How to Become a Veterinarian?
Learn the essential steps, skills, and educational pathways to become a veterinarian and make a difference in the lives of animals
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Veterinarian
"A veterinarian’s heart knows no bounds; it beats for every creature in need."
A Veterinarian is a medical professional dedicated to the health and well-being of animals and, indirectly, humans. They diagnose and treat illnesses, manage diseases, and advise pet and livestock owners on animal care. Similar to pediatricians, veterinarians rely on owners to provide medical history, as animals cannot communicate their issues. Strong communication skills are essential. They also research better healthcare methods for animals, with specialties that often mirror those in human medicine, such as therapeutic and surgical fields. Veterinary practice is typically divided into large and small animal medicine, with some specialties being more common in educational settings.
Steps to Become a Veterinarian:
Step-1
Concentrate on science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and math to establish a solid foundation.
Step-2
Pursue a degree in a relevant field, such as biology or animal science.
Step-3
Volunteer or work in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or farms to gain hands-on experience with animals.
Step-4
Prepare for and take the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), depending on the program requirements.
Step-5
Research and apply to accredited veterinary schools, ensuring you meet their specific admission criteria.
Step-6
Engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes both classroom learning and clinical practice.
Step-7
Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and any state-specific requirements to practice as a veterinarian.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Must earn a degree in B.V.Sc or a Diploma to become a Veterinarian. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Sc. in Veterinary Science or related field can be helpful for higher learning and specialization. |
| Entrance Exams | Should procure a valid score in entrance exams such as NEET, AAU VET, BHU UET, JEE, RPVT, AP EAMCET, EAMCET, KEAM, etc. Different colleges offer their own exams if needed. |
- Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc. However, the cut-off margin varies with the selection process of different colleges.
- Should procure a valid score in entrance exams after 12th such as NEET, AAU VET, BHU UET, JEE, RPVT, AP EAMCET, EAMCET, KEAM, etc.
- One must earn a degree in B.V.Sc or a Diploma to become a Veterinarian. This is a basic qualification you must require to enroll in this line of work.
- An M.Sc. in Veterinary Science or related field can be helpful for higher learning and specialization.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Veterinarian:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Veterinarians must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding of animal body structures | Knowledge of animal behavior patterns |
| Understanding of medications and treatments | Knowledge of different animal species |
| Awareness of ethical practices in veterinary care | Understanding of zoonotic diseases and preventive measures |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Critical Thinking |
| Empathy | Physical Stamina |
| Teamwork | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Veterinarian.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!
Job roles offered for a Veterinarian:
Once you become a Veterinarian, numerous career paths open up:
They play a crucial role in educating patients about treatment options and assisting them in selecting the best course of action. They explain procedures, discuss payment plans, and improve workplace productivity while managing daily tasks in dental practices.
Surgical assistants support physicians and nurses during operations. Their duties include maintaining sterile environments, sterilizing instruments, preparing patients, and managing necessary records. This role is ideal for those interested in medical procedures without the stress of surgery.
Specializing in diagnosing diseases through biological samples, veterinary pathologists use advanced techniques like biopsies and necropsies. They inform veterinarians about findings and may also engage in research or provide guidance on animal health issues.
These professionals assist anesthesia teams by preparing and maintaining anesthetic equipment for surgeries. They thrive in fast-paced environments and typically work full-time in hospitals or surgical centers, often on varied shifts.
Not sure where you fit in?
With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.
Career Opportunities for a Veterinarian:
Veterinarians can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Wiggles India | Truesis | Michael Page |
| PETA | BanasDairy | Suven Life Sciences Ltd. |
| Aqgromalin | ProTac | Animal Husbandry Dairy Development & Fisheries Department |
| APEX Services |
Colleges offering courses for Veterinarian:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| Veterinary College, Hebbal | Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Amritsar |
| BVC Mumbai - Bombay Veterinary College | MVC Chennai - Madras Veterinary College |
| Krantisinh Nana Patil College of Veterinary Science, Satara | NVC Nagpur - Nagpur Veterinary College |
| NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram | DUVASU Mathura |
| IVRI Bareilly - Indian Veterinary Research Institute | TANUVAS Chennai - Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University |
End Note
Starting a journey to become a veterinarian is both challenging and rewarding. With dedication, education, and a genuine love for animals, you can make a significant impact in their lives. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, connect with our experts at SetMyCareer. We’re here to support you with Career counselling after graduation at every step of the way in reaching your career aspirations!
In this Career Outline
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