For better readability, we predominantly use the generic masculine in our texts. It goes without saying that all personal designations refer equally to all genders. The abbreviated form of language is used solely to improve comprehensibility and is to be understood in an unbiased manner.

Would you like to study veterinary medicine and work as a veterinarian later on? Are you particularly interested in equine medicine? This comprehensive guide to training as a veterinarian shows you the entire path—from the requirements and studies to career prospects with a focus on horses. Here you will learn everything you need to know about training, areas of activity, and career opportunities as a veterinarian.

In this article, we also answer every important question about training to become a veterinarian.

You can find further information in the article or via the linked resources.

What does training or studying to become a veterinarian involve?

Training to become a veterinarian in Germany is not a traditional apprenticeship, but rather an academic degree program in veterinary medicine. The program is suitable for anyone who is passionate about animals and the natural sciences. It is offered at special universities and includes both theoretical and practical content; key topics include anatomy, animal breeding, and animal welfare, which prepare you for the diverse tasks involved in veterinary medicine. In addition to the degree program, there are various training courses in the field of veterinary medicine, such as training to become a veterinary assistant or animal keeper. There are various paths into the profession: in addition to the traditional degree program, training courses or a career change are also possible. There is no difference in meaning between the terms veterinary medicine and animal medicine; they are used synonymously. Many veterinarians turn their hobby, working with animals, into a profession. The job titles veterinarian and veterinary surgeon are also used synonymously. After successfully completing your studies and passing the state examination, you will receive your license to practice. This state license entitles you to work as a veterinarian and treat animals on your own responsibility.

Requirements for studying veterinary medicine

Admission to veterinary training usually requires very good high school grades, as the numerus clausus (NC) for veterinary studies is very high—often between 1.1 and 1.5. Due to high demand and limited places, admission to the program is very restricted. In addition to a good grade point average, waiting periods and other selection criteria also play a role. Applications to study veterinary medicine are usually submitted centrally via the Hochschulstart portal, whereby application deadlines and required documents must be observed.

Alternatively, if you have completed training as a veterinary assistant and have relevant professional experience, you may also be admitted to the program under certain conditions. Completed training as an animal keeper may also enable you to enter the program, especially if you do not have a regular university entrance qualification. Personal qualities such as a sense of responsibility, resilience, a love of animals, and a strong interest in natural sciences are also important for this profession.

The number of applications submitted for veterinary medicine studies is very high, which further intensifies competition for places.

The structure of veterinary medicine studies

The veterinary medicine program usually lasts 11 semesters (5.5 years) and is divided into several sections:

• Pre-clinical phase (1st to 4th semester):In this section, you will learn the fundamentals of natural sciences. This includes subjects such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. In addition, topics such as animal breeding and working with farm animals are covered to prepare you for the diversity of veterinary work. At the end of the pre-clinical phase, you will take the preliminary physical examination, an important intermediate exam.
• Clinic (5th to 8th semester):Here you will deepen your knowledge in specific subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, pharmacology, and specialized veterinary medicine. Internships in veterinary clinics and veterinary practices are an integral part of the program and allow you to gain initial practical experience with patients. During this section, you will work in practices, veterinary clinics, and veterinary practices, treating both small animals (e.g., dogs, cats) and large animals (e.g., horses, cattle, farm animals).
• Practical year (9th and 10th semesters):The practical year consists of various practical phases, which you complete in veterinary practices, animal clinics, veterinary offices, or in food inspection. Here you will learn about everyday working life and can apply your knowledge in practice. Internships, especially in the field of livestock medicine, are particularly important for gaining practical experience with farm animals.
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• State examination:At the end of your studies, you will take the state examination, which consists of written, oral, and practical exams. Only by passing this exam will you receive your license to practice and be allowed to work as a veterinarian.

The collection and processing of data plays an important role in the program, especially in research and teaching. The analysis of findings and the development and research of drugs and vaccines are central components of the training. In addition, the program offers even more content and numerous specialization options, allowing you to develop individually.

Admission restrictions and application procedure

Admission to veterinary medicine studies is highly regulated due to high demand. Numerous applications are received each year, which is why a compelling application is crucial for success. Study places are allocated via the central allocation procedure at Hochschulstart. Various criteria are taken into account: some places are allocated according to the numerus clausus, others according to waiting semesters, and a large proportion are allocated by the universities themselves, e.g. on the basis of selection interviews or aptitude tests. It is therefore important to find out about the exact application procedures at an early stage and, if necessary, to consider alternative application routes. In addition to traditional university studies, there are other ways to enter the field of veterinary medicine, such as searching for a suitable apprenticeship or job. There are also other opportunities and ways to enter the profession.

