specialisation to choose from if they wish to study further. Soft tissue, orthopaedics, Castro, ear, nose and throat, dermatology-to name but a few. General practices will refer patients to these specialists' clinics, or practices, in specific cases.

Other options for specialising include equine veterinary practice, mixed practice, zoo animals, food-producing animals, wildlife, research and genetics, plus various further specialisations within these headings and others not mentioned here.

Continued Study

Whatever direction vets choose to pursue in their careers with animals they are expected to keep their skills up to date and their knowledge current, to keep abreast of changes in all aspects of veterinary care and procedures.

Summary

Becoming a vet requires dedication to studies, patience and a total commitment to animals. The hours are long-animals get sick 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Vets also need to be good communicators (animals have owners) must work well within a team (with other vets and veterinary nurses) and be able to organise their paperwork!

The rewards are good remuneration and the satisfaction of spending a lifetime helping animals-with all the fantastic experiences that involves.