Megan+Somerville

__ Veterinarian __ 1. What qualifications do I need before I can begin studying at university? 2. How long do I have to be at university for? 3. What will this job require?

Massey University is the only university in New Zealand that offers a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), and are one of a few schools outside of North America that have received American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accreditation for their veterinary degree. This also means that people who have graduated from Massey can work in New Zealand, UK, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, USA, Canada and Hong Kong.

The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), is a five year of ten semester programme. The first semester begins in February of each year and is counted as the 'trial semester' for domestic and Group 1 students competing for entry into the programme.

The professional part of the degree takes 9 semesters, which is four and a half years. This begins in semester 2,which starts in July of each year. The selection for entry into semester two is competitive and entry is based on academic merit. NCEA Qualifications From your secondary education, Level three Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry and physics are strongly reccomended. What does a vet do?

A vet is a doctor who specializes in work with animals. Most vets choose one of three categories: large animals, small animals or exotic animals. Large animal vets focus mostly on farm animals like cattle, sheep, horses and goats.

Small animal vets focus more on animals like cats, dogs and can get training in smaller animals like guinea pigs and hamsters.Exotic vets can be found at zoos taking care of animals like giraffes and lions. They can also have their own private practices to work with animals like snakes and lizards.

__ Skills and Requirements __ To work as a vet you need:


 * a Bachelor of Veterinary Science
 * be registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand
 * an Annual Practicing certificate

They also need to have:
 * Animal handling skills
 * Up to date knowledge of new developments in veterinary science
 * Knowledge of animals and animal diseases
 * Knowledge of animal anatomy, biology and physiology
 * Knowledge of microbiology, parisitology and biochemistry
 * Knowledge of treating animals with medicines and performing surgery
 * Knowledge in radiography, dentistry and lab methods.

Personal Qualities They need to be:
 * mature and responsible
 * be able to work under pressure
 * inspire confidence in their clients
 * be good communicators
 * be decisive and able to solve problems
 * have orginisational skills

Physical Requirements Veterinarians need to have good eyesight (with or without glasses or contacts), good hearing and good hand-eye coordination. They also need a good level of fintess, because the job can be physically demanding and involves spending long periods of time on your feet. Pay Range The pay range for vets can vary, but they can earn between $45,000 and $120,000 a year, depending on experience, responsibilities and location.

Conclusion I believe that I will enjoy this job. The only thing I won't enjoy is having to do level three physics an chemistry, because I was planning on doing FNT and Classical Studies. I do have a high intrest in this job right now and I don't think my intrest will change. I will need to get my communication skills to be better because I can be quite quiet sometimes. Sources: [] []

[]