Specialization in equine medicine

If you are particularly interested in horses, you can focus on equine medicine during your studies and further training. Practical experience in animal breeding and working with farm animals is particularly valuable when training to specialize in equine medicine. Many universities and equine clinics offerinternships and training positions where you can gain practical experience. The treatment of large animals, especially horses and other farm animals, is an important part of specializing in equine medicine. After completing your studies, you also have the option of completing further training in equine medicine. With the title "Specialist Veterinarian for Horses," you can specialize in the treatment, care, and consultation of horses, thereby improving your career opportunities. TheAltano Academyoffers prospective and experienced veterinarians in the Altano Group comprehensive continuing education opportunities in equine medicine—from basic training to specialization as a specialist veterinarian for horses.

Tasks and activities of a veterinarian specializing in horses

As an equine veterinarian, your work involves a great deal of responsibility and a wide range of tasks, from prevention to the treatment of various diseases. You treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, administer vaccinations, and assist with births. Depending on your own focus and field of activity, you may also perform operations ranging from minor procedures to complex surgical interventions. In addition to medical care, this also includes building trust with animal owners—always with the aim of ensuring the best possible care and advice for the horses. Working together with horse owners, riding stables, farms, and other experts is essential. Advising on species-appropriate animal husbandry, feeding, and animal welfare is also part of your job. An important part of your work is administering medication to cure or prevent diseases and evaluating veterinary findings in order to make targeted treatment decisions. Good communication skills are important in order to provide animal owners with comprehensive information and support.

Animal welfare and disease prevention in the veterinary profession

Animal welfare and disease prevention are central tasks in the job description of a veterinarian. In Germany, veterinarians and veterinary assistants play a key role in ensuring the health of animals while also protecting society as a whole from animal diseases. Work in veterinary medicine goes far beyond the treatment of individual animals: it also includes the monitoring and control of animal diseases, compliance with animal welfare legislation, and advising animal owners on species-appropriate animal husbandry.

One important area of activity is public veterinary medicine. Here, veterinarians work closely with authorities to monitor the implementation of animal welfare regulations. This includes inspecting animal husbandry, monitoring animal transport, and supervising slaughterhouses and processing plants. The aim is to protect animal welfare and to detect and contain the spread of diseases such as animal epidemics at an early stage. Regular vaccinations and health checks are just as important as educating animal owners about hygiene and prevention.

In order to work successfully in this field, it is essential for veterinarians and veterinary assistants to continuously educate themselves and stay up to date with the latest scientific developments. Participation in specialist seminars, exchanges with colleagues, and the use of up-to-date databases and information sources are integral parts of everyday professional life. Only in this way can new developments in the field of animal health and the control of animal diseases be quickly put into practice.

In addition to traditional veterinary medicine studies, there are various training paths in Germany that focus on animal welfare and disease prevention. These include training as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician, as well as the profession of animal caretaker. Each of these professions performs important tasks in the field of animal health and contributes to ensuring the welfare of animals and preventing the spread of disease.

Anyone interested in training or studying veterinary medicine should find out about the various professions and training paths at an early stage. Working in animal welfare and disease prevention is demanding, but offers the opportunity to make an important contribution to animals, animal owners, and society as a whole.

career prospects

After completing your veterinary training, you will have a wide range of career options and numerous positions for veterinarians in various fields. You can work in equine clinics, in livestock medicine, in public veterinary services, in research and teaching, in animal welfare, or in the pharmaceutical industry. Veterinarians work not only in veterinary practices and animal clinics, but also in research, teaching, food monitoring, and animal welfare. In addition, there are even more specialization options and career paths open to you.

Working hours and working environment

Working hours as a veterinarian can vary depending on the field of activity. Typical working environments include various practices and, in particular, veterinary clinics, where veterinarians work directly with animals and perform treatments. Shift work and on-call duty are common in veterinary clinics and hospitals, which can also mean working weekends or outside regular working hours. In the field of livestock medicine, you are often on the move to treat animals directly on site. Those who work in public veterinary services or research usually have more regular working hours. In addition, there are even more working environments and specializations that make everyday working life even more diverse. Overall, the profession is very varied, but also involves a high level of responsibility.
At Altano, we create a working environment that combines responsibility and work-life balance, where veterinarians find the ideal conditions for their professional and personal development.

Tips for a successful start to veterinary training

• Find out about the admission requirements early on and apply in good time.
• Gain practical experience, e.g., through internships at veterinary practices, equine clinics, or agricultural businesses. Internships are an important part of gaining insight into everyday working life and acquiring practical skills.
• Search specifically for a suitable training position to find the best way for you to enter the professional field.
• Find out about different ways to enter the profession, such as studying, training, or changing careers, so you can choose the best option for you.
• Take advantage of opportunities for specialization and further training in equine medicine or other specialist areas.
• Network with other students, veterinarians, and professionals to benefit from their experiences and make valuable contacts.
• Be mindful of your personal resilience and develop strategies for dealing with stressful or emotionally challenging situations.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a veterinarian is challenging, but also very fulfilling and full of exciting opportunities—especially if you have a passion for horses. With the right school qualifications, commitment, and a clear specialization, many doors will be open to you. Working with animals, the diversity of the profession, and the chance to make a difference every day make this path absolutely worthwhile.
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