Veterinarians serve in a multitude of positions, including as municipal veterinarians, small animal practitioners, inspection veterinarians, researchers and control veterinarians, as well as in various expert positions. However, the content of the degree programmes in veterinary medicine is the same for all students, regardless of their future jobs. Each graduating veterinarian must acquire the skills determined by EU directives and a European evaluation system. The basic education cannot be substantially tailored to individual needs.
Specialist training, if any, will be completed only after completing the basic education.
The job of veterinarians requires a responsible mindset and versatile skills. During your studies, you will obtain not only knowhow in veterinary medicine but also, for example, skills in learning, interaction, self-direction and stress management as well as learn to take economic and ethical aspects into consideration in decision-making.
A wide variety of people make good veterinarians, and success in veterinary training is possible with many different backgrounds – excellent performance in school is not a prerequisite for applying to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Knowledge in the bioscience subjects studied in general upper secondary school (biology, physics, chemistry) will be tested during the admissions procedure. Profic
The studies take six years and progress according to a predetermined schedule, which requires long-term commitment from students. However, the courage to take on new things and a willingness to learn are in many regards more important than the initial skills level. At times, students have to advance their studies by working away at things that may not interest them that much.
While the studies include a great deal of absorbing information and learning manual skills, the development of many other career skills is also supported throughout studies, with skills in time management, interaction and stress management as good examples. In spite of their demanding nature, studies must not consume students’ lives entirely. Taking care of yourself and recognising your limits are important career skills. You will also have time to have hobbies and meet with friends during the studies.