It is an ideal career path for animal lovers. It gives you the perfect opportunity to work with what you love (these cuddly creatures) and earn money from it too. To become a veterinarian is one of the best professional choices as it can be very gratifying and monetarily rewarding too. Let us look at how to become a veterinarian in this blog and help you do what you love the most and also be paid for it.
Role Of A Veterinarian
A veterinarian is a professional in the medical field specializing in the overall health and well-being of animals. Here are some key roles they play as part of their duties:
- Carry out routine check-ups of animals
- Administer vaccinations as and when required
- Inform pet owners about caring for their pet animals
- Diagnose illness or disease in animals and offer appropriate treatment
- Offer emergency care services for animals
- Participate in research activities on animal health
How To Become A Veterinary Doctor?
If you’re someone who loves animals and would like to dedicate your professional life to helping them lead a healthier, happier life, follow the step-by-step guide:
1. Complete your 10+2
Completing your higher secondary education from a recognized education board is the first step in becoming a veterinarian. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are mandatory subjects required at the 10+2 level to study veterinary medicine.
2. Clear the AIPVT
Next, you need to appear for the competitive test – All India Pre-Veterinary Test (AIPVT), a nationwide entrance test required for admission to the Bachelor’s degree program at one of the veterinary schools in India.
3. Pursue an undergraduate degree
After clearing the AIPVT, you are eligible to apply for admission to a B.V.Sc and A.H. degree course at a recognized veterinary school. Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry is an undergraduate course that offers foundational knowledge in domains like the skeletal system of animals, animal physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology, among others.
4. Complete the mandatory internship
Upon completion of the Bachelor’s degree defined above, you’d need to also complete the compulsory rotational internship ranging between 6 months and 1 year at a recognized veterinary hospital.
5. Get your veterinary license
This is the last and final step in the process that defines “how do I become a veterinarian?” You would need to register yourself with the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) and secure a license to practice as a professional veterinarian.
This can be done after completing your internship program. For the registration, you’d be required to submit a set of documents, such as a certificate of completion of internship and the Bachelor’s degree certificate. Upon securing your license, you are eligible to practice as a veterinarian in India.
Also Read:- What Is The Salary Of A Pharmacist
Potential Salary For Veterinarians
The average pay scale for veterinary doctors is likely to vary as per the level of experience, location, and qualification earned. Listed below is the average annual salary for veterinarians in India:
- Government Vets: Rs 20.1 lakh per annum
- Fresher Vet: Rs 2.5 lakh per annum
- Private Vet: Rs 4.9 lakh per annum
Skills Required For Veterinarians
Some of the key desirable skills in this profession are as follows:
- Diagnostic skills
- Effective communication
- Animal handling and care
- Surgical skills
- Business skills
Types Of Veterinary Doctors
They are of different types and you can choose to specialize in either one of them based on your academic interest and career goals:
- Large animal veterinarians: Responsible for the treatment and care of farm animals like horses, pigs, cattle, and sheep.
- Exotic animal veterinarians: Specialists in the treatment and overall care of non-conventional pets like small mammals, reptiles, birds, and other different species.
- Laboratory animal veterinarians: Responsible for the overall care and well-being of animals that are used primarily for research purposes.
- Government veterinarians: Employed by the government to work in wildlife services or animal husbandry.
- Veterinary specialists: Specialize in specific domains of animal health such as dermatology, surgery, and oncology.
Key Takeaway
A vet is an animal’s best friend. They are always there for the timely treatment and preventive care of animals. We hope that this blog gave you a clearer picture of how to become a veterinary assistant at the entry level. We also discussed the various qualifications that can be pursued to take the first step on this career path.