Veterinary Medicine

About the programme

Veterinary studies can be divided into three periods:

In the first years the students study the foundations of veterinary medicine, anatomy and functions of animals as well as the fundamentals of animal husbandry. Several branches of biology, zoology, botany, genetics and cell biology as well as chemistry, biophysics, microbiology, virology and parasitology can be considered the foundation of veterinary studies.

In the spring semester of the second year students are taught diseases in animals, they take up pathological anatomy and physiology, which constitutes an introduction to the second period of the veterinary studies. Pre clinical studies give the student an insight into the processes going on in the organism of the diseased animal, as well as elementary skills in disease detection.

The second phase concentrates on the relations between human and animal health and an introduction into the public health issues is made. 

In the third phase or clinical studies lecturers communicate students profound knowledge on the most common diseases of different animal species (including birds and fish) with an empahis on their diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Practical training takes place in the animal clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences.

Students also gain extensive knowledge of veterinary public health, veterinary legislation and state veterinary

control system.

In the sixth year the student can choose between one of the following tracks: 

1. Production animal medicine (E1) focusing on herd health and herd management;
2. Equine medicine (E2) specialising in horses and their medicine;
3. Small animal medicine (E3) devoted to small animals and their problems;
4. Food safety (E4) addressing issues connected to One Health and safe food production and processing;  

The task of a veterinarian is to ensure the health and well-being of animals – it is the pets, productive animals and wild animals who need care and treatment.

What characterizes a good veterinarian?

A good veterinarian cares about animals and has the following qualities:

1. Communication skills. The veterinarian must be able to communicate with both animals and the animal owner and explain the diagnosis and treatment in an understandable way. Veterinarians collaborate with colleagues, veterinary technicians, assistants and support staff.

2. Patience. Working with animals can be challenging and often unpredictable. Veterinarians need to remain patient in stressful situations and when dealing with anxious or uncooperative animals.

3. Critical thinking and analytical skills. Diagnosing and treating diseases requires critical thinking and a science-based approach.  Veterinarians analyse symptoms, conduct examinations and prepares treatment plans.

4. Adaptability. Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving. Veterinarians must stay current with advances in science and adapt their practices accordingly. This means that a veterinarian must be prepared for lifelong learning.

5. Ethics and integrity. Veterinarians stand for animal welfare and adhere to ethical standards.

6. Physical and mental resilience. The job of a veterinarian can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Veterinarians must monitor and be empowered in their health.

7. Attention and accuracy to detail. A veterinarian is careful and attentive when performing surgeries, administering medications, and recording patient information, because the smallest details may turn out to be crucial.

8. Love of order and cleanliness. The veterinarian adheres to biosecurity and occupational safety requirements.

9. Time management skills. Effective scheduling allows timely treatment for all patients.

10. Research skills. Research experience supports the veterinarian in choosing the appropriate diagnostic methods for finding the causes and predicting the course of the disease and making treatment decisions.

Scholarship

In the curriculum "Veterinary Medicine", two targeted scholarships are created for students with Ukrainian citizenship, based on previous study and work experience immatriculation from the second academic year. To get more information, please take contact to [email protected]. Students with Ukrainian citizenship who are admitted for studies at the University with a targeted scholarship student place are exempt from paying the dormitory rent for the nominal duration of their studies.

What students say

Hear what our international students say about their studies:

Contact for admission requirements: [email protected]