If you have a love for animals, then you may be considering employment in a veterinary practice. However, there are more job roles in a veterinary practice than just the vet themselves, so here we’ll be talking about the different roles, what a typical day might look like, and what qualifications are required.
Veterinary surgeon (vet)
What most people think of when we say the word ‘vet’ is the veterinary surgeon; this is the doctor who provides medical care to the animals. The responsibilities include diagnosing illness, prescribing medicines and treatments, carrying out tests, and performing surgery.
It is usually small animal vets who work in veterinary practices, but mixed practice vets will spend some of their time working in the practice and the rest of it visiting animals on farms or in stables.
In order to become a veterinary surgeon, you will need a degree in veterinary science or medicine, which usually take 5 or 6 years to complete. Once you have your degree, you will also need to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Vet nurse
Another very important role in the veterinary practice is that of the vet nurse, who works closely with the veterinary surgeon. Vet nurses have a range of responsibilities, such as restraining animals, preparing them for and assisting with surgery, administering treatments, and performing diagnostic tests.
In order to become a vet nurse, you will need to have completed a course accredited by the RCVS. To qualify for this course, you will need to complete a determined number of hours of work experience working with animals, such as volunteering at a veterinary practice or farm.
Veterinary technician
Veterinary technicians assist vets in the diagnosis and treatment of animals, usually by running tests, but may also administer medications, take the medical history of the animal from the owners, or take samples such as blood from the patient.
A veterinary technician that works in a lab rather than a small practice is more likely to spend most of their time running tests rather than assisting the veterinary surgeon physically. You do not need a specific degree to begin working as a veterinary technician, although different employers will have different criteria for their applicants.
Veterinary receptionist
One of the other job roles in a veterinary practice is, of course, the receptionist. A veterinary receptionist could be a good place to start your career and gain some practice experience.
The veterinary receptionist is the primary front-of-house contact for all clients, making sure that they feel welcome and relaxed in a time that can be very worrying or stressful. Other responsibilities include answering the phone, scheduling appointments, collecting payments, and providing information to clients.
Office manager
The role of the office manager is as it sounds; they are responsible for the administrative duties that ensure a smooth day-to-day operation of the practice.
Responsibilities of the office manager include managing filing systems and patient records, scheduling staff rotas, organising staff meetings, and writing reports for senior management. Office managers are usually educated to degree level in a relevant subject, but it is possible to work up to the role with enough experience.
Practice manager
One final job role in a veterinary practice is that of the practice manager. This position is very important as it involves overseeing the entire operation of the practice, as well as developing it to improve patient care and overall client experience.
Practice managers are responsible for making sure the practice meets the standards set out by the RCVS, including ensuring a high standard of staff training and development. Practice managers are also responsible for managing the budget, financial reporting, developing PR strategies and client service protocols.
Practice managers are usually educated to degree level, but that degree doesn’t necessarily have to be in veterinary science or medicine, relevant degrees such as business are usually accepted.
Those are the typical job roles in a veterinary practice, but they can vary between different practices. For example, a larger practice may have multiple receptionists, an office manager with an assistant and a practice manager, whereas a smaller practice may have some of these roles amalgamated, such as the practice manager also acting as the office manager.If you are currently looking for a role within a veterinary practice, you can browse our current vacancies.