Veterinary Surgeon (Veterinarian)

The veterinary surgeon diagnoses, prevents, treats and manages sickness or other medical conditions in animals by using surgery and/or medicine, etc.. He/she inoculates animals against infectious diseases.

The veterinary surgeon is also a consultant to various animal and animal product-related enterprises (meat and milk hygiene, chicken/poultry farming, etc.). The type of work performed by veterinarians depends on what they specialise in.

Job Characteristics

• Conducting research, improving or developing concepts, theories and operational methods.



• Doing research and developing products used in animal health care, and registering these products.



• Advising animal owners on proper management, feeding and breeding practices.



• Assisting in epidemiological, radiological and other surveillance of animal health.



• Diagnosing and preventing diseases of large and small stock, with the aim of improving the production and hygiene of meat, milk and other products.



• Playing an important role in the capturing, caring and rehabilitation of wild animals.



• Working with farm animals as well as pets.



• Areas of specialisation include horseracing, poultry, dairy cattle, pigs, wildlife and exotic birds.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of at least a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption and above average marks in all subjects is required to be admitted to South African universities. Candidates are subjected to a very strict selection process.
 
Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science (South Africa)

Recommended subject
Biology (South Africa) 

Tertiary Education
The University of Pretoria offers a six-year B. V. Sc. degree course. Candidates are required to register as students with the South African Veterinary Council during their studies.
 
UNAM does not offer this degree course. However, to be allowed to work in Namibia as a veterinary surgeon, a candidate is required to register with the Veterinary Council of Namibia. A student who obtained his/her degree outside South Africa, must first write an examination with the Veterinary Council before they will be allowed to register and practice in Namibia.

Personality
The prospective candidate must be intelligent, have good communication skills, and should love animals. He/she must also be practically-minded, observant, independent, and be physically able and dexterous.

Work Opportunities
Veterinary surgeons are employed in private clinical practices, the public service and in the fields of veterinary and medical research, agriculture and wildlife management. They can also start their own practices.

Back