- guardian.co.uk, Thursday 1 May 2008 01.09 BST
Photograph: David Sillitoe
What will I learn?
A love of animals will only get you so far along the road to becoming a vet. You will need cracking A-levels in the sciences and the ability to remember a lot of facts and figures because you will learn how to diagnose and treat a whole host of animals, from small family pets to large farm animals.
Veterinary science is another five-year course, and don't expect much time off between each of them. You will have to undertake weeks of work experience, which will often have to be fitted in during the holidays - you've a lot of study to fit in during term time.
Following the guidelines of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, your degree will teach you the structure and form of the animal body - and that of birds and reptiles - and studies of disease and treatments. Among many other things, you will learn surgical techniques, animal welfare, farm practice and how to deliver first aid to animals.
You will look at genetics, animal behaviour, epidemiology and biometrics, nutrition and metabolism.
You will spend time working with small and large animals, and learn the ethical and legal obligations you face while doing so.
The course will be taught through lectures, seminars and tutorials and in the lab.
Some universities also offer four-year veterinary nursing degrees, which will give you the scientific principles and the practical skills to enter practice management.
What skills will I learn?
By the time you graduate, you should have the knowledge and the confidence to work as a vet, whether in a practice or on a farm or stables, or even in a zoo.
Although you will constantly need to update your knowledge of techniques and treatments, you should have a solid base of information on which to build.
You should be a good communicator, able to explain complicated surgical procedures to a concerned pet owner, and sensitively deliver bad news.
You will be able to work in a team and on your own. Working as a vet can be very stressful, but after five years study you should have some idea how to effectively manage your time and how to keep calm in a crisis.
Just as importantly, you should have the skill to discern when you need assistance. Vets with 30 years or more practice experience sometimes still need to ask for a second opinion.
You should also know the ethical and legal constraints of the business.
What job can I get?
Job prospects for vets are extremely good. Most graduates are employed in general practice, working with small animals, horses or farm animals, but if you fancy working with ostriches in Africa, you may find an opening. If you want to specialise, you can undertake further study, perhaps in diagnostic imaging or ophthalmology, if you want to work in second opinion referral centres or in specialist practices. Vets are also employed in zoos around the world.
What will look good on the CV?
· The ability to communicate effectively with the public, professional colleagues and appropriate authorities
· To produce reports that are understandable to the intended audience
· To act responsibly in the community, particularly in relation to ethical principles.
· For the full range of skills you can develop through a degree in veterinary science click here (pdf)
