Vet
Also called Veterinary surgeon, veterinarian.
Vets diagnose and treat sick and injured animals.
- Potential salary
- £32,000 starter to £65,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 40 to 45. Working pattern: on call as customers demand.
- Career area
- Animals and veterinary work
- Where they might work
- You could work at a veterinary practice, in remote rural areas or in a laboratory. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors some of the time. You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
- A typical task
- diagnose and treat sick and injured animals
- Subjects that may help
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- Typical route
- You'll need to complete a veterinary degree approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
- Interest area used here
- Health and laboratory science
What you might do
- diagnose and treat sick and injured animals
- perform operations
- carry out blood analyses, X-rays and scans
- provide care for animals in veterinary hospitals
- carry out regular health checks and give vaccinations
- check farm animals and advise on how to stop the spread of disease
More tasks (5)
- keep records of treatments
- communicate with pet owners and insurers
- put severely injured or terminally ill animals to sleep
- do research into animal medicines and diseases
- supervise veterinary nurses and support staff
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- knowledge of animal medicine and dentistry
- knowledge of biology
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
More skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Routes into this career
University route
- You'll need to complete a veterinary degree approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
- Entry to courses is highly competitive. For this reason the selection process is very thorough. You can expect to be interviewed and to take screening tests at most universities.
- You'll need to show: you are able to meet the academic requirements of the course; you understand what the role involves; you are highly motivated; you have done some relevant work experience.
- Many universities offer a foundation year, which prepares you for the veterinary degree course.
- You can find out more about studying veterinary science from UCAS.
- Full-time veterinary degrees usually take 5 to 6 years.
- If you already have a degree in a related subject, for example, biomedical sciences, you may be able to take a 4-year graduate entry veterinary degree course.
- You can also apply to join the Army Medical Service while completing your degree at university. On selection, you would receive further training to become a veterinary officer in the army.
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Veterinary medicine
Direct qualifying route. An approved veterinary degree is the route to registration as a vet.
Other routes
- You'll need to get experience of working with animals, which will help when applying for courses.
- You can contact: veterinary practices; local animal welfare centres; animal charities, like the PDSA or RSPCA; local dairy and livestock farms; riding stables.
Career progression
- As your career develops, you could focus on treating particular animals, such as horses, pets or livestock.
- You might also study for a postgraduate qualification, like the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice, with provides options to specialise.
- You could also move into a career in research, teaching or conservation.
Registration and requirements
you'll need to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
pass enhanced background checks
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry