Training to be a vet?

Question

I didn't do too well at school due to health and psychological problems I have experienced. I am now 22. I began studying animal care 2 years ago. I don't feel very enthusiastic though about what I want to do with my qualifications in the future. I know of all the various jobs working in zoos, or in vet nursing. I have experienced these though and have always ended up thinking a lot higher, if you get my drift than those positions require you to. Then I realised, being a vet would really make me feel proud and use my intelligence. I am particularly interested in specialising in exotic pets, commonly known as a herp vet. I know spaces on vet courses are limited in the UK. And you must meet entry requirements, however due to my shaky start my qualifications aren't fantastic right now. I have a National Certificate and an Advanced National Certificate in Animal care. I am starting on an Fdsc in Animal Science this September which is 2 years long. I have GCSE Maths, Art, and Human Physiology and Health at reasonable grades.

The entry requirements state I need A levels in the sciences. However I cannot do the Fdsc and simultaneously do a levels as they are at different colleges and the work load would be horrendous. Do you think I could get in if I did GCSE maths and an A level Biology (by correspondence course)?

Would the lack of the other two sciences, despite my other qualifications including the Fdsc stop me getting in? If I managed A level Physics too, would that scrape me in?

I also want to do the European Computer Driving Lisence and foundation to advanced courses in herpetology (2day courses) to increase my qualifications further.

Answer 1

i can't be bothered to read that lot...

:(

Answer 2

Hello

It’s important to research entry requirements as a mature student at this stage.  Generally, you’ll be classed as a mature student if you’re 21 or above at the start of your course (20 or over in Scotland); see http://www.ucas.com/students/maturestude... including the link to admissions policies to check out information on alternative entry routes, including access courses.  You're right to make a realistic assessment about the level of study that you can cope with, particularly when also working.  Allow plenty of time to research these options and review your plans.  

Basically a degree in veterinary science/medicine (and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons at http://www.rcvs.org.uk/ or Veterinary Council of Ireland at http://www.vci.ie/ is required to practise as a veterinary surgeon in the UK and EU.  For information on job role, case studies, relevant skills, qualifications and experience, you might like to look at http://www.prospects.ac.uk/links/occupat... and http://www.bva.co.uk/public/careers/.  To ensure fitness to practise as a veterinary surgeon and because of the medical responsibilities of the job, applicants may also be asked to disclose details about any previous convictions, mental health or behavioural issues, or addictions to drugs or alcohol.  

To find out which universities currently offer qualifications in this area, see http://search.ucas.co.uk/cgi-bin/hsrun/s...  You may find it useful to look at the range of degree courses in this general occupational area by selecting ‘all veterinary’ in the course search rather than restricting your search to only veterinary science, for example.  When you see a course of interest, click on the name to access detailed information, including admissions criteria.  

Entry is highly competitive for veterinary science/medicine; generally good A-level grades are necessary (chemistry usually required, often with biology, physics or mathematics) but check with individual universities if any alternative routes for mature students are applicable.  As you mention distance learning, you may wish to check if courses offered by The National Extension College or supported open learning through The Open University would be suitable alternatives.   For details see:

http://www.nec.ac.uk/courses/ - A levels offered

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/ - details about OU study, including funding

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergradua... - science site.

If you still have queries about entry to specific courses, then contact the university admissions office directly to clarify these.  

Since you refer to previous health problems that affected your study, it is also worth asking about the support available if these are on-going problems.  Universities and colleges must consider support needs of students with disabilities, special needs or medical conditions - the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) sets out requirements around ‘reasonable adjustments’ and ‘Disability Equality Schemes’, for example.  Most universities and colleges have disability coordinators or advisers to advise regarding support, arrange assessment of needs and liaise with academic or other staff, if required.  

Finally, it’s good that you’ve already gained some of the essential, pre-entry, work experience in various settings.  It’s also worth checking out, with university admissions officers, the most up-to-date information regarding the extent of experience that is necessary, to ensure that you are well above the minimum required.  

I hope this information helps answer your question.  Good luck with your study and future career!