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Veterinary Medicine
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a Subject > University Courses > Veterinary Medicine
AdmissionsWork ExperienceThe What Why and Wheres?Excuse me, What? Work experience is a wonderful prospect- a chance to dive into veterinary practices, farms, kennels and rescue centres, across the country and do all the jobs that any sane person would flat out refuse to do, in your precious spare time… for free. It is recognised by all animal establishments as an opportunity for free slave labour. And it’s one of the many requirements to get into veterinary school. Questions about it are echoed across the vet forum, for example- I have worked at every farm and every veterinary practice in Devon for at least 2 months, I own my own kennels and have worked at a stables for 10 years… do I have enough work experience? Where can I find a farm? What do I do when I get there? Do I need wellies? Have I got foot and mouth? Are the cows likely to eat me? Does it takes 7 years to be a vet? And so the story goes… So to stop the repetitive questions and to consolidate all advice into one place I’ve made a giant, and hopefully helpful, shiny bible on work experience (imagine something like the big red book of this is your life- if it wasn’t virtual it would be that). Please read it before asking questions, and if you do have any, ask them below so that they aren’t scattered across the forum like chocolate chips in a muffin. Why Bother? It can be a lot of work- often involves a shifting whole pile of poo, getting up before the sun has even thought about it , ‘putting the kettle on’ and other general recognised slavery tasks without a penny in return! But while your stood their with your mop, cleaning up after Snuggles the dog who has lost control of his bladder again, there is a lot you can learn just by watching- see how the vet copes with aggressive dogs, watch how animals are restrained, look out for routines they repeat and then ask if you can help once you’ve got it. Ask endless questions- you’ll be sick of the sound of your own voice and may think that the question sounds dumb , but its not, and if you don’t know the answer now you’ll feel even stupider if you don’t know it when asked later on by an interviewer/ lecturer or many years down the line by a client! If you are torn whether, on the one hand, to go into veterinary or, on the other hand, to go for some lesser career (for example medicine, drug trafficking etc) work experience will let you see what you can realistically get from the career, and if you can stick out the placements and enjoy them then its probably the job for you! How much of your life should this take up and where will you find yourselves? This really depends on how long you’ve got before you apply and which uni you’re looking to get a place. The minimum requirements for the various uni’s can be found on their websites and in their prospectuses - I refuse to spoon-feed you, get off your arse and look! But I will say that Liverpool asks for much more than the other uni’s so if your heart is set on there or if you don’t want to narrow your options then I’d aim to fulfil their requirements- that amount will be plenty for the other uni’s aswell! I’ll also say the following are pretty much essential; · Lambing · Large animal practice · Small animal practice · Stables · Kennels/ Cattery/ R.S.P.C.A etc · Work with some farm like creature (e.g. pigs cattle etc) What each uni stipulates is the bare minimum so if you have more time and want to make your personal statement gleam then you are best to get more. Remember the course is ridiculously competitive so the more you have, the better! Everyone with a realistic chance of an offer will have ensured that they get the requirements (unless they have their reasons) so with the minimum under your belt you’re looking at an application form identical to the majority of other applicants, so to help read on… The icing on the cake If you have time to do more than the minimum, your options are to; Do extra weeks at different vet practices, farms, stables etc; going to different places will let you see how routines and procedures vary from place to place. Try and get a Saturday job with animals (local vet practices are sometimes an option), even if its voluntary, to boost your application. This will show commitment as you’ve worked there over a longer time period- working at a vets every Saturday for 6 months looks better than working at a vets for 1 week. You will also learn more, get better references and they will begin to trust you so give you more responsibility- I remember the first time I was allowed to monitor an anaesthetic it made my week… Try and get more outlandish placements to help make you stand out, some suggestions include; · Zoos- they are hard placements to get but will show your dedication and are very interesting (make sure it will involve working with the animals and not behind a counter) · Abattoirs (only 1 or 2 days max needed) · Labs · Racing tracks · Seal sanctuaries But be original and don’t go over the top- one or two of these would be plenty. Now, having said all that, DON’T panic if you don’t have time to do more than the minimum- this is just extra stuff you can do to help out your application if you can! Some people say that going over the minimum is a waste of time as they got offers without doing any extra… if that’s a risk you’re happy to take then do so, but remember you’ll kick yourself if you don’t bother and then don’t get any offers! How to get placements If you are currently contemplating suicide because the placement is 40 miles away, you don’t drive and the bus only leaves at 8 pm on a Sunday, or perhaps because you have just received back the umpteenth letter describing how there are ‘no placements available’, ‘no insurance for volunteers’ or simply ‘no animals’ at the places you wish to do work experience, then don’t worry- everyone goes through this (its often a load of bull to weed out the people that aren’t really interested)! Finding them: · Yellow pages · Your eyes (obvious but you often miss farms/ practices if your not looking for them) · The internet · Word of mouth (you’ll be amazed at how many people your local farmer knows- one placement will soon lead to another) · On here (http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=349634) Contacting them: · Write in- some people swear by this, its formal and will create a good impression, however its slow- you often wait weeks for replies and it doesn’t really spur them into giving you a placement However if you aren’t getting anywhere then seriously- get off your arse and do something; · Ring them up- Its often better to take a more forceful approach than writing- this way gives you an instant reply, if they decline its worth asking to speak to the vet/owner, if they take down your number its unlikely they will ring you back- so that bits up to you to keep pestering them until they get the message that you are serious! · Email- if you don’t like using the phone, emailing is much quicker than writing · Drop in- go in and speak to them in person- they get to meet you, see that you are serious and will work hard and its often harder to say no in person · Get introduced- if the placement is a friend of a friend, ask them to introduce you- people are more likely to help out a friendly face. If you have animals, go along on vet visits and mention it to the vet when you meet them (especially useful with horse vets if your lucky enough to own one of those 4 legged critters). If you have a farm placement ask the farmer if they can introduce you to their vet… you get the idea. Keep on mithering (unless its due to insurance reasons- then they really can’t take you and you’re likely to just piss them off) one vet once said to me that they just bin letters because its usually some lazy toad from high school who doesn’t know what else to do with their work experience week- prove that you aren’t that toad! Getting there: Sometimes these places won’t be easy to reach- a lot of people don’t live near to farms etc but you have to put yourself out- its unfortunate but the uni’s wouldn’t accept ‘I couldn’t get there’ as an excuse for your pitiful amount of work experience. Remember again, this is competitive and its hard work, put in the effort and you’ll get there! · Public transport- it might mean stupidly early mornings but it has to be done- other people will do it · Parents- some parents will be willing to give you a lift if you’re lucky · Drive- if you get the chance, learn to drive and get a car, it will make life MILES easier! · Live in- if you have to travel a considerable distance ask if they would be able to put you up- people can be very accommodating when they hear your predicament and you may be lucky enough to get a room for free onsite · Cycle- if there’s no public transport then it may mean some early mornings and a long hike- if you want it badly enough you’ll do it, plus you’ll have bulging calves when your done!! · Plead your arse off- the uni’s don’t often fall for sob stories but if you are seriously struggling to get a certain placement say so on your personal statement/ at interview, explain that you have exhausted all possibilities and just can’t get there- if its truly impossible they may give you brownie points for trying… What to wear Use your common sense- don’t wear your best mini skirt and Gucci hat! For a farm you’ll need wellies (steel toe caps are useful and save a great deal of pain), and some old clothes (once you get to uni you’ll need boiler suits so investing in those now might be an idea!). Vets usually like you to dress smart/casual but again don’t wear your best suit or anything, you will get blood/poo/moggy fur on you so be warned. Stables- if your horsey throw on your jodhpurs, stable boots etc, if not wellies/walking boots/possibly trainers and old clothes will do! Kennels- walking boots/trainers and old clothes Ring up and ask if you’re not sure- they’ll be glad your showing enthusiasm! Busying yourself whilst there Like I said before ask questions, watch, use your initiative when you can- its good to keep busy, but be careful; some tasks might be dangerous. Your not stupid- decide for yourself what its safe for you to help out with, ask if you’re not sure! Look keen even when shovelling poo- they’ll be more likely to let you go back and to give you a good reference! These people are good contacts for the future! Be open minded and learn from the people working at the establishments- they’re experienced and have a good wealth of knowledge! Most importantly keep a diary- you will forget what you’ve done and you can’t afford to do that because you’ll have to talk about it when you get to interview! Note down what you did, what you saw, try and find out why it was being done (ask them/ use the internet etc), write down any questions you threw at them and the answers they threw back! Describe interesting cases, the breeds you worked with, worming processes etc, anything you think will be good to write down do! It will become a handy pocket sized resource to help you prepare for interviews- they will expect you to be able to witter on about your placements forever and know them inside out! References Its not essential to get them from every placement, but it certainly won’t harm- definitely get one good reference from a vet practice at the VERY least! Ask for them to write one a couple of days before you’re due to end your placement so that you can collect it on the last day, if they leave it to collect later its highly likely they will forget to do it or even who you are so the reference won’t be as good! Its best to ask the person who knew you best to write it and then get the owner to sign it- then its more personal and will look better! Sometimes the placements will ask you what you want including (or even ask you to write it yourself) and this is like Christmas come early; you can boast about your qualities and make it look like someone else has done it!! Ask them to comment (truthfully) on (obviously emit any that will be bad- if you know you’ve been late etc); · Time keeping · Appearance · Confidence/ ability around animals · Confidence/ ability with people · Dedication · Commitment · Use of initiative · Attitude · Personality · Whether or not you’ll make a good vet If you haven’t got any references it might be worth going back to the places that you worked at- pray that you made a good enough impression on them to make you be remembered (and not for killing a rabbit or something)! If not then other people have gone without them and still got offers so its not the end of the world!!
