The jobs similar to veterinarian to work in the animal health field

You don’t have to be a veterinarian to work with animals – other roles are emerging, and you can get qualified for them in half the time.

THE six-year veterinary degree is no longer the only option for those wanting to work with animals, with a host of qualifications offering rewarding careers in a fraction of the time.

University of Adelaide animal and veterinary sciences head Wayne Hein says a range of university courses allow people to take up various roles within animal health.

“In the last couple of years, we have deliberately tried to diversify the degrees that we offer where you can work with animals,’’ he says.

“A lot of people haven’t quite got the personality, or the ability, to handle a six-year university program.

“We’re now offering a middle road where you don’t have to do the six years but you can still go well beyond (what a vocational qualification) can provide.’’

You don’t have to be a vet to work with a face like that.

Last year, the University of Adelaide introduced a three-year veterinary technology degree to train people for the emerging role of vet technician, or allied veterinarian, who is able to provide high-level, hands-on vet care, including in anaesthesia, surgery and diagnostic imaging.

The degree, which is also offered at the University of Queensland and Charles Sturt University’s Wagga Wagga campus, complements a suite of three-year animal-focused programs, including animal science and animal behaviour.

Hein says the degrees are in response to escalating demand for animal care services.

“The percentage of pet ownership is increasing and people are taking quite a different attitude to their pets – they are now a real part of the family,’’ he says.

“If you have a vet degree, or a vet tech degree, you will be in very high demand.’’

Animal Industries Resource Centre business manager Sue Crampton says those with vocational qualifications – ranging from a Certificate II in Animal Studies to a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing – are also experiencing strong jobs growth.

Say “ah” to a job in animal health.

She says demand for workers has been exacerbated by the pandemic, which has seen more families stay home with their “fur babies’’ and unprecedented demand for puppies, kittens and other household pets.

“This has caused an increased demand in veterinary staff at all levels and thus opportunities exist for people who seek an alternative to the university route,’’ Crampton says.

“There is currently a national shortage of qualified and experienced veterinary nursing staff in the veterinary clinics and workplaces, making the demand for entry-level staff an attractive option for both employer and employees.’’

Veterinary technology student Leah Brown has always dreamt of working with animals, and has spent time in South Africa to help with efforts to conserve elephants and rhinoceros.

Once she graduates, Brown believes her skills will allow her to be more patient-focused than she could be as a vet.

“Vets don’t have time to do the nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes stuff that goes towards running a vet clinic, like the pre and post-operative care,’’ she says.

“This (qualification) will allow me to be very hands-on with the patients rather than simply get in and get out (move on to the next case).’’