Careers in Veterinary Practice

About two-thirds of the veterinary surgeons in the UK work in private practice. This work includes the diagnosis and treatment, both medical and surgical, of diseases and injuries of horses, farm animals, dogs, cats and other domestic pets. Advice is also given on the prevention and control of disease, both to the individual animal owner and to the owners of large herds and flocks.

In agricultural practice virtually all the work is performed on the farm. The major objective is to maintain and promote the health and production of the livestock and to reduce the losses that result from disease.

In pet or companion animal practice the veterinary surgeon is concerned more with the individual animal. Over the past 20 years much progress has been made in the development of sophisticated diagnostic, surgical and anaesthetic techniques and most of this work is carried out at the practice premises.

A veterinary surgeon in practice is obliged to provide a 24 hour service every day of the year – this means long hours and being ‘on call’ at nights, weekends and bank holidays. Veterinary practice is not just a job – it’s a way of life.

Training involves a five year degree course (six years at Cambridge) and it is currently the most difficult to which to obtain admission. Prospective applicants are required to spend several weeks in a veterinary practice in order to ascertain as fully as possible what is involved in being a veterinary surgeon. Experience of working with and handling animals, including livestock, is also necessary.

A level	Chemistry, Biology and either Mathematics or Physics are usually necessary although some universities may consider candidates with other subjects. A or B grades are normally expected,
GCSE	A good range of passes at grades A, B or C, usually including English, a foreign language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.

Veterinary Nursing

GCSEs including English and a science subject and must be employed in an approved Training Practice (both of our surgeries have achieved this status)

There are many more applicants than places available and preference is usually given to candidates who have undertaken voluntary work in a veterinary practice.

The duties of a veterinary nurse include – nursing hospitalised patients, maintenance of hygiene, assisting the veterinary surgeons during operations and other procedures, processing radiographs, sterilising surgical instruments and equipment, administration of first aid and carrying out laboratory tests. In many practice veterinary nurses also carry out reception duties and deal with clients’ queries.

Training takes two years and is essentially practical. The greater part of the training is given at the approved practice and this is usually supplemented by formal tuition at a local college. The subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, kennel management, nutrition, first aid, medical and surgical nursing, radiography, laboratory diagnostic aids and obstetrical and paediatric nursing.

As well as completing two years practical training the student must complete a portfolio and pass an examination at the end of each year.

Work Experience

We have many requests for work experience and, consequently, have to be rather selective. In order to be considered for a work experience placement in our practice students are required to be at least 16 years of age, to have obtained at least 5 GCSEs at grades A-C and to have worked in a kennels or cattery for at least 2 weeks.

When a student can meet these criteria, he/she should apply in writing to the Principal. They will then be invited to spend a morning at one of our surgeries; this will provide an opportunity to observe the practice routine and to discuss careers with our veterinary surgeons and nurses. A work experience period of 1-2 weeks will then be offered to suitable candidates.

Careers in Veterinary Practice

A Career As A Veterinary Surgeon

Veterinary Nursing

Work Experience