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 learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now

Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. 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?

Gary England

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.

Learning on FutureLearn

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Join a global classroom

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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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