


Study profile: Veterinarian
Barthélemy

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As we explained in our veterinary profession fact sheet, to become a veterinarian, you need to complete a long course of studies combining theory, practice and, in some cases, specialization. It's a job that's as demanding as it is exciting, and reflects the importance of the responsibilities entrusted to it. In this fact sheet, we'll find out what it takes to become a veterinarian.
Why become a vet: a fascinating profession
The role and missions of the veterinarian
Veterinarians are health professionals with a wide range of missions. They diagnose and treat animal diseases, perform surgery, administer preventive care such as vaccinations, and advise owners on the well-being of their pets. In rural areas, they work alongside farmers to maintain herd health and comply with health standards. Veterinarians also play a crucial role in the prevention of zoonoses, diseases transmissible from animals to humans, and in food safety.
Necessary qualities and skills
To become a veterinarian, you need a solid scientific background in animal biology and anatomy, as well as skills in diagnosis, surgery and emergency management. At the same time, human qualities such as empathy, patience and pedagogy are essential for establishing a relationship of trust with animal owners and managing emotionally difficult situations. All these qualities make it easier to apply for the best veterinary jobs.
Steps in the veterinary curriculum
Preliminary studies: the baccalauréat and preparatory classes
The path begins with a scientific baccalauréat (or equivalent), which enables entry to a specific preparatory class, called Classe Préparatoire Biologie, Chimie, Physique et Sciences de la Terre (BCPST). This rigorous two-year preparatory course prepares students for the entrance exam to veterinary schools.
Entrance to veterinary schools: competitive examination and selection
After the preparatory class, candidates sit a highly selective national competitive entrance examination to enter one of France's four national veterinary schools (Maisons-Alfort, Lyon, Toulouse or Nantes). Please note that there are parallel entry routes reserved for holders of certain university degrees in biology or medicine.
The years of study in detail
The veterinarycurriculum lasts five years. These years can be divided into three main parts dedicated to the different aspects of the profession.
1ʳᵉ and 2ᵉ years: scientific foundations and introduction to veterinary medicine
During these two so-called "pre-clinical" years, veterinary students focus on mastering basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology and biochemistry. They also begin to tackle the basics of veterinary medicine, including pharmacology and early diagnostic concepts.
3ᵉ year: deepening clinical knowledge
The third year marks a transition to clinical subjects. Students learn to make diagnoses, perform more in-depth examinations and use diagnostic tools such as medical imaging. This year is also an opportunity to work on practical cases to prepare for professional responsibilities.
4ᵉ and 5ᵉ years: practical placements and choice of specialization
The final two years of a veterinarian's academic curriculum are strongly practice-oriented. Students complete internships in clinics, on farms or in laboratories, depending on their interests. In the fifth year, they specialize in a particular field, such as companion animals, livestock or public health.
Specializations and further training
The different veterinary specialties
After graduation, young veterinarians can specialize in specific fields, such as surgery, dermatology or exotic animal medicine. These specializations require additional training, which may be recognized at European or even international level.
Of course, as with most professions in the health sector, a veterinarian's training doesn't end with his or her diploma. They will need to follow ongoing training courses throughout their career to keep abreast of scientific advances and new technologies.
Career opportunities after graduation
Veterinary surgeons in private practice
Most veterinarians work in private clinics, caring for pets. These structures, often located in urban areas, offer a stable, well-equipped professional environment, accompanied by stable remuneration.
To find out more, see our veterinary salary sheet.
Veterinarian in rural areas or for production animals
In rural areas, veterinarians specialize in livestock. They support farmers in herd health management, animal reproduction and epidemic prevention, playing a key role in food safety.
Other careers: research, teaching, industry
In addition to clinical practice, many vets choose alternative careers, such as research, teaching or the pharmaceutical industry. These fields offer varied opportunities and the chance to contribute to major advances in animal health.
In short, becoming a veterinarian requires a substantial investment in terms of years of study and personal work. That's why it's a career reserved for those with a passion for animals and medicine. However, this rigorous training opens the doors to an exciting and varied discipline, at the service of animals, breeders and public health.
This offer may be of interest to you
Jober can accompany you on your next professional adventure. Take a look at our special offer.