So… After travelling around half your county, throughout the whole of summer, collecting work experience, whilst your friends are living their life like normal teenagers and young adults , just think… you are one step closer to being accepted and entering onto a course which requires you to repeat the above process, and write thoroughly about it, all over again in your first year! But its well worth it so good luck! Oh, and you will probably find that you are asked multiple times on your travels whether it takes 7 years to become a vet, I don’t know which mongaloid started this vicious and duck brained rumour but it is best to just agree…
UCAS FormAcademic Criterianormal offers given are AAA or AAB, although you occasionally get ABB. Subjects required are Biology and Chemistry, the third subject should normally be physics or maths but other acdemic subjects are accepted. An extra AS is required but the subject does not matter, expcept it excludes general studies and critical thinking. NB Edinburgh and Glasgow only accept a combination of biology, chemstry, maths, and physics. Personal StatementWhat to put in your personal statement Completing all this work experience is useless if you can’t talk it up into a frenzy in your PS. This is where that diary comes in (if you didn’t keep one then try and remember what you did- use the internet to find out what goes on in your average dairy farm, stables, vet practice etc). Make sure the unis know how many places you went to, and what you got from them! If you had to travel 84 miles on camelback just to get there- say so (…if your parents ferried you there it might be an idea to omit that bit!) Anything that will show your good side- scribble down, you have to sell yourself and don’t have much time to do it! Some people say to write down the time spent at each placement. This can help but as the space is limited and some unis ask for this separately it isn’t overly essential, just noting down the time spent at your longest placements might be an idea. Try and describe what you learnt from your placements- it’s a good alternative to just listing them; just as a thought- you could say what qualities you used whilst there, how it made you feel, what it taught you about the career, what it made you realise, what you learnt etc. Personal statements are a whole other kettle of fish- try and be original with them- they’re a bastard for space- you have to fit your life onto a page and make it witty, eye catching and interesting; good luck with that… Also if you want to buy extra time you are able to put down what you have planned to do as well. As long as it's truthful and booked for before any potential interviews arise (that way you can talk about them at interview; despite the fact that I'd said I was yet to do my abbattoir placement in my personal statement, my Bristol interviewer still questioned me about it, relentlessly, for 10 minutes, before finally getting the message that I hadn't lied, I was just simply saving it for later) then it's a schneaky way of cadging an extra few months. Write something like 'I have booked so long at such and such a farm'- and it will be counted!
