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.
Rural veterinarian - Redon 35
Employee
3000 - 4000 per month
Redon
Rural Veterinarian Job Opening (M/F) - Redon 35 We are hiring a veterinarian (M/F) to join a rural veterinary practice located in Redon, Ille-et-Vilaine, under a one-year fixed-term contract. JobDescription and Responsibilities As a rural veterinarian, you will primarily work with 200 partner livestock farmers. Your responsibilities will include: - Conducting on-site visits to livestock farms - Monitoring reproduction and breeding stock (mating) - Analysis and diagnosis using an on-site laboratory (blood tests, bacteriology, PCR) - Technical and medical consultations with livestock farmers - Potential for additional work in industrial veterinary medicine, depending on your profile - Organized and paid on-call duty You will be provided with a vehicle, a work phone, and a laptop to facilitate your travel and daily work. Company Culture This organization, well-established in the region, supports a broad network of livestock producers in a spirit of long-term collaboration. The on-site laboratory enables autonomy in analysis, enhancing the quality of medical care. You’ll join a dynamic work environment where versatility and expertise are valued. The team is committed to providing modern, hands-on veterinary care for animals and their farmers. Compensation For this position, you will receive compensation in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement plus a 2.5% bonus, with paid and premium-rate on-call shifts. You will also be eligible for profit-sharing. Benefits - Full-time employee status under a one-year fixed-term contract - Salary in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement + 2.5% bonus + profit-sharing - Vehicle, phone, and computer provided for travel - On-site testing laboratory (blood tests, bacterial cultures, PCR) - Dynamic rural environment with 200 partner livestock farmers - Diverse responsibilities, including both fieldwork and office duties, depending on experience - Scheduled and paid on-call shifts - Teamwork in a stimulating professional environment Qualifications A veterinarian with a state-issued license, registered with the Veterinary Board, with an interest in rural medicine and, ideally, experience in livestock farming or the livestock industry. Contact us at 07 45 23 91 01 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 10990 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts dedicated to helping you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
General Practice Canine Veterinarian (M/F) - Coutances 50
Employee
2500 - 4000 per month
Coutances
A veterinary clinic in Coutances, in the Manche department, is looking for a new general practitioner specializing in canine care (M/F). Terms and Conditions - Salaried position or independent practice, your choice - Up to 4.5 days per week - Includes on-call shifts and standby duty The Practice This is a veterinary clinic that primarily treats dogs and cats, with additional rural and equine services, operating out of two locations in Coutances and Blainville-sur-Mer. It brings together a team of fourteen veterinarians and thirteen specialized veterinary assistants, working in a superb technical facility equipped with five examination rooms, two operating rooms, an imaging department, and a modern inpatient unit. The clinic offers a wide range of services in elective and soft-tissue surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, dentistry, imaging, and cardiology. As part of a national network of veterinary clinics, the facility emphasizes the training and professional development of its practitioners, offering a balanced work-life rhythm and a stable work environment. Furthermore, the team fosters a strong sense of camaraderie—so much so that it even has its own trail running team. Nestled between the sea and the countryside, just a few minutes from the beaches of Normandy, Coutances offers a peaceful and rejuvenating living environment, surrounded by dunes, coastal trails, and a welcoming town center; the secondary practice in Blainville-sur-Mer is practically right on the water. Compensation For this position, you will receive compensation in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement, with additional compensation based on your medical expertise. Benefits - State-of-the-art medical facilities and modern inpatient care - A large, experienced team spread across two locations - Balanced workload and stable work environment - Choice of employment status: salaried employee or independent contractor - Over 80 in-house training courses leading to certification in orthopedics, dentistry, imaging, surgery, and other specialties - Opportunities for internal mobility and advancement to a clinic manager position - Discounts on veterinary services for your pets and access to an employee benefits committee Equipment - Imaging - Ultrasound machine - Echocardiograph - State-of-the-art laboratory - Fibroscope - Modern inpatient care That little extra something Coutances is dominated by its Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman Gothic architecture whose spires can be seen for kilometers around. Every year, the city hosts “Jazz sous les Pommiers,” one of France’s oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals. Finally, just a few minutes away, the beaches of the Côte des Havres, with their vast stretches of sand, invite visitors to enjoy sailing, sand yachting, and long walks overlooking the open sea. Job Description A veterinarian with a degree from France. We are seeking a veterinarian specializing exclusively in canine medicine—whether an entry-level or experienced professional—who is motivated to work as part of a team and to grow professionally. Contact us at 0745239101 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 13255 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts dedicated to your needs, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
General or Rural Veterinarian (M/F) - Lembeye 64
Employee
2000 - 4000 per month
Lembeye
As part of a staff replacement and its preventive care campaign, a veterinary clinic located in Lembeye, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, is seeking a general or rural veterinarian (M/F) for a fixed-term contract. Job Details - Fixed-term contract from October 1, 2026, to March 15, 2027 - Full-time, 3.5 days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and one Saturday per month) - On-call shifts (one night per week and one weekend per month) The Practice This is a veterinary clinic offering a wide range of services, including care for farm animals, dogs, and horses. The team consists of six veterinarians and five specialized veterinary technicians, working together in a collaborative and complementary manner. To ensure comprehensive patient care, the clinic is equipped with operating rooms, examination rooms, a laboratory, and X-ray and ultrasound equipment. Furthermore, Lembeye is nestled in the heart of Vic-Bilh, a rolling region of Béarn that offers an authentic and unspoiled rural setting. Compensation For this position, you will earn a gross monthly salary ranging from €3,268.72 to €4,525.92. Responsibilities - General and preventive medical consultations for companion animals - Procedures and interventions in rural areas as part of livestock health monitoring - Participation in preventive care and health monitoring programs for livestock - Conducting additional tests and establishing diagnoses - Developing and implementing appropriate therapeutic and preventive protocols - Performing routine surgical procedures, particularly in canine medicine - Monitoring animals and livestock in collaboration with breeders and owners Benefits - Full-service clinic with operating rooms, a laboratory, and imaging facilities - A team of six veterinarians and five specialized veterinary technicians - Collaborative approach - Salary above the collective bargaining agreement rate - Opportunity for training in canine medicine for rural candidates - Support tailored to your experience - Part of a small, close-knit group and a network of experts That little something extra Lembeye is the historic capital of Vic-Bilh, a region renowned for its fine wines—Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh—which you can explore from one vineyard to the next. On a clear day, the Pyrenees mountain range is visible on the horizon, less than an hour from the nearest ski resorts. An ideal setting for those who appreciate nature, vineyards, and the cuisine of southwestern France. Qualifications A veterinarian with a degree from a French or European Union veterinary school. Contact us at 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 13337 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with. As part of its business expansion, a veterinary clinic in Lembeye, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, is seeking a new veterinarian (M/F) for a fixed-term contract. Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in placing healthcare professionals in France, provides you with free support until you begin your new role: - Introductions to our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the veterinary board - A dedicated consultant to support you
See all available offers for this category