What Do Veterinarians do?
Veterinarians are doctors who care for animals. They diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of all types of animals, from cats, dogs and birds to horses, cows, rabbits and sheep. Veterinarians also help to protect public health by ensuring food safety, controlling animal diseases and preventing the transmission of diseases between animals and people.
Most veterinarians work in private clinics and veterinary hospitals. Some are self-employed. Others work in laboratories or for the government.
There are few veterinarians who work with large animals such as cows and horses and they often do a lot of their work in the field. In addition to their clinical duties, some veterinarians conduct research or teach at universities or other institutions.
Is it difficult to become a veterinarian?
A veterinary science degree is one of the most important aspects of preparing for a job as a veterinarian.
To become a veterinarian, students must complete a qualification in veterinary science from an accredited tertiary institution and obtain a license to practice.
There are many different kinds of degrees you can take, but all will require you to have strong skills in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Towards the end of your studies, aspiring veterinarians must choose whether they want to specialise in small animals or large animals. This will depend on their preferences and their strengths as well as the needs of local clinics and hospitals.
Many veterinary students do internships during their studies that allow them to gain valuable experience before they graduate and begin working full time.
The job market for veterinarians is very healthy with a high demand for graduates and the ability to work in private practice or in a public setting.