InterviewsCourse StructureBristol The majority of teaching during the first three years of study is held in Bristol, although during this period you will spend one day a week at the Clinical Veterinary School at Langford. Pre-clinical teaching in Bristol takes place in the School of Veterinary Science, the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Biological Sciences. The aim of pre-clinical study is to provide a firm basic knowledge of the normal structure and function of the animal body. Following from this you will undertake studies of disease and its treatment. Throughout this period you will also study animal management, production and husbandry, with the emphasis being placed on how these contribute to the health and welfare of animals. The last two clinical years of the programme are undertaken in the Departments of Clinical Veterinary Science and Pathology and Microbiology at the Clinical Veterinary School at Langford, which is situated in the Mendip Hills, some 13 miles south west of Bristol. Throughout the programme, it is a requirement of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that you undertake 12 weeks of extramural practical experience with animals; these placements are carried out on farms and other units such as stables during the vacations of the first two years of study. A further 26 weeks of clinical extramural study is undertaken during the vacations of the last three years of the programme For the most part, the clinical study comprises placements in veterinary practice, but includes diagnostic laboratory work with the Veterinary Laboratory Agency and attendance at a meat hygiene course. Cambridge Preclinical course The first three years - the scientific basis of Veterinary Medicine. Subjects in the first two years concentrate on the biological sciences that underlie the practice of veterinary medicine. Year 1 Homeostasis - the study of physiological systems Molecules in Medical Science - biochemistry and molecular biology Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology - functional anatomy of organs and tissues of domestic animals Farm Animal Husbandry Preparing for the Veterinary Profession A Year 2 Biology of Disease - the nature and mechanisms of disease processes Veterinary Reproductive Biology Neurobiology with Animal Behaviour Mechanisms of Drug Action - pharmacology; describing the specific effects of drugs Special Option; Comparative Vertebrate Biology plus a choice from several specialised courses offered in Pathology, Psychology, Physiology, and other disciplines Preparing for the Veterinary Profession B Year 3 All Cambridge veterinary students (apart from the affiliate students) receive an intercalated degree and can select from a very wide variety of choices ranging from a single science subject (e.g Pathology, Zoology, Molecular Pharmacology) or group of subjects from the Medical and Veterinary Sciences Tripos or Natural Sciences Tripos or other Tripos. The Cambridge system means that the BA is converted to a masters degree (MA) about three years after it is awarded. For Further information regarding the Pre-Clinical Course visit the Faculty of Biology pages Clinical course Years 4 to 6 - science into practice. In the autumn after the Part II examinations and graduation with the BA degree, all veterinary students commence their clinical studies at the Veterinary School, Madingley Road. The three-year clinical course is made up of lectures and extensive small group, hands-on, teaching (typically in groups of 8) termed 'rotations'. The Veterinary School is generously equipped with computer-aided learning and research facilities to support these activities. Years 4 and 5 During the fourth and fifth years your studies include Microbiology, Pathology, Medicine and Surgery. These courses are arranged into 18 units and these make up the final VetMB (Part I). Students are then tested on their ability to integrate the concepts and information across the 18 units in the Final VetMB (Part II) exam which is taken in the Easter Term of the fifth year. Year 6 The sixth year is practically orientated, and continuously assessed. The focus is on rotation group teaching in Medicine, Reproduction and Surgery of farm and small animals and horses. During the final year, students are exposed to a wide variety of clinical cases so that you will be taught the practical skills which will enable you to become an effective veterinarian. Clinical cases coming into the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital provide many opportunities for you to develop those skills under expert supervision. Students graduate with the VetMB at the end of the Summer Term when you will be invited to attend a ceremony held at the Veterinary School, and you will be admitted to membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a fully qualified member of the veterinary profession.
Programme details
Year 2 Second year courses are Body Systems 2 (Integrated Physiology, Anatomy and Metabolism) and Animal Husbandry (including Nutrition). You will also study Infection and Immunity, providing the basics for the study of disease in the following years. Year 3 Third year courses are Veterinary Pathology, Clinical Foundation Course and The Dog and Cat Integrated Clinical Course. General principles of disease, pharmacology and clinical techniques are followed by the first species based clinical module on the dog and cat. Year 4 Fourth year courses are Integrated Clinical Courses in Farm Animal, Exotics and Equine. A vertical thread of teaching in Population Medicine and Veterinary Public Health runs across the first four years. This course comprises a group of related subjects which have, as a common theme, the study and control of disease in populations, in contrast to the individual. The populations are both animal and human; the course therefore includes control of zoonotic infections and food hygiene. Year 5 Under the supervision of international experts in their respective fields, you will undertake clinical rotations which fully integrate you into the health care team for maximum practical experience. The course includes a three-week elective period in the final year, where a range of options is available. During this time, you will have the opportunity to work with international experts, and