FAQs

Yes, you can! There are vet schools around the world which have different entry requirements. But here are a few things that you'll need to consider:

▪️ Is the university RCVS accredited so that it's easier to practice in the UK if you want to work there? (You will have to do additional exams if this is not the case)

▪️ They may have a different application form/website and different deadline times. So be sure to check the university website on how to apply.

▪️ Cost - Of course you'll have to consider the fees for the course, cost of living, accommodation, the application process, any application exams and any visas, etc

Some universities offer intercalation within the degree where you can take a ‘year out’ and study a new topic. i.e. Pathology or Bioveterinary sciences. Some degrees may offer the opportunity to do a placement/project at another university or opportunities abroad. This is typically before you go into your clinical years.

Placements can be done abroad (dependent on being accepted by the university). There is usually a maximum number of weeks that this can be done for.

You can study Veterinary Medicine as a second degree however you have to note the following things:

▪️ COST - Student loans for tuition fees are not offered to students who study Veterinary Medicine as a second degree. You can still apply for maintenance loans and grants. As the course will have to be funded by the student, external grants and scholarships can be looked for (although they typically have specific criteria). Some universities may allow students to pay in instalments (check with them first) so that the financial burden is (somewhat) lessened.

Students can work part time jobs throughout their studies, but working during their final year rotations may be difficult.

▪️ 1st DEGREE - Universities that offer a 4 year graduate curse typically ask for a 2:1 in a relevant science degree. Please check with the university what degrees they accept.

Degree holders can still apply for the standard 5 year course

No, save your money! Most books are now uploaded online and some physical books can cost around £100. Veterinary Medicine students use an array of textbooks throughout the course. I also recommend using YouTube to learn basic principles and anatomy.

If you really want books, wait until you start as some students may be selling old books. Some university/college libraries may also be giving away older editions for free.

Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) (12 weeks)

Learning how to look after and handle animals (Equine, Sheep, Cattle, Pigs, etc). These usually occur in non-clinical environments.

Clinical Extra Mural Studies (EMS) (26 weeks)

Working with clinicians and nurses with real cases as well as developing your own clinical skills.

Rotations

You then have rotations which are scheduled by your university where they send you out to hospitals (either their own or external). You are graded on these placements and typically do them with other students. You can pick additional rotation areas that you want to do but typical areas include: internal medicine, farm, equine practice, cardiology, etc.

There are different forms of further study that you could do, but not all allow you to be a specialist.

▪️ Certificate – self-directed study for advanced veterinary practice status ▪️ Post-graduate training (including non-clinical specialisms): - Masters degrees - PhDs

- Internships (1 year. Vets normally do a rotating internship or specific interest internship before a residency)

- Residencies (normally 3 years where you train under specialists to become a ‘diplomat’)

Here are some articles with more information on a rotating internship and how to gain specialist status.

Universities must have accreditation to allow their graduates to qualify for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) register. This is regularly checked by the RCVS and new universities work closely with the RCVS to achieve this.

Other international boards:

European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE)

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)*

South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)

Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC)

*to work in North America, you will have to sit the NAVLE exam (same as North American students)

Nothing prevents veterinary surgeons using the courtesy title 'Doctor' or 'Dr' if they wish to, however veterinary surgeons using the title must be careful not to mislead the public. They must include;

(a) their name; and (b) the descriptor “veterinary surgeon”; or (c) the post-nominal letters “MRCVS”.