A Career In Veterinary Practice
Are You Interested in a Career in the Veterinary Profession?
Here is some information which we hope will help you achieve your goal.
If it's something you are interested in but not sure if it is the career for you, click here for a bit more information.
How To Be A Veterinary Surgeon
To be able to work as a veterinary surgeon in the UK, you will need a degree from one of the seven Vet Schools (Liverpool, Bristol, Cambridge, London, Nottingham, Glasgow & Edinburgh), this will allow you to become a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The degree course lasts 5 or 6 years depending on which university attend. Veterinary medicine is a very popular career choice - last year alone Liverpool had 1500 applicants for 85 places. You can apply for 4 schools in one year.
The various universities all differ slightly in their exact entry requirements but in general you will need at least 3 A Levels at Grade A-A-B. Biology must be included and usually 1 or 2 other science subjects (chemistry, physics or maths). Some universities have courses with an extra year for those who do not get the required grades, if they have met all other criteria. Other qualifications may be accepted such as Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate or a degree in a science subject with at least a 2:1
Work experience is also necessary - you will need to cover a variety of different areas. Work experience with a vet is the obvious place to start but remember to include farm work, horses and exotic animals. Universities will also look at any extra curricular activities, so consider participating in as many as possible - being a prefect, member of a sports team or doing voluntary work will all make your application stand out.
If you are being considered for a place, you will be asked to attend an interview. You will probably be asked about your work experience and other things you have included on your application. You may also be asked about current animal issues.
Useful Sites
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
How To Be A Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary nursing is a rewarding career that offers variety and daily contact with animals and their owners.
Registered or Listed Veterinary Nurses (RVN/VN) work alongside veterinary surgeons to provide a high standard of care for sick and injured animals.
As a qualified RVN/VN, you will be responsible for the welfare, comfort and recovery of animals that may have undergone trauma, surgery or are receiving treatment for medical conditions. You will be trained to a high level to enable you to work in all aspects of the veterinary practice environment from reception through to the operating theatre.
After qualifying, nurses can work in a variety of practices from small or large high street practices to universities and hospitals.
Veterinary nurses can also work with a wide variety of species, ranging from domestic pets to exotic species to horses and wildlife.
Useful sites
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
*WE DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE A TRAINEE VETERINARY NURSE POSITION
**WE DO NOT CURRENTLY TAKE PART IN THE HIGH SCHOOL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME.
***WE DO ACCEPT EMS FOR VETERINARY STUDENTS BUT THIS CAN BE BOOKED UP QUITE QUICKLY.
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