{"id":3441,"date":"2023-09-12T12:02:41","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T11:02:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/?p=3441"},"modified":"2024-07-22T10:30:49","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T09:30:49","slug":"veterinary-career-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/veterinary-career-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Veterinary Career Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nThe veterinary sector offers a range of job roles and opportunities for people with a blend of soft skills, like care and compassion, and in-depth knowledge of biology, physiology and animal behaviour. Vets and their associates must have a love for animals as well as advanced education, qualifications and training. <\/p>\n

Becoming a qualified veterinary surgeon is notoriously long and demanding, but the career prospects and opportunity to work with animals make it worthwhile for most. If that level of study isn\u2019t for you, veterinary nursing is an option, or another role working with animals, like a farmhand, zoo assistant, animal nutritionist or physiotherapist.<\/p>\n

In this Career Guide, we will focus on three job roles in the veterinary sector: veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse and veterinary ophthalmologist.\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n\"Veterinary\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Potential Roles in Veterinary Services<\/h2>\n
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Job roles in the veterinary sector range from entry-level positions caring for animals to senior roles with a high level of responsibility. Once in the industry, you can choose to specialise by type of setting; for example, farms, zoos or walk-in vets for family pets.<\/p>\n

Veterinary surgeons<\/strong> are doctors for animals, treating illnesses, injuries and carrying out preventative care. A job as a veterinary surgeon<\/a> involves performing operations or medical procedures on a range of domestic, agricultural, exotic or wild animals. Veterinary surgeons also train in pharmacology<\/a> and are responsible for prescribing and administering medications, including restricted medicines and anaesthesia.<\/p>\n

Veterinary nurses<\/strong> support veterinary surgeons and care for animals during treatment and recovery. A veterinary nurse’s job<\/a> involves health promotion, supporting animal owners, hands-on animal care, and running clinics, providing services like routine vaccinations and worming. Veterinary nurses are trained professionals and must have the appropriate education and qualifications to practice.<\/p>\n

Veterinary ophthalmologists<\/strong> are qualified veterinary surgeons specialising in animal ophthalmology (eye care). A veterinary ophthalmologist job<\/a> requires extensive training and involves diagnosing and treating eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and retinal detachments.<\/p>\n

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Salary and Career Progression<\/h2>\n
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The available career opportunities differ between roles in the veterinary sector. Qualified veterinary surgeons have more options for career progression and earn higher salaries than support staff.<\/p>\n

Veterinary surgeons<\/strong> can earn more by taking on more responsibility and gaining experience. Salaries start at around \u00a330,000, rising to between \u00a340,000 and \u00a375,000 in the UK. Senior and specialist vet surgeons can earn upwards of \u00a390,000. <\/p>\n

The average salary for a US veterinary surgeon is around $90,000. Veterinary surgeons tend to earn more if they work with larger animals or specialise, for example, in complex cases or high-value animals, like horses.<\/p>\n

Veterinary nurses<\/strong> in the UK start on around \u00a317,500 at entry level, with the scope to earn up to \u00a326,000 with a few years of experience. Senior veterinary nurses can bring in up to \u00a337,000. In the US, veterinary nurses (more commonly referred to as Veterinary Technicians or Technologists) typically work at an hourly rate of between $23 and $30 per hour, although this can vary from state to state. Progression opportunities include moving up to practice manager or away from hands-on care to a lecturing or medical sales role<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Veterinary ophthalmology<\/strong> is one of the highest-paid veterinary specialisms. Animal ophthalmologists can earn up to $200,000 in the US and upwards of \u00a3100,000 in the UK. You can advance your career by working with complex cases or in larger, more prestigious practices. Equine ophthalmology is a particularly lucrative area of work.<\/p>\n

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Qualifications, Education and Experience<\/h2>\n
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Veterinary surgeons must have the relevant qualifications and registration with a professional body. The following is necessary or beneficial:<\/p>\n