Your PAth to Becoming a Vet

This page is intended as a guide for students who would like to move into veterinary medicine / science after finishing their degree in NUI Galway.

Courses in Ireland

Study Abroad

Useful links

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Courses in Ireland

In Ireland, there is only 1 institution where you can study Veterinary.

UCD: 4-year graduate entry route with an average intake of 10. Apply through CAO before 1st Feb and complete UCD Veterinary Medicine Application form including degree transcripts. GAMSAT required (tests normally held in March). 
To apply for this four-year programme, you must have completed a degree in biological, biomedical or animal sciences before entry into the programme.

UCD also have a 5-year programme and application is through CAO.

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Study Abroad

It is possible to train abroad and then work in Ireland. However, according to the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI): It is a legal requirement and, therefore, essential that you register with the Veterinary Council prior to engaging in any type of Veterinary work in Ireland.

Please check with the VCI website to ensure the degree you are studying is accepted.

UK

Applications are through UCAS. Please note that you are permitted a maximum of four choices on the UCAS form for Veterinary science/medicine. The deadline for applications is 15th October. 

Some UK institutions use a pre-entrance test BMAT 

The following institutions have a graduate-entry 4-year course (application through UCAS):

The University of Edinburgh: Entry requirements include Upper Second Class Honours degree normally in a Biological or Agricultural Science. Looking for students with a strong understanding and commitment to veterinary medicine. In addition to a strong academic record we look for applicants to have undertaken relevant practical experience. Interview.

Royal Veterinary College London: degree in a biological sciences-based subject (minimum upper second class honours). A minimum of a weeks prior work experience in each of: veterinary practice and in other animal environments. BMAT required.Transcripts required after completing UCAS application. Interview.

For a full list of accredited courses see the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons website (end of page).  

Please note:

In the majority of cases, you will not be accepted onto the course without a police check and a Hepatitis B immunisation.

Some books in the Information Room that may be of assistance include Writing a Personal Statement, Getting into Veterinary courses (UCAS), The Times Good University Guide.

UK institutions interview candidates and your personal statement is extremely important. All look for relevant work experience. Tips for personal statements include: reasons for choosing Veterinary, work experience, team & leadership experience, and other information e.g, what you enjoy doing. 

According to the University of Edinburgh, work experience is vital:
In addition to the academic requirements we recommend that students gain as much practical experience as possible. This should include seeing veterinary practice, both large and small animal if possible, and spending time on livestock farms (dairying and lambing are particularly useful) and other animal establishments such as zoos, kennels, catteries, wildlife centres and stables. Experience gained in veterinary or biomedical research laboratories is also encouraged to help student understanding of of the scientific basis of veterinary medicine. Specific details of your practical experience needs to be clearly stated in your personal statement on your UCAS application.

As part of your application through UCAS, you also need to provide an academic reference - if you are not finished your degree it is essential that your expected results are included in the reference.

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Europe

The Veterinary Council of Ireland recognise a number of European qualifications for registration in Ireland. These qualifications are listed by country on their website.

The AVMA Council on Education (COE) accredits US DVM or equivalent educational programs. The AVMA COE assures that minimum standards in veterinary medical education are met by all AVMA-accredited colleges of veterinary medicine, and that students enrolled in those colleges receive an education which will prepare them for entry-level positions in the profession.

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Useful Links

Careers Information

Career as a Vet? Walk this way
Online booklet about careers as a Vet

Vet Careers Videos on Youtube
3-4 minute series of videos about working as a Vet (produced by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons)

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Includes Veterinary Careers information and college listing

British Veterinary Association
Job vacancies and Careers advice pages, includes FAQ's on working with animals.

Federation of Veterinarians of Europe
Careers information, information on European legislation and links to veterinary schools throughout Europe.

All links tagged Veterinary

Further study

Veterinary Council of Ireland
Recognition of courses and membership information.

VetContact
Sections of note include Forum, Vet Companies and Vet Schools.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Lists accredited courses in the USA.

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) - apply for courses in veterinary medicine in USA and Canada.   
 

Resources in the Information Room

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Details were correct at time of writing. The Career Development Centre offers advice and information in good faith and based on the best information available to it. The Service does not accept any responsibility for any decisions made by individuals based on such advice or information. The Career Development Centre does not take responsibility for the contents of any sites linked to from its pages.
Please check with individual universities before applying for courses.

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