Becoming a Veterinary Surgeon

To train to be a veterinary surgeon you will need to go to university and take a veterinary degree. The universities in the UK offering veterinary degrees approved by the RCVS are Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and London (the Royal Veterinary College). The degree courses are five years in length (six years at some schools). A new veterinary school has recently opened at Nottingham University.

There are also a number of overseas degrees which are approved by RCVS: in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Graduates from North American veterinary schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association can also apply to become members of RCVS. Holders of many European degrees are also eligible to register with RCVS if they are also EU citizens. View a list of approved European degrees. Information on European veterinary schools can also be found on the EAEVE (European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education) website.

Work in the veterinary profession is highly rewarding, but also very demanding. Every veterinary surgeon has an obligation to deal with emergencies in any species at any time. Anyone contemplating a career in veterinary practice should remember that it is a 24-hour service, 365 days a year.

The work

Veterinary surgeons diagnose and treat sick and injured animals. Vets also help animals to stay healthy by carrying out regular checks, giving vaccinations and advising owners on care and diet.

Vets will normally work one of three types of employment:

• in general practice with domestic pets, farm animals and horses
• on part-time sub-contracts to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) or local authorities, inspecting hygiene and care standards in zoos, kennels, catteries, riding stables, pet shops and cattle markets
• full-time for DEFRA, in either the Veterinary Field Service (VFS) or Veterinary Investigation Centres (VICs), which involves control and eradication of animal diseases, and protecting public health interests.

Vets also undertake research, teaching and academic work in universities, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies. Veterinary research leads to a greater understanding of how diseases originate and spread, and what effect this has on animals. This leads to improved prevention strategies against specific diseases, including the production of vaccines, improved diagnostic tests, and the ability to breed healthy and productive animals. Comparison of physiological and pathological processes between species contributes significantly to our understanding of normal and diseased states. Veterinary researchers also play a particular role in food safety through the development of prophylactic, therapeutic and management strategies to prevent disease in food animal species

Overseas opportunities can be found – check the Global section of the site for vacancies.