Careers in Veterinary Medicine

How to become a Vet

Becoming a vet requires achieving two major academic milestones and some then go on to complete even further study.

Entry to university to study for a Bachelor of Veterinary Science first requires completion of senior high school education with pre-requisite subjects normally including English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. A final result of OP2 or better, or its equivalent, is then required to be considered for direct entry. Some high school leavers with lower results or without the required subjects have gained entry to Veterinary Science after first completing a year of a Bachelor of Science before then crossing over. You should contact the relevant tertiary entry board in your state for up-to-date requirements.

Once at university, a veterinary degree requires five years of full-time study to complete. The earlier years focus on foundations in chemistry, biology and physiology with practical exposure to farm work. The later years shift the focus on to medical and surgical subjects with practical exposure to more clinical-type roles.

Once completed, the graduate veterinarian is then qualified to practice in large or small-animal clinics, to fill academic, government or industry positions or to go on to complete further study towards higher qualifications.

For more information see; www.uq.edu.au/vetschool

How to become a Vet Nurse

Although there are no specific pre-requisites to begin training as a veterinary nurse, completion of Year 12 with strong results in English and the sciences are preferable.

Formal nurse training is offered by private and public training facilities and begins with completion of Certificate 2 in Animal Studies. Once this is achieved, and once working in a veterinary practice for at least 15 hours per week, students can then enrol in Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing.

Certificate 4 covers subjects such as anaesthetics, pathology, medical and surgical nursing, etc. The theoretical training takes the form of formal study groups and completion of case studies and assignments. The practical skills required are learnt ‘on the job’ and are then assessed by the training facility.

The whole process takes about 3 years and culminates in the awarding of a nationaly-recognised qualification; Qualified Veterinary Nurse.

For more information see; www.avnrc.com.au

Looking for a great team to join?

We are always looking for the best vets and nurses the industry has to offer.

Even though we may not have a current employment vacancy any resumes that are submitted will be kept on file in the event a position becomes vacant.

If you would like to become a part of the team at Ipswich Vet Group take the first step and submit your resume below.