Vet Professions
Learn about the various career paths in veterinary medicine that you can study for at Onderstepoort.
Veterinarian
A veterinarian or a veterinary surgeon, often shortened to vet, is a physician for animals and a practitioner of veterinary medicine. Veterinarians maintain the health and welfare of animals and treat sick or injured animals on an individual or herd basis.
Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary Nurses are currently employed, very successfully in Private Practice, Welfare Organisations, Industry, Academia and Research and are the quintessential part of any veterinary health care team.
Animal Health Technician
The Animal Health Technician fulfils an important task in the Animal Health Team (Government or Private) with regard to the health of both the animal and human population in South Africa and is mainly responsible for animal health-related duties...
Laboratory Animal Technologist
A Laboratory Animal Technologist specialises in the care, welfare, and management of animals used in scientific research, testing, and education. Working alongside veterinarians and research scientists, they ensure that laboratory environments meet strict ethical standards while supporting research execution.
Veterinary Physiotherapist
A veterinary Physiotherapist specialise in non-invasive physical therapy and rehabilitation to relieve pain, restore mobility, improve biomechanics, and accelerate recovery in animals—primarily canine (dogs) and equine (horses) patients.
Veterinary Technologist
Unlike Veterinary Nurses who focus on clinical nursing and patient care in animal hospitals, Veterinary Technologists are specialised diagnostic and laboratory scientists. They perform advanced laboratory testing, diagnostic procedures, research execution, and vaccine/biological product manufacturing.
University of Pretoria, Faculty of Vet Science
The Faculty of Veterinary Science, U.P. (Onderstepoort) is one of nine faculties of the University of Pretoria. The Faculty trains veterinary specialists, veterinarians and veterinary nurses. U.P. is the only university in South Africa where veterinary qualifications are taught.
South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)
The South African Veterinary Council is the regulatory body for the veterinary and para-veterinary professions in South Africa and has a statutory duty to determine scientific and ethical standards of professional conduct and education. All veterinary professionals must register with SAVC once qualified in order to practice.