Science, Maths and Research - Vet
Science, Maths and Research - Vet
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Vets diagnose and treat sick or injured animals.
- 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 diseases spreading
- Supervise veterinary nurses and support staff
- Keep records of treatments
- Communicate with pet owners and insurers
- Neuter animals to stop them breeding
- Put severely injured or terminally ill animals to sleep
- Follow public health and hygiene laws
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.
Vets tend to work between 40 to 45 hours a week. You could work on call for emergencies.
Starting: £30,000
Experienced: £50,000
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 that:
- you are able to meet the academic requirements of the course
- you understand what the role involves
- that you are highly motivated
- that you have gained some relevant work experience
Full-time veterinary degrees usually take 5 to 6 years.
You'll need to get experience of working in a veterinary practice, plus experience of handling different animals from small domestic pets to larger livestock.