Veterinary Surgeon (Vet)

OFO No: 225101

Other names for Veterinary Surgeon:

Animal Doctor
Veterinary Epidemiologist
Veterinary Parasitologist
Veterinary Pathologist
Veterinary Surgeon

What is a Veterinary Surgeon?

A Veterinary Surgeon (vet) diagnoses, treats and researches diseases and injuries of animals. 

Veterinarians can work on:

• pets of all sizes (birds, cats, horses etc)
• livestock (sheep, cows, pigs etc)
• wild animals /game (zebras, lions, giraffes etc)

What does a Veterinary Surgeon do?

• examines and treats sick or injured animals
• prescribes medication
• sets broken bones
• dresses wounds
• performs surgery
• inoculates animals against various diseases eg rabies
• talks to and advisesanimal owners on animal’s needs:  medicine, hygiene etc
• operates and reading special equipment (radiographic or ultrasound)
• educates the public
• regularly attends lectures, conferences, or other education courses
• euthanizes (kill humanely) animals

Are you … ?

• an animal lover?
• caring?
• interested in science?
• a hard worker?
• a good communicator?
• a good listener?
• sensitive to others and their feelings?
• observant?
• inquisitive?
• organised?
• good at recording findings and taking notes?

How do I become a Veterinary Surgeon?

There is only one way to become a Vet (Veterinary Surgeon):

• UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
  

Offers a six (6) year Bachelor Veterinary Sciences (BVSc) degree 

Minimum requirements:  

National Senior Certificate meeting degree entry

Compulsory school subjects:  Mathematics, Physical Science and/or Life Science

Workplace experience

Final Assessment

Registration with the South African Veterinary Council: SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY COUNCIL

TRAINING:

CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Veterinary Nurse … or … Veterinary Microbiologist … or … Animal Care Attendant

Is becoming a Veterinary Surgeon the right career choice for me?