This is an in demand qualification in a expanding field, and as a course it is a unique combination of science, art, practical skills, and human-animal interaction. It will give students the knowledge and skills required to make a significant contribution to animal health and welfare.

As more people own pets and increasingly spend money on their care, the job prospects for this sector are excellent. Qualified veterinary professionals are not just limited to working in practices, there are a multitude of employment opportunities available to graduates, ranging from pathology, research, public health right through to veterinary pharmaceutical companies.

It is a versatile degree that will provide graduates with an outstanding background to pursue careers in biomedical research, human medicine, clinical practice or hospital management. It provides a framework for lifelong learning and will help you to work towards qualifications that are appropriate, accessible and attainable.

On these programmes the quality of both the theoretical and practical teaching is very high and is regularly monitored by the relevant authorities to ensure that standards are maintained. It is worth noting that some universities may have particular prerequisites of students, such as the ability to lift heavy and large animals, and no limitations on sight, hearing or physical movement that will interfere with regular course activities.

Veterinary degree course overview

It is a hand’s on programme where students will learn to perform various key tasks such as taking X-rays, laboratory tests, and nursing for injured animals. Courses are broken down into manageable modules, with students undergoing classroom studies and laboratory training. While there will be traditional lectures in classroom settings, many classes are held in a laboratory or clinical setting to provide students with practical experience.

Most courses prepare students to work with domestic pets, with some also providing training in farm animal care. If this last point is important to you then you should clarify it with the course administrators before you enrol. Some courses allow for specialization in a particular type of animal care, such as; large animals like cows or horses, mixed animals, small companion animals, cardiology, or critical care, although some of these fields may require additional training.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a Veterinary Degree 

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Anima Welfare
  • Animal Biology
  • Animal Health
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Animal Housing
  • Principles of animal science
  • Safety procedures in veterinary medicine
  • Equine studies
  • Nursing Practise
  • Zoology
  • Behaviour and Training

Students will learn about

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical rotations
  • The study of anatomy
  • Radiology
  • Anesthesia
  • Medical terminologies
  • Nursing procedures
  • Parasitology
  • Laboratory animal science
  • Surgical assisting
  • Diagnostic imagine
  • Laws and regulations

Students will learn how to

  • Provide advice to pet owners regarding the proper care of livestock and pets.
  • Bandage wounds
  • Treat animals with infections
  • Administer medications
  • Position fractures
  • Vaccinate animals
  • Take X rays

Veterinary personal statement

Below is a veterinary personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Veterinary personal statement example 

“I aspire to a fulfilling and rewarding career in animal care built on a solid base of knowledge and skills. I am a hard working and dedicated individual who fully understands that this is a very competitive field with far more applicants than places, but who is determined to make it as a veterinarian.

Although many veterinarians initially decide to pursue this field as a career at a young age, with me it was different, I only really became interested in this subject and started to care about animals in my late teenage years. In my opinion veterinarians are highly educated specialists who can be compared with medical doctors, in that their primary responsibility is to maintain the general health of pets and other animals.

Veterinarians are considered to be the guardians of animal health and welfare, which is exactly my attitude, in all my experiences I haven’t met an animal that I don’t like in one way or another. There is so much more that I want to learn about them, and this course offers me the chance to be around animals constantly, making it an excellent career choice for an animal lover like me.

To prepare for a veterinary degree and career I worked as a volunteer at a busy vets clinic where I was an integral part of the team. I helped out qualified staff with the diagnosis and control of animal diseases, and leant about the practical aspects of performing surgeries, preventing the transmission of animal diseases to humans, and treating sick and injured animals.

Although it was long hours in a noisy environment where I had to deal with unpleasant odours and sights, I really enjoyed it, and learnt the skills required for autonomous practice, decision making and team working. I gained experience of; working outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, i.e. farms and stables, and also the administrative side of things like maintaining up to date records. I saw at first hand the practical side of this field, and came to realise that in this role you have to be prepared to be bitten, kicked, scratched, or even attacked by sick or scared animals.

I also came away from this experience more emotionally mature and with better interpersonal skills, all of which make me feel capable enough to be able to deal with pet owners who may be angry or emotional, as a person I have become more sensitive to a owners grief and feelings.

Studying Biology at college gave me an opportunity to explore the full scope of this discipline which is still developing in so many exciting directions, and also the chance to focus on those areas which I really enjoy. I was always supported and encouraged by the teaching staff, who challenged me to think in original ways and broaden my perspective at every opportunity.

If you asked me what my personal strengths are, I can say with conviction that I have confidence in myself, am able to think quickly, can cope with difficult situations, solve complex problems, and am good at making decisions. I am patient person with an analytical approach to problem solving, and have excellent practical skills, all of these are abilities when combined with my scientific and medical knowledge help me to come up with solutions. I possess a capacity for hard work, an appetite for sustained study and a comprehensive understanding of the Royal Veterinary College guidelines. I also have excellent communications skills, which enable me to explain and discuss conditions or treatments with pet owners, and to deal tactfully with emotionally charges situations.

Right now I want to enrol at a university that will give me a high-quality education using the most up-to-date vocational teaching methods.

Your university appeals to me because your courses are widely acknowledged as being some of the best in the country, and ones that will prepare students for work anywhere in the world. I visited your campus to get a taste of your institutions culture, location and atmosphere, and found it to be a close knit community which I felt part of from the moment I arrived. Upon further investigation I have come to appreciate your universities small class sizes and the individualized instruction from experienced instructors, as well as your curriculum which is focused on real-world skill development and the job-search assistance your staff offer students.”

 

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