How to become a veterinarian

Pathways to this career

1. Complete an undergraduate degree in veterinary science.
2. Progress your knowledge and career by completing a postgraduate degree in veterinary science.
3. Register with the Veterinary Surgeons Board or Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of the state(s) you wish to practice in once completing your studies and graduating.
4. Qualified Veterinarians must re-register on an annual basis with these boards in order to practice.

What does a veterinarian do?

Duties and tasks

• Advise on preventing the occurrence and spread of diseases among animals.
• Give advice to animal owners on care and treatment and answering questions as needed.
• Inspect animals to determine the cause of disease or injury.
• Perform autopsies on deceased animals.
• Perform surgery or other medical procedures on animals.
• Prescribe medications for animals diseases and administering these medications as needed.
• Set animals broken bones or otherwise attending to injuries.

Professional bodies

• Australian Veterinary Association 
• Veterinary Board of Tasmania
• Veterinary Board of the Northern Territory 
• Veterinary Practitioners Board of New South Wales 
• Veterinary Surgeons Board (QLD) 
• Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia 
• Veterinary Surgeons Board of WA

Related jobs

• Veterinary nurse
• Life scientist
• Medical scientist
• Zoologist
• Surgeon