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Bailey Romi, RVTg

The Crucial Path to Becoming a Veterinarian

Our first-ever pre-veterinary-specific course has been designed just for you!


Becoming a veterinarian is a noble and rewarding career path, but it's not an easy one. To excel in this field, you need a solid foundation in various areas of veterinary medicine. Your pre-veterinary years are the perfect time to start developing essential skills, particularly in equine, livestock, domestic, and wildlife veterinary medicine. These skills will not only set you up for success but also make you a well-rounded and compassionate veterinarian.


Our Vet Visions course, run by one of our volunteer coordinators, Dani, runs on set dates throughout the year. Depending on your selected dates, you will arrive in Bulawayo or Harare and depart from the opposite location as will be a part of an EIGHT-stop road trip in just ONE internship! From domestic to wildlife medicine and everything in between, you will take part in an internship that truly gets to the bottom of what you really want to do in this industry. Talk about getting the best bang for your buck!

Equine Veterinary Medicine

Working with horses requires a unique skill set. Whether you dream of caring for racehorses, show-jumpers, or beloved family ponies, equine veterinary medicine demands specialized knowledge. By dedicating time to learning about equine health, you'll understand the intricacies of their anatomy, behavior, and common health issues. This expertise will make you a sought-after veterinarian for horse owners. We have two locations where you will be assisting with all equine needs from husbandry to basic medical procedures including wound care, vaccinations, de-worming, and flea/tick prevention administration!


Livestock Veterinary Medicine

In many rural areas, livestock farming is a way of life. Developing skills in livestock veterinary medicine is essential if you wish to serve as a valuable resource for farmers and ranchers. You'll learn to manage the health and well-being of animals like cows, pigs, and sheep, making a significant impact on the agricultural industry. By attending our Vet Visions course, you will have the opportunity to work at a dude ranch in the heart of Zimbabwe. This can include herding cattle, helping birth calves, wound care, giving vaccinations, dipping, and so much more.


Domestic Animal Veterinary Medicine

Pets are part of countless households, and as a veterinarian, you'll be responsible for ensuring their health and happiness. Pre-veterinary training with domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, can teach you the basics of pet care, diagnostics, and surgery. This knowledge is crucial for those interested in small animal practice or even starting their own veterinary clinic and boy do we have an opportunity for you! You will attend two SPCA locations to help stray animals get the services they require to be adopted. This often includes assisting with surgical preparation under the watchful eye of the attending veterinarian, providing vaccinations, de-wormer, flea/tick preventatives, and any other medications they need in order to help them find a home ASAP.


Wildlife Veterinary Medicine

Working with wildlife is a calling for many veterinarians. Conservation efforts, zoos, and rehabilitation centers rely on veterinarians who are skilled in treating wild animals. Learning about wildlife veterinary medicine allows you to make a difference in the lives of endangered species and contribute to the preservation of our planet's biodiversity. From lions to baboons, working with any native Zimbabwe species is on the table! Primarily, you will assist in cleaning enclosures, preparing food, and bottle-feeding babies if necessary. However, you will get an extra special day that allows you to work with some lions in need of their regular de-wormer and flea/tick prevention.


Why is it important to develop skills in these areas before entering veterinary school?


Competitive Edge

Veterinary schools are highly competitive, and admissions committees often look for candidates with diverse experiences and skills. Demonstrating your proficiency in equine, livestock, domestic, or wildlife medicine can give you a significant edge over other applicants.


Focused Career Goals

Identifying your areas of interest early in your education allows you to tailor your studies and experiences to your career goals. This can help you make informed decisions about internships, electives, and further education during veterinary school.


Comprehensive Understanding

Veterinary medicine is a vast field, and a broad foundation ensures you are well-rounded and adaptable. You'll be better equipped to handle the variety of cases you'll encounter as a veterinarian.


Contributing to Communities

Developing skills in equine, livestock, domestic, and wildlife veterinary medicine enables you to be a valuable resource for your community. You can provide crucial services, educate animal owners, and contribute to the well-being of animals in your area.


Fulfilling Your Passion

Many aspiring veterinarians have a specific passion for one or more of these areas. Investing time in honing these skills early can help you follow your heart and work with the animals that truly ignite your passion.


Your pre-veterinary years are a critical period for developing skills in equine, livestock, domestic, and wildlife veterinary medicine. Not only does this set you on a path to becoming a well-rounded and compassionate veterinarian, but it also enhances your competitiveness, career focus, and ability to contribute meaningfully to your community. So, whether you dream of treating thoroughbreds, caring for cows, or rehabilitating wild animals, use your pre-veterinary years to build a strong foundation for a fulfilling and successful career in veterinary medicine by attending our pre-vet-focused Vet Visions course!



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Veterinary students volunteering with wildlife zebra in Africa
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