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?

Veterinarians work with animals. They diagnose animals and work to treat and prevent their diseases. They also patch up animals after injuries and offer advice for preventative care to animals owners.

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

Step up your career with these resources

8 subjects you’ve never heard about (but should have)

Break away from the well-trodden path and find a course as unique as you are. From uncovering your inner palaeontologist, to studying the intricacies of Japanese culture, these eight subjects offer something a little different.

Regional high-schooler takes online uni subjects to jump-start her future

In a small South Australian town miles from any university campus, lives a 17-year old high schooler with a passion for science, a compound microscope, and a dream of working in a lab and discovering something interesting one day.

What are the best jobs for introverts?

Looking for a career where you can spend a lot of time alone, focusing on what you're good at? These roles will let your quiet, reflective qualities shine.

4 science careers you didn't know existed

So you want to be a scientist… From exploring parts of the invisible sky, to fabricating new food flavours, here are some of the more unusual careers in science.