Veterinary surgeon
Veterinary surgeons work to safeguard the health and welfare of animals. Vets working in general practice are responsible for the medical and surgical treatment of animals. They work with a range of animals, including domestic animals, zoo animals and farm animals. They also work to prevent disease in animals and the spread of disease. There are veterinary practices which specialise in small animals, food producing animals, equine work and there are also mixed practices. The area that a practice specialises in may depend on whether they are located in a rural or urban area.
The job of a vet is to combine their knowledge of animal physiology, nutrition and medicine with practical skills to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medicines and perform surgery. Vets also use their knowledge to manage anaesthesia during procedures and radiography.
As well as working in veterinary surgeries, vets are also employed in other sectors. These include education and research, government agencies animal charities (such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) ) and pharmaceutical companies.
Vets either work from a surgery or by visiting animals in their living environments, such as a farm or stables. Some vets carry out home visits.
Typical work activities include:
Vets who work as practice partners have the additional responsibility of managing practice finances, promoting the surgery to potential clients and recruiting and managing vets and other relevant staff.
Vets working for government agencies may research diseases, test and manage infection outbreaks, investigate food safety issues and complete paperwork for pet passports.
A degree in veterinary science/medicine (and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) ) is required to practise as a vet. There are seven institutions that currently offer this qualification. These are:
Degree courses are generally five years in length (six in some schools). Fees will depend on individual circumstances so applicants should check with the institutions where they intend to study.
The entry requirements for the courses will differ between universities. In general, biology at A-Level is an essential requirement for all of the courses, as well as one or two out of chemistry, physics and maths. The minimum grades required are usually two As and a B, although some universities ask for three As. As far as GCSEs go, it depends on the entry requirements for each university.
Some universities will consider applicants who have relevant vocational qualifications, such as a BTEC Diploma in Animal Science with distinction grades. Some universities will accept applicants without the relevant A-Level or vocational qualifications due to special six-year programmes. In the first year of these programmes, the basics learnt at A-Level will be covered to prepare the students for the five-year course.
All universities look for evidence that the applicant has a passionate interest in veterinary science/medicine. This evidence will come in the form of work experience, either in a paid or voluntary capacity. This experience can be gained in farms, stables, kennels, vets, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) , among others.
As well as the relevant qualifications and work experience, candidates for university courses will also have to show evidence of:
Due to the current economic climate, this area has become more competitive and therefore gaining full-time employment after graduation has become more difficult.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Qualified veterinary surgeons are required by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to undertake and record continuous professional development (CPD). Veterinary surgeons must average at least 35 hours of CPD per year, although most do more than this. Vets are expected to evaluate what knowledge and skills they need to develop or keep up to date. They may gain the skills and knowledge by requesting in-house training, reading publications or attending conferences or courses.
Once in practice, many vets go on to study for further qualifications, such as the RCVS certificates and diplomas.
There may also be the opportunity to become a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI). An LVI is appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and is qualified to test for diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), to carry out market inspections and to be involved in the exportation of animals and animal products.
Newly qualified veterinary surgeons usually work as assistants for some time before being offered the opportunity to become a partner or a principal in a veterinary practice. However, many practices are now owned by large companies that employ vets on a salary basis, which has decreased partnership opportunities. Not every vet wants to become a partner, as it involves increased responsibility, the need for more business and management skills and a financial input into the practice.
Once working, there are opportunities for vets to specialise in particular areas. They can do this through either existing practices or practices noted for expertise in a particular field, such as equine medicine, small animal surgery or dermatology. Further training is required for these specialisations, which may lead to a diploma.
With further training, extensive professional experience and publication of articles on a chosen area, it is possible to gain Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Recognised Specialist Status. Recognised specialists offer consultation in their chosen field.
There are also opportunities to work for employers such as animal welfare societies and government services, for example in the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) or the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) , which is focused on the licensing of veterinary medicines.
Vets may undertake research, teaching and academic work in universities, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies. Veterinary research leads to a greater understanding of how diseases originate and spread and what effect this has on animals. This may lead to improved prevention strategies against specific diseases, the production of vaccines, improved diagnostic tests, and the ability to breed more healthy and productive animals. Veterinary researchers also play a particular role in food safety - developing prophylactic, therapeutic and management strategies to prevent disease in food animal species.
Veterinary surgeons are typically employed in private practices in rural and urban areas. They may also work for zoos, animal hospitals and animal welfare societies, such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) , the The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) and The Blue Cross .
It is also possible to pursue a research and/or teaching career within universities or research bodies.
Overseas opportunities may be found with, amongst others:
Vets in general practice are often sub-contracted for part-time work by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) or local authorities, inspecting hygiene and care standards in zoos, kennels, catteries, riding stables, pet shops and cattle markets. Approximately 400 vets work full-time for DEFRA. This work involves the control and eradication of animal diseases, and the protection of public health interests.
Other government agencies that employ vets include the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) , the Food Standards Agency , the Food Standards Agency Meat Hygiene Service , the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Home Office .
Relevant jobs are occasionally advertised on the websites of the following government departments:
Academic institutions and charitable organisations may also advertise vacancies through their websites.
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