gain in-depth experience in an area of your choice. Glasgow The overall objectives of the five year curriculum are to provide an evolving quality educational programme in a research rich environment that will prepare students for future careers as veterinarians. The programme is designed to imbue the knowledge, philosophy, professional and technical skills such that the graduate feels confident to practice the art and science of veterinary medicine and surgery, and which prepares students for the profession that anticipates life-long learning and continuing professional development. Curriculum Digest 1st Year Anatomy Animal Husbandry & Management Biomolecular Science Physiology 2nd Year Anatomy Animal Husbandry & Management Biomolecular Science Physiology 3rd Year Microbiology Parasitology Pathology Pharmacology 4th Year Companion Animal Sciences Combined Integrated Course Part I 5th Year Small Animal Clinical Studies Large Animal Clinical Studies Extramural Study ( EMS) Liverpool The BVSc provides a groundwork of preclinical subjects during the first two years of the programme, including anatomy, whole animal design and function, and genetics. You will gain valuable experience in animal maintenance, production and welfare both here and on your Extra Mural Study (EMS) placements. The 3rd year is paraclinical. Here you will build on your knowledge and apply it to disease states. Pathological processes, infectious diseases and the fundamentals of parasitology are introduced along with the practical implications of public health. This provides you with the background to some of the clinical situations you will meet as you start your EMS in external veterinary practices. Here you will begin to use your knowledge and apply practically. In your fourth and final years, you will be based at Leahurst for your clinical studies, returning to Liverpool to spend time in our small animal first opinion clinic. During these two years, you will play an important and integral role in our hospitals and first opinion practices, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Our fifth year is completely lecture free, enabling you to concentrate on getting the most out of your clinical rotations and placements. You can choose a specialist elective to study in a subject area that interest you most.
Our students receive a thorough grounding in the understanding of research and this is rewarded by the award of BSc after 3 years. After 5 years, graduates are awarded the degree of Batchelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and are eligible for membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Nottingham Our veterinary undergraduate curriculum is taught using a modular system over the first four years with a lecture free clinical year: Years 1 and 2 develop learning primarily about the "normal" animal using clinical case examples and scenarios. You will also develop animal handling skills, and understanding of animal husbandry, relevant industries and the role of animals in society. Personal and Professional skills focus on learning, communication and the professional role of the Veterinary Surgeon. Year 3 provides you with an opportunity to focus on a research project of your choice. You will also develop further understanding of principles underpinning clinical veterinary sciences. At the end of Year 3 you will graduate with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Sciences (BVMedSci) degree.
Year 5 consists of a series of Clinical Practice Modules that comprise small-group clinical teaching in a hospital/practical/laboratory situation at our Clinical Associates. Teaching and learning is based upon observation, discussion and practical experience; at each institution students are under the supervision of university academic staff placed at, and working within, the institution.
At the end of Year 5 successful students graduate with the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) and Bachelor of Veterinary Surgery (BVS) degrees.
Two years getting fully grounded in basic science based at the London campus, followed by three years developing your clinical skills at the field station in Hertfordshire. We feel that this is the most effective way of preparing you for Intra and Extra Mural Studies. During the programme you will learn, among other things, to diagnose and treat sick animals, understand the importance of preventative medicine and develop critical business and communication skills to help you while in practice. A lecture-free final year is devoted to developing practical skills and problem based learning in the RVC’s Hospitals and private veterinary practices. Your learning experience will comprise directed learning, laboratory work, practical experience and clinical skills development. You will learn how to solve complex problems, either working individually or in groups. During the 5 year degree you will need to submit several research projects as coursework. These bring together many skills that will have been taught and allow you to investigate areas of veterinary medicine that interest you. We want you to succeed throughout your time on the BVetMed. Our personal development planning system encourages you to take responsibility for your own learning and share concerns and advice with your peers. This support network means that any issues are identified at an early stage. Importantly, it ensures that you get the most out of the learning experience. Life as a Veterinary Medicine StudentCurrent/Past Student ExperiencesGraduate OptionsUniversities Offering Veterinary Medicine in the UKBristol Vet School: http://www.vetschool.bris.ac.uk/ Cambridge Vet School: http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/ Dublin Vet School: http://www.ucd.ie/vetmed/ Edinburgh - The Royal School of Veterinary Studies : http://www.vet.ed.ac.uk/ Glasgow Veterinary School: http://www.gla.ac.uk/vet/ Liverpool Vet School: http://www.liv.ac.uk/vets/ Nottingham Vet School: http://www.liv.ac.uk/vets/ Royal Veterinary College - London: http://www.rvc.ac.uk/ Frequently Asked Questions
Work ExperienceIn order to apply for Veterinary Medicine, you will need to get some sort of work experience. Read about getting it and how it can help you here. Also See | 
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