Career Guide for Veterinary Science Studies

Veterinary science involves diagnosing, treating and curing diverse types of diseases in birds and animals. Veterinarians, also called doctors of veterinary medicine, study, treat and control animal injuries and diseases. They immunize healthy animals against disease and inspect animals and meat products to be used as food. Veterinarians also perform surgery, set broken bones, establish diet and exercise routines and prescribe medicines for animals. As nurturing pets has become the latest fad in our society, veterinarians are on great demand.

Courses & Eligibility:

To be eligible for Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH), a candidate should have passed +2 examination in the science stream with physics, chemistry and biology as core subjects. Admission to most veterinary courses is made on the basis of entrance examination conducted by the concerned universities. The duration of B.V.Sc & AH programme is five years which includes the period of internship.

Career Prospects:

Small-animal veterinarians usually engage in private practices. Many large-animal veterinarians are employed by farms, ranches and even zoos. A large number of veterinarians are employed by central and state governments as meat and livestock inspectors. Other veterinarians are employed by meat and poultry packing houses to inspect meat that is to be sold to the public. Veterinarians also work for pharmaceutical companies, helping to develop drugs and vaccines for animals. Some veterinarians are employed by universities in teaching and research positions.

Remuneration:

The remuneration of a veterinarian varies on the basis of his practice and the type of animals under his care. In government veterinary centers/hospitals fresh graduates are appointed as junior veterinary surgeons, who may earn between Rs.10, 000 – Rs.15, 000 per month. A private practitioner may get lucrative monetary returns depending on his professional reputation. Professors may earn a salary over Rs 25000 per month.