Veterinary medicine, also called veterinary science, is the branch of medicine relating to animal health and the study, prevention and treatment of animal diseases and chronic conditions.
A veterinary science degree usually focuses primarily on domestic animals (farm animals and pets), but most courses offer opportunities to specialise in exotic creatures. Veterinary medicine students must have an interest in animal welfare and an aptitude for biology.
You must be a great communicator who works well in a team and can stay calm under pressure. Studying veterinary medicine is the only pathway to becoming a qualified veterinary surgeon. However, understanding veterinary science will also prepare you to work in a wide range of animal-based environments and put you in a strong position to begin your career in animal welfare.
Subjects related to veterinary medicine include animal behaviour, animal science, biological sciences, ecology, veterinary biosciences, veterinary nursing and zoology.
Obtaining a degree in veterinary medicine usually takes between five and eight years, depending on your study destination, degree and study mode. You may also choose to specialise further in veterinary medicine at the postgraduate level after you graduate. A veterinary medicine degree is usually taught as a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials to discuss veterinary theory.
You will also participate in regular laboratory and clinical theatre sessions as well as work placements to ensure you get plenty of hands-on experience. To become a veterinarian abroad, you must register with the relevant accreditation body in the country where you want to practise. For example, the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council in Australia or New Zealand.
Some areas that you may cover in your veterinary medicine degree include:
1. Animal biology, physiology and behaviour
2. Pathology of infectious diseases in animals
3. Veterinary research
4. Zoological medicine
5. Public health
6. Sustainability
7. Practical skills
Some veterinary specialisations include:
1. Anaesthesiology
2. Dentistry
3. Pathology
4. Surgery
Many vets also choose to specialise in a particular species or group, such as small animals, exotic animals or horses.
To study veterinary medicine abroad, you must meet some basic entry requirements. Although these vary between institutions, you will generally need:
1. An A-Level (or equivalent) in biology and often at least one other science.
2. Strong A-Level (or equivalent) results, usually a minimum of AAA/International Baccalaureate 36 points.
3. At least 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (A*-C) (or equivalent), including English, science and maths IELTS overall score of 7.0 (or equivalent).
Many universities will require veterinary medicine applicants to have completed some work experience in animal care or husbandry, such as shadowing a qualified veterinarian or volunteering in an animal shelter. Before you apply, remember to check your prospective university’s requirements and that your existing qualifications will be accepted.
If you want to study veterinary medicine overseas, there are many veterinary colleges and universities offering the subject globally. Why not explore the top five institutions for veterinary science according to the QS World University Rankings by subject:
1. Royal Veterinary College, University of London
2. University of California, Davis
3. Cornell University
4. Vetsuisse Faculty, Bern and Zurich
5. Utrecht University
Considering studying veterinary medicine in Canada? The best universities according to the QS World University Rankings** by subject are:
1. University of Guelph
2. Université de Montréal
3. University of Calgary
How about studying to become a veterinarian in Australia? The best universities for veterinary medicine there, according to the QS World University Rankings by subject are:
1. University of Sydney
2. University of Melbourne
3. University of Queensland
Most graduates of veterinary medicine go on to work as either veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses. Salaries for veterinary surgeons typically start at around GBP 30,000 in the UK, rising to around GBP 70,000 but sometimes more. Large animal vets typically earn more than those who specialise in small animals, who generally do not earn more than GBP 40,000. In contrast, the average salary for a qualified veterinary nurse in the UK is around GBP 28,000 per year.
Becoming a vet is a demanding career path, and you will often have to be on-call, working long hours in all weathers. However, being a veterinarian is also an extremely rewarding career with high levels of satisfaction and job security. You’ll work closely with people as well as animals and will have the scope to work as a vet internationally if you wish.
Other jobs and careers you might choose to pursue with your veterinary medicine degree include:
1. Animal physiotherapist
2. Animal technician
3. Animal nutritionist
4. Army veterinarian
5. Research scientist
6. Technical adviser to pharmaceutical companies
7. Veterinary pathologist
8. Zoologist