VETERINARY SCIENCE
This involves the care of a variety of animal species and offers a range of careers.
VETERINARIAN
A vet’s job is to assess and diagnose injuries or illnesses in animals and come up with solutions to treat or rehabilitate their patients.
Vets also conduct routine health assessments on pets and other animals, depending on their speciality and work environment.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need maths, physical sciences and life sciences as matric subjects.
The University of Pretoria is the only institution in SA that offers a Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences degree – a sixyear course.
Competition for one of the 150 or so spots every year is extremely tough.
Your alternatives would be to study a BSc in biological sciences or a BSc in animal science as a certain number of students are accepted into the Pretoria course in June and again in December based on the marks they’ve received for these first-year subjects.
››STARTING SALARY
R560 000 a year
VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Veterinary assistants are part of a veterinary team caring for animals in animal hospitals, clinics or laboratories.
They work under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician and their tasks include feeding, exercising and grooming animals, cleaning and disinfecting cages and work areas, and carrying out administrative work.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences as matric subjects.
You can become an accredited veterinary assistant with studies in animal science, or a national diploma in veterinary technology or animal health, or a Bachelor of Science: agriculture (animal health) degree.
Veterinary science graduates have to register with the South African Veterinary Council.
››STARTING SALARY
R100 500 a year
VETERINARY PHARMACIST
This is an animal-health professional with advanced training related to the use of pharmaceutical products for animals.
They may be involved with dispensing medication that has been prescribed by a veterinarian, consulting on dosage and side-effects, providing compounding services, ensuring that all regulations are properly followed and supervising pharmacy technicians.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need maths, physical sciences, and life sciences as matric subjects.
The University of Pretoria offers an MSc Veterinary Industrial Pharmacology. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (or equivalent) degree or relevant four-year BScAgric degree, a relevant BSc honours degree or a relevant postgraduate diploma to qualify to take this degree, and they may have to write an entrance exam.
››STARTING SALARY
R400 000 a year
AQUACULTURE FARMER
This is the job title of someone who breeds, raises or processes aquatic animals and plants for consumption or for release, usually in artificially contained water habitats, ponds, oceans, or coastal waters under controlled conditions.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences as matric subjects.
A BScAgric degree in the field of animal science includes aquaculture studies, and diploma and certificate courses are available at tertiary institutions.
››STARTING SALARY
R100 000 a year
MARINE BIOLOGIST
Marine biology is, broadly speaking, the study of organisms and ecosystems in the ocean and other saltwater environments. Scientists in this field have many specialisations, including fish biologist, microbiologist or marine mammologist.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Key matric subjects are mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences.
Universities in South Africa offer training in aquatic science as part of their botany, zoology and ecology courses.
Depending on the area you intend to specialise in, there are also degree and diploma courses in animal science with aquaculture, environmental and water science, oceanography, marine science, hydrology and water resources and water care.