Veterinary surgeon
Diagnose, treat and care for sick animals.
Also known as: vet
About the job
Career insights – Veterinary surgeon
What it's like
You would diagnose and treat sick animals. You would probably work in general practice, with pets, farm and zoo animals.You may work with all of these types of animals, or specialise in just one.
Many of the owners you talk to may be upset or anxious about their pets, so it would be important to have a kind and reassuring manner. You would also have to be very gentle with the animals you work with, as many of them will be fragile.
As a vet in general practice you would:
Diagnose and treat sick and injured animals
Perform operations on animals who need them
Carry out a range of tests such as X-rays and scans
Care for animal in-patients
Carry out health checks, give vaccinations and give owners advice on animal care
Check farm animals and advise on how to stop diseases spreading
Neuter animals to stop them breeding
Put severely injured or terminally ill animals to sleep
Supervise veterinary nurses and support staff
Keep records of the treatments that you carry out
You might also be involved in inspecting hygiene and care standards in zoos, kennels, catteries, riding stables, pet shops and cattle markets.
You could also work in the public sector. You would then help prevent and control animal and human diseases, such as foot and mouth disease, and assess the safety of food processing plants and abattoirs.
Another option would be working in industry, supervising the production of drugs, chemicals and biological products.
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Animals, land, water and environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- recalling
- making decisions
- reliable
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- problem solving
- cooperating
- reflecting
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
To work as a vet you must be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
To become registered you must have a veterinary degree (SCQF 9/10) from one of the UK universities approved by the RCVS or an overseas qualification that the RCVS recognises.
To enter a veterinary degree (SCQF 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications, at least five Highers (SCQF level 6) at AAAAB, and Advanced Highers in maths or science subjects.
Entry is very competitive and many ask for qualifications to be obtained at first sitting.
Many degree courses last five years. If you already have a 2:1 Honours degree in a subject related to veterinary science, you can apply to study for a four-year graduate entry veterinary degree course
Work experience in an animal-orientated setting (such as a farm, kennel, vet surgery) may also be required.
If you wish to apply to the University of Cambridge or the Royal Veterinary College you will also need to sit the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT).
Qualifications and experience that show a strong interest in science and work with animals such as Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5) or Rural Skills (SCQF level 4) or Scottish Vocational Qualification in Animal Care (SVQ 2/3).
Some roles may require a driving licence.
You need to be fit as there is a lot of standing and lifting animals.
You should not be allergic to animals.
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