Exploring veterinary careers: Jobs, responsibilities, and progression paths

If you’re passionate about animals and considering a career in the veterinary field, you may be surprised by the variety of roles available. While veterinarians are often the most recognised members of the team, veterinary practices rely on a range of clinical and non-clinical professionals to deliver outstanding care. From veterinary nurses and animal physiotherapists to receptionists and practice managers, each role plays a vital part in supporting animal health and wellbeing. 

So, if you’ve ever wondered ‘Who works in a vet practice?’, keep reading! In this guide, we’ll explore the different jobs in the veterinary field, what each entails, typical salary ranges, and how you can qualify and progress in your veterinary career with Animal Courses Direct.
 

1. Veterinary surgeon (Vet)

Salary: £30,000 – £70,000+ (experienced specialists earn significantly more)
Progression opportunities: Senior veterinary surgeon, specialist in a particular field (e.g., orthopaedics, dermatology), practice owner

Veterinary surgeons (commonly known as vets) are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries in animals. They perform surgeries, prescribe medication, and provide preventative healthcare, such as vaccinations and routine check-ups. For those wondering ‘What is the highest-paying job in the veterinary field?’, this is one of the highest earners. 
 

Why you might enjoy it

•    You’ll work directly with animals and their owners, making a real difference in their lives.
•    No two days are the same—cases vary from routine treatments to complex surgeries.

Qualification route

To become a vet in the UK, you’ll need to complete a veterinary medicine degree, which typically takes five to six years. If you don’t currently meet the entry requirements, studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) online with Animal Courses Direct is an ideal stepping stone to help you gain the qualifications needed to apply for a veterinary degree.
 

2. Veterinary nurse

Salary: £22,000 – £35,000+
Progression opportunities: Head nurse, senior nurse, practice manager, veterinary physiotherapist

Veterinary nurses play a vital role in providing care to animals before, during, and after treatment. Their responsibilities include assisting with surgeries, monitoring anaesthesia, administering medication, and offering post-operative care.
 

Why you might enjoy it

•    You’ll work hands-on with animals daily.
•    It’s a highly rewarding role, helping animals recover and thrive.

Qualification route

You can become a veterinary nurse by completing a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which qualifies you to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). You can also become a vet nurse by studying a veterinary nursing degree at university, which again, our online Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) will prepare you for.  

If you’re not ready for a nursing qualification, our Level 2 Diploma Veterinary Nursing Assistant is a great starting point, helping you gain essential skills and experience before progressing to full nursing training.


 

3. Veterinary receptionist

Salary: £18,000 – £25,000
Progression opportunities: Senior receptionist, practice manager

Veterinary receptionists are the first point of contact for clients. They manage appointments, handle payments, and provide administrative support. Although it’s one of the non-clinical veterinary jobs, veterinary receptionists play a key part in the smooth running of the practice.

Why you might enjoy it

•    You’ll interact with pet owners and offer support during their visits.
•    It’s perfect if you enjoy customer service and administrative tasks.

Qualification route

Our online Level 3 Certificate for Veterinary Receptionists provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in veterinary receptionist jobs, covering customer care, communication, and veterinary administration.
 

4. Veterinary practice manager

Salary: £30,000 – £50,000+
Progression opportunities: Regional or multi-site practice manager, operations manager

Many people ask the question ‘Do vets have practice managers?’, and the answer is ‘yes’, they do! Veterinary practice managers oversee the day-to-day operations of the clinic. They manage staff, finances, and client relations, ensuring the practice runs efficiently.

Why you might enjoy it

•    You’ll have a leadership role with a focus on business management.
•    It’s ideal if you enjoy problem-solving and organisation.

Qualification route

While there is no specific veterinary practice management degree, experience in veterinary administration or management is typically required. Many practice managers start as receptionists or veterinary nurses before progressing into the role.

5. Veterinary nurse assistant

Salary: £18,000 – £23,000
Progression opportunities: Veterinary nurse, senior nurse assistant

Veterinary nurse assistants support veterinary nurses and surgeons by helping with animal handling, preparing equipment, and providing basic animal care. This role is an excellent entry point for those seeking to gain experience in the veterinary field.

Why you might enjoy it

•    You’ll gain hands-on experience working with animals.
•    It’s a stepping stone to becoming a qualified veterinary nurse.

Qualification route

The Level 2 Diploma Veterinary Nursing Assistant is specifically designed for veterinary nurse assistant jobs, providing you with the essential skills and knowledge required.

6. Small animal hydrotherapist

Salary: £20,000 – £35,000
Progression opportunities: Senior hydrotherapist, veterinary physiotherapist

Small animal hydrotherapists use water-based therapy to help animals recover from surgery, injuries, or manage chronic conditions. They work in hydrotherapy centres or veterinary practices.

Why you might enjoy it

•    You’ll help animals heal through low-impact water therapy.
•    It’s a hands-on and highly rewarding role.

Qualification route

The Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy is the ideal qualification to enter this field.

7. Veterinary physiotherapist

Salary: £25,000 – £45,000+ (self-employed physiotherapists can earn more)
Progression opportunities: Specialisation in areas such as hydrotherapy, rehabilitation, or working with elite-performance animals

Veterinary physiotherapists help animals recover from injuries or manage chronic conditions through physical therapy techniques. They often work with pets, horses, and farm animals, using massage, stretching, and rehabilitation exercises.

Why you might enjoy it

•    You’ll play a key role in improving animal mobility and quality of life.
•    It combines veterinary science with physical therapy skills.

Qualification route

You can become a veterinary physiotherapist through Animal Courses Direct by completing the combined Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy + Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy, which offers comprehensive training in animal rehabilitation.

8. Companion animal transporter

Salary: £18,000 – £30,000+
Progression opportunities: Specialised animal transport services, management roles

Companion animal transporters ensure the safe and stress-free transport of pets, whether locally or internationally. This can include driving animals to veterinary appointments or overseeing relocation logistics.

Why you might enjoy it

•    You’ll travel frequently and work with animals.
•    It’s perfect if you enjoy being on the move and working independently.

Qualification route

The Level 3 Award in Companion Animal Transportation provides you with the skills and knowledge needed for this role, including animal welfare regulations and transportation best practices.

9. Veterinary sales representative

Salary: £30,000 – £60,000+ (including commission)
Progression opportunities: Senior sales representative, sales manager

Veterinary sales representatives promote pharmaceutical products, equipment, and services to veterinary practices. It’s a client-facing role requiring strong sales and communication skills.
 

Why you might enjoy it

•    You’ll combine your passion for animals with a business-focused role.
•    It offers excellent earning potential through commission.

Qualification route

While no specific veterinary qualification is required for veterinary sales jobs, a background in animal science or veterinary nursing is advantageous. Sales experience is also beneficial.

Launch your veterinary career with Animal Courses Direct

Now you know what jobs are in a vet and who is part of the veterinary team, it’s time to get started on launching the veterinary career that’s most suited to you.

Whether you’re considering becoming a veterinary nurse, animal physiotherapist, or veterinary receptionist, Animal Courses Direct offers the qualifications you need to get started. With flexible online learning, you can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to begin or advance your veterinary career, all while studying from home.

Explore our veterinary courses today and take the first step towards your dream career working with animals.