A veterinarian is defined as a trained medical professional who can treat injuries and illnesses of affected animals. Veterinarians generally specialize in specific areas such as cattle, horses, and small animals. They also advise pet owners on the diet, hygiene, breeding, and care of animals so that they stay healthy throughout their lives.
Becoming a veterinarian in Australia is not a piece of cake because veterinary courses in Australia are one of the most competitive and best in the world. If you are considering studying veterinary science in Australia and are a little confused about the requirements, then read this article.
Here we will provide a definitive guide to becoming a veterinarian in Australia and tell about the salary structure and responsibilities of a veterinarian?
How to become a vet in Australia?
If you want to become a veterinarian in Australia, you need a degree in veterinary science or veterinary medicine. You may also take another option, such as studying any other science or medical degree and then pursuing it with a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
After completing your degree, if you want to be a registered veterinary professional, you must register with the Veterinary Practitioners Registry Board or the Australian Board of Veterinary Surgeons.
What special qualifications & traits do you need to become a vet?
If you want to be a veterinary doctor, you will need the following qualification.
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science/Medicine
- A Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Science/Medicine
- Registration with a veterinarian board in the state you are going to practice in
Before these qualifications, there are other traits, skills, and qualities that must be present in you if you want to be a successful veterinary doctor. Here are some qualities that should be present in a vet.
- Discipline & time management
- Love for animals
- Manual dexterity/hand-eye coordination
- Compassion
- Resilience
- Problem-solving
- Interpersonal & communication skills
What subjects are needed to become a vet in Australia?
If you plan to study veterinary science in Australia, you should study biology, zoology, anatomy, animal science, surgery, microbiology, medicine, and chemistry.
Some veterinary universities also offer courses in social sciences, humanities, mathematics, and veterinary law and jurisprudence along with other courses.
Typically, the first three years of the veterinary science program are devoted to laboratory work, classroom instruction, and clinical practice.
Can you become a vet by an online study?
In Australia, some universities offer online veterinary courses, but for some subjects, you must still attend classes in person, especially for courses that involve practical work.
There are few universities in Australia that offer veterinary courses online. The universities that offer online courses are
- Charles Stuart University,
- The University of New England
- Federation University Australia
- The University of Melbourne
You can also study the online veterinary nursing program that is different from the veterinary science degree. In Australia, you can study the veterinary nursing program online at the Australian College of Veterinary Nursing.
They have a flexible online study program. They also offer short courses at small fees that give you an idea of what a veterinary medicine study is like.
Earning of a veterinarian in Australia
In Australia, on average, a vet can earn around $ 60k- $ 110k. Your earnings can be increased by gaining more experience and specializing in a specific field.
The government sector also offers work to veterinarians, and it is estimated that they will have a very high growth rate in the future.
These advantages of working as a veterinarian in Australia did not come in the easy way you have to work long hours, and sometimes you have to go through an emotional and stressful condition.
How long does it take to become a vet?
If you are good at studies, it will take you five to seven years to become a veterinarian in Australia. You will earn a bachelor’s degree in the first three to four years, and then do the post-graduation in three to four years.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in any field of science, you can get admission directly to the veterinary school.
How to become a vet nurse in Australia?
According to the Australian Veterinary Nurses Council (VNCA), a “veterinary nurse” is defined as a person who has a veterinary nursing qualification through a recognized institute and who has the skills of the veterinary nursing profession.
Veterinary nurses also help doctors perform their tasks and carry out animal health care procedures.
If you wish to become a veterinary nurse in Australia, you must obtain a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing from a recognized institute with an additional Diploma of General Practice in Veterinary Nursing, Critical Care and Emergencies, Dentistry and Surgery.
These diplomas are required by the Animal Care and Management Training Packages. The primary role of the Veterinary Nurse varies across the world.
They are awarded different with titles in different countries, such as Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Technologist, and Veterinary Assistant.
What do Vet do And What Are their Tasks and Duties
It is the duty of a veterinarian to work for animal and public health. Some other duties of veterinarians are
- A veterinarian must advise his client on food, hygiene, health, nutrition, care, and breeding of animals.
- The veterinarian must treat animals surgically and medically, prescribe medications, antibiotics, pain relievers, and local and general anesthetics.
- A vet should also perform wound dressing, surgery, and placement of broken bones.
- A vet duty is to determine the nature of abnormal conditions through laboratory tests, physical examination, ultrasound, and X-rays.
- A veterinarian must also have experience in gynecological procedures and performing obstetrics in animals.
- It is also a veterinarian duty to participate in government programs to spread awareness of any outbreak in the area and its prevention.
- A veterinarian will also test the animals for different infectious diseases and then inoculate them with vaccines.
- Euthanasia is a humane procedure to alleviate animal suffering, and a veterinarian must know how to euthanize.
Veterinarians working in metropolitan areas work primarily with cats and dogs. In rural areas, a veterinarian must work closely with the farmer to treat livestock and work to prevent disease and improve animal health and productivity.
