A veterinarian is a doctor who treats injured or sick animals. A VWO diploma is required for the course. You can then follow a veterinary medicine course at university. During this study, not only are matters such as knowing all animal species discussed, but anatomy, the diseases that animals can contract and health care and medicine are also important aspects that need to be learned. After studying, it is also possible to specialize further. For example, there is the small pets specialization. This includes cats, dogs, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, etc. Further specialization is possible in this area. For example, some veterinarians specialize in cats, others in birds and still others know everything about rodents.
In addition to small pets, there is a specialization in agricultural animals. This includes cows, pigs, horses and sheep. A doctor who specializes in this is also called a veterinarian, although that name is becoming less common. Further specialization can also be achieved within the agricultural animal specialisation. An example is an equine vet, or a doctor who deals with exotic animals, such as snakes and other reptiles. A veterinarian in a zoo is also possible.
Finally, there is a specialization outside of animals and animal species. The doctor then focuses mainly on the medical field. Examples include surgeon, internist or radiologist.
Veterinarian training
As mentioned earlier, a VWO diploma with the Nature and Health profile is a requirement for a prospective veterinarian. In some cases, a student who has completed a higher professional education course may be admitted. You can then follow a 6-year veterinary medicine course at a university. In the Netherlands this is possible in Utrecht and in Belgium this is possible in Antwerp. Further requirements are: a veterinarian must love animals, don’t mind getting dirty and have no problem getting out of bed at night if necessary.
After the 4th year of study, a student is appointed as a doctoral student in veterinary medicine, but only after completing the 6th year does the student receive a veterinary diploma. Practical experience is then often gained under the guidance of an accomplished veterinarian in his/her clinic.
An accomplished veterinarian earns an average of around 3,000 euros per month.
Work as a veterinarian
The practice of a veterinarian is very similar to that of a general practitioner. First of all, a veterinarian has an assistant who notes down the appointments. There is also a waiting area, as well as a consultation room. There is usually also an operating table/treatment table there. There is also a laboratory where blood can be taken, which can possibly be sent to a specialist who will examine the blood more thoroughly. There is usually also an X-ray machine near the operating table with which the vet can take photos of the animal. A veterinarian prescribes medications just like a general practitioner. These can be obtained from a pharmacy, but the vet often also has a stock of medicines in his practice. These are stored in a refrigerator.
Unlike a general practitioner, a veterinarian operates more often. A general practitioner usually refers a patient to the hospital. A veterinarian can often treat/operate on the animal himself. Finally, a veterinarian differs from a general practitioner in another respect. A general practitioner has free consultation hours. An appointment with a veterinarian is necessary.