Veterinarian M/F - North Normandy
Liberal
3000 - 8000 per month
Caen
A rural veterinary practice in Normandy is looking for its new traveling rural veterinarian M/F for a self-employed position. Terms and conditions - Private practice - Part-time to 2/3 time - 1 day per week dedicated to care visits - Autonomous planning with secretarial support The structure This is a rural intervention network covering primarily northern Normandy, with a professional home serving as the administrative base and secondary offices used for storing medication. The main radius of intervention is 2 hours around the home, with the possibility of travel further afield with hotel accommodation. The business is deliberately organized with a small clientele per veterinarian, to encourage high-quality care and gradual development of the areas served. The model is based on a self-employed start-up, with the possibility of salaried employment if the business stabilizes, and eventually a partnership. Remuneration - Per visit - Retrocession of 12% gross of sales - Indicative rates 50 € treatment visit 105 € PSE 120 € visit Benefits - Car provided - Travel expenses covered - Accommodation provided for long trips - Partnerships with veterinary clinics in Brittany and the western Pyrenees for additional activity - Possibility of becoming a salaried employee or member of an association - Freedom to organize your schedule, with administrative support - Valuation of audits and internal training opportunities The little extra The region is ideal for practicing rural medicine, with livestock farming, wooded landscapes for outings, and remarkable sites such as Mont-Saint-Michel for weekend visits. Profile required Veterinary surgeon qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12427 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
General veterinarian - Persan 95
Employee
3000 - 8000 per month
Persan
A veterinary clinic in Persan, in the Val-d'Oise, is looking for a new veterinarian for a salaried or freelance position. Terms and conditions - Salaried or self-employed - Full time or part time The structure This is a general veterinary clinic located in Persan, in the Val-d'Oise. The clientele is mainly canine, with a small proportion of new pets (95% canine, 5% NAC). The team comprises three vets and six ASVs. In addition, the clinic relies on a collaborative organization that promotes the quality of care and the development of staff skills. Remuneration - To be defined at the time of interview, according to profile and experience Benefits - Well-equipped premises with four separate consultation and waiting rooms for cats and dogs - Possibility of association - Access to internal and external training - Luncheon vouchers and premium health insurance 100% covered in the case of salaried employees - Network of specialists and employee discounts - Care Fund for animals whose owners are in difficulty Equipment - IDEXX Catalyst and LaserCyte laboratories - Ultrasound with abdominal probe and cardiac probe - Digital radiology with flat panel sensor - Endoscopy column - Surgical room with two tables, two gas anesthetics and ventilator - Slit lamp - Dental 4 unit The little extra Persan is located around thirty kilometers north of Paris, offering convenient access to transport and the Oise valley for walks and outdoor activities. Profile required Veterinary surgeon qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12355 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Emergency general veterinarian - Serris 77
Employee
3000 - 8000 per month
Serris
A veterinary clinic in Serris, Seine-et-Marne, is looking for its new veterinarian M/F for a permanent contract. Terms and conditions - CDI - Full time or part time - 3 fixed weekdays, 1 to 2 Saturdays per month, 1 Sunday per month optional - 08h00 to 00h00 The structure This is a veterinary clinic located in Serris providing an emergency service open 7 days a week from 08:00 to midnight, with mainly canine activity and NAC care (90% canine and 10% NAC). The team also includes 6 general veterinarians, 1 ophthalmologist, 2 NAC veterinarians and 10 emergency veterinarians. This team is supported by a large team of 14 ASVs, including 6 emergency ASVs. The clinic's 800 m2 are divided between a waiting room with separation (dogs, cats, NACs), 6 consultation rooms, 4 surgical blocks, care/preparation room, 2 rest rooms, 1 kennel, 1 cattery, 1 NACerie, 2 visiting/end-of-life rooms, 1 contagious room. The clinic boasts a complete, state-of-the-art technical platform. Remuneration - To be defined at the time of interview, according to profile and experience Benefits - Spacious 800 m² premises with dedicated equipment - Young, dynamic team - Premium health insurance with 100% coverage - Luncheon vouchers and CE access - Training courses covered by the network, including in-house ultrasound courses - Direct access to RER A Val d'Europe station within a two-minute walk, with underground parking available - Care Fund allocated to each vet to help owners in difficulty The equipment - Planar transducer radio with integrated Picoxia AI - Phillips Affiniti 50 ultrasound scanner with cardio dog, cardio cat, abdominal and ophthalmologic probes - Scanner - Endoscope - Complete IDEXX laboratory - Laser - 9 gases - Dentistry under acquisition - 6 consultation rooms and 4 surgical suites The little extra The clinic is located in the immediate vicinity of the Val d'Europe train station (RER A), around 30 minutes from Paris by car and 10 minutes from Disneyland Paris, making it easy to get around and offering a host of nearby amenities. Profile required Veterinary surgeon qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. The position is aimed at an independent practitioner with a minimum of 3 years' experience. Contact us on: 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Ad reference : 12352 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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