It’s Never Too Late: A Guide To Becoming A Vet Later In Life

Changing careers to a job you’re passionate about can increase your overall job satisfaction, as well as benefit your physical and mental health. If you are dedicated to animal welfare and making a difference in animal’s lives, becoming a vet could be the perfect role for you. 

Working as a vet can be a rewarding career, as veterinarians diagnose and treat a range of animals from household pets to farm and zoo animals. It can also open many opportunities, from working in vet clinics, research, and even the military as an army vet.

In this post, we will address some common questions about becoming a vet later in life, as it is never too late to unlock the benefits of a career change. 
 

How do you become a vet?

To practice as a vet in the UK, you will need to complete a degree in veterinary science or medicine and register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). 

Applying to university for veterinary courses can be competitive, as just 11 vet schools in the UK offer the course. However, displaying a strong passion for animals and experience through voluntary or paid roles, can strengthen your application. Going through the application process later in life means you can apply your life experiences, potentially further boosting your application. 
 

Can you become a vet without going to university?

It’s not possible to become a vet in the UK without completing an RCVS-approved veterinary degree, as you must register with the RCVS as a practising veterinary surgeon. However, it is possible to work in animal care and other veterinary care careers through alternative qualifications, such as becoming a veterinary nursing assistant, which does not require a university degree. 


 

How long does it take to qualify as a vet? 

Most full-time veterinary university degrees take 5-6 years. However, course durations vary across universities, with some having sandwich years for placements, and others requiring pre-vet foundation years. 

It is possible to complete a veterinary degree in just 4 years with an accelerated programme, available to graduates from related degrees and some final-year university students.
 

How old are most vet students? 

The average age for a veterinary surgeon is 40 for females and 51 for males. Becoming a vet has no age limit, and many choose to qualify later in life after a career change. The only requirements are a passion for animals and their welfare, commitment, and an RCVS-approved degree. 
 

Do I have to do A-Levels to be a vet?

If the thought of changing careers to becoming a vet interests you, and you don’t have the A-Levels required to get into university, it is still possible to achieve your goal. A-Levels are not always required to get into veterinary school, as you can study an online Access Higher Education Diploma in Veterinary Science, which is a Level 3 equivalent accepted by some veterinary schools in the UK.  However, if you have your heart set on a specific university, it is important to check their entry requirements, as this can vary across universities. 


 

How do I become a vet later in life?

An Access to HE Diploma could be the perfect alternative to traditional routes like A-Levels or for those seeking a career change that requires a university degree, such as becoming a vet. Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Veterinary Science can be studied 100% online, around your schedule. This is ideal for those looking to fit their studies around their work and family commitments. The diploma can also be completed in 12 months, accelerating your path to university to study a veterinary degree. 

This course is an accepted A-Level alternative for several universities, setting you on your path to becoming a veterinary nurse or a veterinary surgeon whatever stage of life you are in. 
 

What is the alternative to a vet degree?

If a career change to working with animals interests you, but university does not, there are lots of ways to change into a veterinary career later in life. Some alternative careers to becoming a vet include:

•    Veterinary nurse assistant 
•    Veterinary hydrotherapy and physiotherapy
•    Veterinary practice receptionist  
•    Canine nutritionist

It is also possible to qualify for these careers around your schedule with Animal Courses Direct. If you are interested in our range of flexible Veterinary Care Courses and Training click here. 

Alternatively, if you are ready to start your journey to becoming a vet, click below to find out more about our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science).