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Vet
Veterinary surgeon, veterinarian
Vets diagnose and treat sick or injured animals.
Average salary (a year)
£30000
Starter
£50000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40.0 to 45.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
on call
as customers demand
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course
University
You'll need to complete a veterinary degree approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Entry to courses is highly competitive. For this reason the selection process is very thorough. You can expect to be interviewed and to take screening tests at most universities. You'll need to show that
you are able to meet the academic requirements of the course, you understand what the role involves, that you are highly motivated, that you have gained some relevant work experience
You can find out more about studying veterinary science from UCAS.
Full-time veterinary degrees usually take 5 to 6 years.
If you already have a degree in a related subject, you may be able to take a 4-year graduate entry veterinary degree course.
You can also apply to join the Army Medical Service while completing your degree at university. On selection, you would receive further training to become a veterinary officer in the army.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
Volunteering
You'll need to get experience of working in a veterinary practice, plus experience of handling different animals from small domestic pets to larger livestock.
You could also volunteer with a local kennel or animal welfare centre, or with animal charities like the PDSA or RSPCA.
More Information
Registrations
you'll need to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Career Tips
You can explore veterinary science through virtual work experience with Futurelearn.
Professional And Industry Bodies
You could join the British Veterinary Association and British Small Animals Veterinary Association for professional development and networking opportunities.
You could also join the British Equine Veterinary Association if you work with horses.
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming a vet from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and British Veterinary Association.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of medicine and dentistry
    Knowledge of biology
    Customer service skills
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    The ability to work well with your hands
    The ability to use your judgement and make decisions
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Other Requirements
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
Related Restrictions
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In general veterinary practice you could
diagnose and treat sick and injured animals, perform operations, carry out blood analyses, X-rays and scans, provide care for animals in veterinary hospitals, carry out regular health checks and give vaccinations, check farm animals and advise on how to stop diseases spreading, supervise veterinary nurses and support staff, keep records of treatments, communicate with pet owners and insurers, neuter animals to stop them breeding, put severely injured or terminally ill animals to sleep, follow public health and hygiene laws
Working environment
You could work at a veterinary practice, in remote rural areas or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors some of the time.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
You could focus on treating particular animals, or specialise in areas such as dermatology or cardiology, by taking RCVS-approved postgraduate courses.
Experience in veterinary surgery could also help you to get a job in environmental conservation.
You could also move into a career in research and teaching with a university or research body.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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