As part of our review of different careers, we take a look at how to become a vet. We will also look at what a vet does and what skills and attributes it takes to become a vet.
What Does a Vet Do?
A vet diagnoses and treats sick animals. As a vet you would generally work in a general practice and in the process you would deal mostly with domestic pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits and so on. You would also deal with any wildlife that people brought in to the surgery. You could also work in a zoo or specialise in dealing with larger animals such as horses or farm animals.
As a vet, your day to day tasks might include diagnosing sick or injured animals, prescribing medication and treatment, performing surgery, neutering animals, giving vaccinations, giving owners advice on how to look after their pets, putting animals to sleep and keeping records of all work that you carry out.
As a vet, you will be required to work all hours. The majority of your work is likely to take place between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday, but there will also be a need to work evening and weekend surgeries and be on call overnight. Being a vet might also involve travelling out to visit animals away from the surgery.
The job can also be quite distressing when dealing with seriously injured animals and having to put animals to sleep and advice owners that this is the best course of action.
Is Becoming a Vet Right For Me?
The following skills and attributes are vital for anyone wishing to become a vet.
- A genuine desire to help animals and to have their best interests at heart
- A great level of scientific ability
- Excellent practical skills and powers of observation
- A good level of physical fitness
- The ability to make difficult decisions
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex things in a simple manner
- High levels of empathy, sympathy and understanding
- Management and business skills that will enable you to run a practice
How Much Can a Vet Earn?
A newly trained vet will start on around £30,000 a year and this will rise to around £50,000 a year with experience.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Become a Vet?
To become work as a vet you must be registered with the RCVS and to register with them you must have a degree in veterinary degree from one of the universities that are approved by the RCVS. To get on one of these degrees you will need the standard 5 GCSE's and 3 A-levels and it is very strongly advised that you have biology in both qualifications in order to access the degree.
