• University of Nottingham

Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession

Learn what it takes to become a vet and explore the challenges of the vet profession to decide if it's the right career for you.

28,902 enrolled on this course

A woman in scrubs examining a dog with a stethoscope

Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession

28,902 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Get virtual vet work experience before embarking on a veterinary degree

The COVID-19 pandemic means that many potential vet students cannot undertake animal handling work experience.

On this course, you’ll get insight into the reality of life as a vet so that you can make an informed decision before embarking on a veterinary degree course.

You’ll learn about the structure of veterinary practice and the different governing bodies, as well as discover the day to day challenges a vet might face.

You’ll also explore the different roles available outside of general practice and find out the great opportunities such a degree can bring.

What topics will you cover?

  • Introduction to the veterinary profession and how to begin a veterinary career
  • Where and how vets work
  • Roles of the wider veterinary team in and out of practice
  • Overview of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the British Veterinary Association and professional conduct
  • The benefits and challenges of the vocation
  • Current and future issues for veterinary medicine and science

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore the history of the veterinary profession
  • Summarise the organisation of the veterinary profession
  • Describe how to become a veterinary surgeon, what it involves and the time it takes
  • Discuss the roles of the wider veterinary team
  • Identify important skills and qualities required and provide examples of why these are important
  • Investigate current and future challenges in veterinary medicine and science
  • Apply work experience reflection to future placements
  • Model levels of care and service accreditation

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for students considering a degree in veterinary medicine and science.

The course will also benefit anyone considering a role within the wider veterinary team.

Who will you learn with?

I'm Gary England, Foundation Dean for the University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science

Who developed the course?

The University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is committed to providing a truly international education, inspiring students with world-leading research and benefitting communities all around the world.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$104/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 2 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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