Veterinarian
Medicine for animals — pets, farms or wildlife — with owners as the ones you have to explain everything to.
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- Typical pay
- €26k–€55k
- Usual education
- Veterinary Medicine degree (5 years)
- Outlook
- Steady; small-animal practice growing, rural vets in short supply.
A day in the life
Consultations, vaccinations, surgery, emergencies, farm visits and difficult conversations about cost and euthanasia.
Ways in
- Science Bachillerato
- Five-year Veterinary Medicine degree
- Internship in a clinic
- Specialise in exotics, equine, farm animals or public health
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Ciencias y Tecnología
Portugal
Ciências e Tecnologias
France
Bac général — spécialités
Germany
Oberstufe — Leistungskurse
Italy
Liceo scientifico
Netherlands
Profiel Natuur & Gezondheid
Exams you'll need
The gates between you and this job, and when each one comes.
EBAU / Selectividad
Veterinary places are capped and the nota de corte is high.
RequiredTest di Medicina
Veterinary medicine is also numero programmato in Italy.
Skills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
Degree in Veterinary Medicine
Five years of medicine across many species, plus food safety and public health.
Five years, with clinical rotations from year four.
Helpful school subjects: Comparative anatomy, Animal physiology, Surgery, Food hygiene, Clinical practice