Are you keen on looking after animal health?
VETERINARY medicine, also known as veterinary science, is the animal-related version of the standard five-year medical degree.
Choosing to study veterinary medicine is a long road to what can be a challenging but ultimately fulfilling career.
It goes without saying that a veterinary medicine degree is going to be tricky.
Your job will also see some tough and difficult days but it is this challenge and diversity that makes it interesting.
Only a small number of public universities in Malaysia currently offer this course, namely Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
As seats are very limited, many students who apply for veterinary medicine will end up being offered some other courses.
Students who wish to take up this course abroad face a big dilemma as the tuition fees are not cheap in countries such as the UK, Australia and the US. Moreover, the living standards in these countries are high, thus adding on to the parents’ financial burdens.
Currently, there is a cheaper alternative in Indonesia for those who are interested in veterinary medicine.
There are three top-ranking universities in Indonesia that offer veterinary medicine – Universitas Airlangga (Surabaya), Universitas Gadjah Mada (Yogyakarta) and Institut Pertanian Bogor (Bogor).
They are fully accredited by the Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam and Veterinary Association Malaysia.
The duration of the entire course is five years.
The first two and a half years of the course focuses on pre-clinical studies or theoretical knowledge, covering topics such as veterinary anatomy, histology, physiology, neuroscience, microbiology, animal health and welfare, pathology, parasitology, introductory personal and professional skills for veterinarians and principles of animal management.
From this theoretical foundation, students will segue into clinical studies for their final years, which will include rotations covering a wide variety of animals.
Alongside the clinical practice, students will continue with lessons in clinical theory to leave them fully prepared to work as a vet once they graduate.
The education syllabus in these universities is compact and is as good as any other established universities in any other part of the world.
Yet, the tuition fees are much cheaper and the cost of living is affordable.
Medic Ed Consultant Sdn Bhd offers a direct path to veterinary medicine course in Indonesia via Foundation in Science in its own TMC College for SPM or O-Levels leavers.
TMC College offers extra tuition classes to prepare students for the Indonesian university entrance examination and classes will be conducted by specially invited doctors from Indonesia.
Founded by doctors and powered by doctors, Medic Ed has what it takes to guide students through the tough times as well as giving advice to students that are in need.
To those who are committed to becoming vets, it is the first step towards a satisfying, rewarding and lucrative career.
■ For further enquiries on entry requirements or application procedure, drop by 19-1 & 19-2, Plaza Danau 2, Jalan 5/109F, Taman Danau Desa, Off Jalan Klang Lama, 58100 KL. Call 03-7981 1821, e-mail admin@mediced.com.my or visit www.mediced.com.my for more information.