Vetinary Science
If you love animals working as a veterinary surgeon could be the job for you. Veterinary scientists & surgeons study, treat and prevent illness in animals.
There are many opportunities out there for graduates who have a degree in veterinary science and want to be a veterinary surgeon, but just make sure you have enough work experience, as prospective employers recruiting for jobs in veterinary now consider work experience as essential.
The veterinary profession has grown in the last century. In the UK veterinary nursing is popular with approximately 5,500 veterinary nurses in veterinary jobs.
Veterinary nurses assist veterinary surgeons in the diagnosis, treatment and care of sick or injured domestic, farm and zoo animals.
Veterinary surgeons work to keep the health and welfare of animals in tip top shape. A vet has the important job of combining all their knowledge of animal physiology, nutrition and medicine with practical skills to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medicines and perform surgery.
Veterinary scientists are employed in labs, veterinary hospitals, veterinary schools, and research institutes that deal with animal health and disease.
With further qualifications you can also become a veterinary researcher. This leads to more understanding of how diseases are created and spread and what impact these diseases have on animals. You may be involved in creating prevention strategies so that animal and our home pets can be healthier.
It is also possible to pursue a teaching career within universities or research bodies but this is after years of veterinary knowledge and experience.
Graduates are employed mostly in general practices but other veterinary opportunities exist in government services, and pharmaceutical companies, with pet food manufacturers or other commercial organisations.
Due to the current economic climate, finding a veterinary job has become more competitive and therefore gaining full-time employment after graduation has become more difficult; however do not let this put you off going into the industry.
Many practices will work on a shift system and you should be prepared to work nights and be on call. This can have an impact on your social life as you may find yourself working whilst your friends are having a night out.
Expect to be working with a range of animals, including domestic animals, zoo animals and farm animals. This job can also be very emotionally and physically demanding but also very rewarding when you bring an animal back to good health.
According to the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons, the average starting salary package is between £30,380 and £39,500. However salary varies according to the level of training you have.
All graduates must have a degree that meets the requirements of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Work experience is essential so it is advisable to do some voluntary work at a veterinary practice for a while so that gain the skills and knowledge future employers are looking for.
Once in practice, many vets go on to study for further qualifications, such as the RCVS certificates and diplomas.
Once you graduate, you should have the knowledge and the confidence to work as a vet. You will however need to continually update your knowledge of techniques and treatments.
Now that you have a solid base of information on which to build, to become a successful vet you are expected to be able to work in a team and on your own. Other important skills that are needed is the ability to Communicate effectively with the public, professional colleagues and appropriate authorities, and recognize your own limitations and seek assistance.
You should also know the ethical and legal constraints of the business.
