Veterinary Surgeon
Veterinary surgeons are responsible for the health and welfare of animals including domestic pets, zoo animals, farm animals and horses. This may involve diagnosing and treating them when they are unwell or injured, or advising on their living conditions and on steps that can be taken to ensure that they stay in good health.
The work involves prescribing medicines, and acting as an anaesthetist, radiographer and surgeon when necessary.
The majority of veterinary surgeons work in veterinary practice, although some work in research in university veterinary schools. Others work at research institutes or departments financed by the government, or in laboratories funded by private enterprise.
Entry level
You must be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) before you can practise veterinary surgery in the UK. This means completing an approved degree in Veterinary Science. The degree usually takes five years, with some students opting to take an additional science subject for a year. At Cambridge it is a six-year course for everyone. The degree courses combine theory and practical work.
Veterinary degrees are available at six UK universities: Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and London (Royal Veterinary College). Entry is exceptionally competitive, and the grades required are high. Generally, universities are looking for three A levels or equivalent at grades AAB or above (340-360 points). All veterinary schools require chemistry at A level/Advanced Higher/Higher, some specify biology as well, while others want one or two subjects from maths, biology or physics as well as chemistry. Some universities will accept a third A level/Advanced Higher/Higher in a non-science subject if it is considered to be an academic subject. You also need English GCSE/S Grade A-C/1-3. Scottish applicants without Advanced Highers would need Highers of AAABB or equivalent, including chemistry at grade A. It is important to check with individual veterinary schools to be sure of their requirements.
All university veterinary schools insist that you show evidence of your interest and commitment by gaining experience of working in a veterinary practice and working with and handling animals including livestock. However, practical experience is not a substitute for academic qualifications.
Making the grade
Most graduates start as assistants in private practice and obtain their experience on the job. The RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct stresses that veterinary surgeons have a responsibility to maintain and continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills throughout their career.
You should get promoted to senior assistant in two to three years, and can either buy a share in the practice or set up your own practice after gaining considerable further experience.
The RCVS offers a number of postgraduate certificates and diplomas, as well as the RCVS Fellowship, which can lead to becoming a recognised specialist in a certain area of expertise.
Personal qualities
As a veterinary surgeon, you should be interested in animals and concerned for their welfare, but not sentimental or squeamish when tough decisions have to be made.
Apart from building up a relationship of trust and respect with animals, you must also be able to deal with their owners or carers - appearing confident, in control and able to explain clearly both the problems and the treatments. You would need to be compassionate when dealing with a sick but much-loved family pet, but firm and authoritative if you find evidence of neglect. Handling large animals would require a reasonable level of physical fitness.
Looking ahead
There are about 20,000 vets registered in the UK, of whom over 11,000 work in general practice, mostly on a self-employed basis. Buying a share in an established practice can be an expensive commitment for a young vet.
Opportunities in other areas include zoos, government departments and agencies, animal hospitals and animal welfare societies. There are also research and academic posts in universities, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies.
Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include biochemist, biologist, chemist, doctor, physiotherapist or radiographer.
Take-home pay
Newly qualified vets start on around £19,000 a year. This can rise with experience to around £45,000 a year, while senior partners may earn £50,000 or more, depending on the size of their practice.
Your initial salary may be enhanced by additional allowances for accommodation, a car, fuel for private use, professional fees and continuing professional development. This can add up to £10,000 to the average starting package.
Effects
Every veterinary surgeon has an obligation to deal with emergencies in any species at any time. It is a 24-hour service, 365 days a year. Being a vet is not a job where it is possible to work regular hours, as animals require attention at all times of the day and night. You could usually expect to work a rota system and would rarely work a nine to five day.
Sources of information
British Veterinary Association: www.bva.co.uk
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons: www.rcvs.org.uk
Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons: www.spvs.org.uk
People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals: www.pdsa.org.uk
CRCI: HC
