Preparing to Study

When choosing your concentration and complementary subject you should make sure you devote enough time to the following subjects: 

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Experience with looking after pets and livestock is a requirement, and must be acquired outside your studies. Traineeships or internships in the area of veterinary medicine are recommended. Here are some options:

Private Practice or Clinic
Occasionally taking your pet to the vet and experiencing the day-to-day work of a veterinary practice first hand for a protracted period are two very different things. Most vets are glad to take on interns. If possible make sure your internship lasts at least a week; that's the only way of getting a realistic insight into a vet's daily routine and the variety of work they do. 

Agriculture
Volunteer farm work is a great opportunity to get to know the environment vets work in. For more information and to sign up:www.landdienst.ch.

In Switzerland, you can only study veterinary medicine in the German-speaking part of the country. Very good oral and written German language skills are required to follow the course.