A veterinary doctor is an animal doctor. They help animals with any disease or injuries. They also research and work on products for animal wellbeing. If you want to become a doctor and love animals, this job is perfect for you. There are different types of Veterinary doctors. Careers are based on specialised disciplines.
- Companion Animal Veterinariansprovide treatment to pet animals like cats, dogs, birds, etc. They are found in private hospitals.
- Equine Veterinarians treat horses.
- Food Animal Veterinarians deal with farm animals. They educate farmers about feeding and health practices. They treat illnesses and injuries of farm animals like cattle, sheep, pigs, etc.
- Food Safety and Inspection Veterinarians conduct studies and research. They work to prevent animal diseases. They mainly focus on diseases transmissible to humans.
- Research Veterinarians research to find new surgical techniques and medical diagnoses.
Here's how you can become a veterinary doctor:
- Pursue a veterinary diploma course after 10th grade. Four such courses are:
- Diploma in Veterinary Pharmacy
- Diploma in Veterinary Lab Technician
- Diploma in Animal Husbandry and Dairying
- Diploma in Veterinary Assistant
- Alternatively, you can complete your 12th grade in science with physics, chemistry and biology subjects.
- After successfully completing your 12th or diploma course, you will have to appear for the AIPVT. AIPVT stands for All India Pre Veterinary Test. Your results will determine which college you can get admission to.
- Complete your Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science (BVSc). You can also opt for additional specialisations, which are as follows:
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] (Animal Husbandry)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] (Animal Nutrition)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] (Animal Genetics & Breeding
- Bachelor Of Veterinary Science [BVSC] (Veterinary Microbiology)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] (Veterinary Pathology)
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For further education, you will have to give an exam. Colleges accept GRE, MCAT or VCAT scores. GRE is Graduate Record Exam. MCAT is Medical College Admission Test. VCAT is Veterinary College Admission Test.
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Complete Masters in Veterinary Science (MVSc). You can partake in veterinary clubs or intern at veterinary clinics while you do your course.
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Apply for a Veterinary License. You may have to give an exam for the same. However, exams depend on the place you plan to practise from.
The fees to become a veterinary doctor usually is up to INR 20 lakhs. However, the average salary of a Veterinary Doctor in India is INR 22,65,139 p.a. You can recover the fees quickly.
Before you make a decision, check if you have the following essential skillset:
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Empathy and love for animals
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Dedication toward animal welfare
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Good attitude and communication skills
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Genuine approach and ability to reassure pet parents
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Good time management skills
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Good organisational skills to run clinics
If this sounds appealing to you, then you are meant to become a veterinary doctor. But before you decide, take the career testat Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation). This will help you confirm your decision.