Veterinarian (SA)
Education and Training:
To become a veterinarian you usually have to study veterinary science or veterinary bioscience at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your SACE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in veterinary science or veterinary bioscience. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.
Additional Information:
Veterinarians abide by a code of practice set down by the Australian Veterinary Association. They must register annually with the Veterinary Surgeons Board or Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of each state or territory in which they intend to practise.
Related Courses:
While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.
*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.
Employment Opportunities:
Most veterinarians work as principals or associates in private practices. These are small businesses that typically employ one to four veterinarians. Most of the work in private practices involves pet dogs and cats, although there are also some practices specialising in horses. Practices dealing mainly in farm animals are usually based in country towns and provide services to cattle, sheep, pigs and occasionally other farm species, as well as to domestic animals.
Government departments often employ veterinary graduates. They may be involved in livestock disease control and eradication; diagnostic service work; research on animal disease, meat quality and hygiene inspection; and livestock quarantine.
The demand for veterinarians depends on the level of pet ownership and the willingness and ability of pet owners to pay for veterinary services. Government staffing policy, the viability of farm animal practices, the effect of natural conditions on animals (e.g. floods, droughts and fire) and developments in livestock management also affect the demand for veterinarians.
For Further Information:
Australian Veterinary Association (National)
(02) 9431 5000
members@ava.com.au
www.ava.com.au Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia
(08) 8331 9433Information for other states and territories: