
The common skills we look for at Medivet
Choosing a career in veterinary medicine is both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’re just beginning to ask "What key skills do I need to be a vet?" or you’re already working as a veterinary surgeon or registered veterinary nurse, exploring your next step, it’s helpful to know what skills will set you up for success at Medivet.
At Medivet, we look for more than qualifications. We believe the right balance of knowledge, behaviours, and values not only ensures excellent patient care but also makes our community stronger. Using this information throughout the entire application process – from submitting your application to beyond – helps showcase you, along with your skills and knowledge.
Knowledge that matters
Veterinary medicine is built on a strong foundation of clinical knowledge. Many aspiring colleagues ask: “What are the five most important knowledge areas for veterinarians?” While the list could be endless, these areas are essential and taught as part of the vet school syllabus:
- Animal Anatomy and physiology: understanding how bodies work is at the core of every examination, surgery, and treatment plan
- Veterinary pharmacology: knowing how medicines affect patients keeps treatments safe and effective, and provides the right aftercare for patients
- Pathology and disease processes: recognising how illnesses develop helps us make timely, informed decisions
- Diagnostics: interpreting test results and imaging gives clarity when pets can’t tell us what’s wrong
- Animal welfare and ethics: balancing medical options with quality of life is central to the profession.
For those starting out, these areas will form the backbone of your training. For experience colleagues, they remain the pillars of everyday practice, with ongoing opportunities at Medivet to keep developing and sharing knowledge across our community.
For Registered Veterinary Nurses, a similar depth of knowledge is key – from anaesthesia monitoring to patient recovery and client education.
At Medivet, we provide ongoing learning to keep these skills sharp, with access to clinical communities, CPD opportunities, and the support of experienced colleagues across the community, including our 24 hour hospitals and referral centres.
The human side of veterinary medicine
When people ask “What are the soft skills of a veterinarian?” we prefer to think of these as the people-focused qualities that make an excellent clinician. At Medivet, these are just as important as medical knowledge.
- Empathy and compassion: pets are family members, and owners rely on us at some of their most emotional moments.
- Communication: explaining complex conditions in a clear, reassuring ways builds trust and confidence
- Teamwork: No one works in isolation. Success comes from working together, as a team- each role brings an important range of skills to the veterinary practice. Whether you’re a veterinary surgeon, registered veterinary nurse, or client care assistant.
- Problem-solving: every case is different: thinking critically and adapting makes all the difference
- Resilience: the veterinary world can be fast-paced and emotional. Having coping strategies helps you stay well while delivering great care.
Skills that set you apart at Medivet
The qualities that we seek from Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses include:
- Strong organisational skills: to manage caseloads and keep practices running smoothly with your supportive team
- Attention to detail: especially in patient monitoring, record-keeping, and medication to handling
- Client-focused mindset: ensuring pet owners feel supported, understood and involved in their animals care
- Commitment to learning: whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced professional
What makes Medivet different is the support we offer. From our collaboration work with the University of Central Lancashire, to our involvement in pioneering research and quality improvement initiatives, we invest in colleague growth and development.
We’re proud of our community model – giving you access to a nationwide network of support while retaining the personal feel of your local practice. Each region is home to a network of practices, anchored by a 24-hour hospital at the centre. This structure enables us to foster a strong and collaborative community where our professionals can support oner another while discussing cases and delivering high-quality care.
Our approach offers diverse career paths, enabling our team member to thrive no matter where they are in their career journey.
FAQs
Heading
What are Medivet’s values? What is their focus and support for the clinical staff?
Our people are just as important as the animals we look after. Our benefits and support system reflect our commitment to get it right for you. If you want to understand more about our support systems, values, and benefits, head over to our benefits page.
What career progression prospects are there at Medivet?
At Medivet, we’re here to support you at every stage of your journey because we know that progression and development are unique to every one of our clinicians. Whether you’re growing your general practitioner skills, stepping into leadership, or exploring partnership, we’ll help you get there with the right training, guidance, and opportunities.
There’s Never Been a Better Time to Join Medivet
No matter where you are in your career journey, remember that showing a balance of knowledge, professionalism, and compassion will help you do well at Medivet.
We’re here to nurture your career, support your ambitions, and create a supportive environment where you can flourish.
Veterinary insights to your inbox!
Related roles
Salary
up to £60,000
Location
Stanford-Le-Hope, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Stanford-Le-Hope
Description
If you’re an experienced vet seeking a role that blends variety, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact across multiple practices, this Area Veterinary Surgeon position coverin
Reference
JR002037
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Nabi IssrarAuthor
Nabi IssrarSalary
£68,000 per year
Location
Potters Bar, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Part-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Potters Bar
Description
We’re looking for a confident and experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly teams across four well-established Medivet branches: Potters Bar, Cockfosters, Cuffley, and Enfield (Great Cambrid
Reference
JR002259
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Shan Lewis
Author
Shan LewisSalary
£30,500 PA
Location
Standish, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Location
Standish
Description
We’re currently looking for a RVN to join our friendly team at Medivet Standish for a 9 month Fixed term contract.Medivet Standish is an advanced first-opinion practice, fully equipped with laparoscop
Reference
JR002239
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ryan MarshallAuthor
Ryan MarshallSalary
Up to £70,000 per year
Location
Mossley, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Mossley
Description
Medivet are seeking a Certificate Holder (Medicine or Cardiology) Veterinary Surgeon to join our team at Medivet Ashton 24 Hour.Ashton has historically been a leader in practising minimally invasive s
Reference
JR002047
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ryan MarshallAuthor
Ryan MarshallSalary
Upto £60,000 DOE
Location
Preston, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Preston
Description
Medivet Bamber Bridge is looking for a confident and forward-thinking Veterinary Surgeon to join our experienced and friendly six-vet team in a dynamic role that offers real scope to make an impact. T
Reference
JR002036
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ryan MarshallAuthor
Ryan MarshallSalary
up to £60,000 FTE
Location
Standish, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Part-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Standish
Description
We’re currently looking for a part-time consulting vet to join our friendly team at Medivet Standish.This role is ideal for someone looking to work school hours, with flexibility across three to four
Reference
JR001925
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ryan MarshallAuthor
Ryan MarshallSalary
Location
Chorley, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Chorley
Description
We are currently seeking a Night Vet to join our dedicated team at Medivet Chorley 24 Hour. This is a 1 year fixed term contract (FTC)Our clinic is a well-established, community-focused veterinary pra
Reference
JR001965
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ryan MarshallAuthor
Ryan MarshallSalary
£60,000 - £80,000 per year
Location
Chorley, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Chorley
Description
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and motivated vet to take the lead at Medivet Adlington, a successful first-opinion practice with an extremely loyal client base. With the full support
Reference
JR001661
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ryan MarshallAuthor
Ryan MarshallSalary
Up to £64,000 per year FTE
Location
Mossley, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Part-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Mossley
Description
We are seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to join our team at Medivet Ashton 24 Hour.Imagine having six days to relax, explore, recharge, or spend time with loved ones, every single week. At Ashton 24 Hour,
Reference
JR001658
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ryan MarshallAuthor
Ryan MarshallSalary
Up to £64,000 per year
Location
Mossley, United Kingdom
Type of Employment
Part-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Mossley
Description
We are seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to join our team at Medivet Ashton 24 Hour.Imagine having six days to relax, explore, recharge, or spend time with loved ones, every single week. At Ashton 24 Hour,
Reference
JR001656
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ryan MarshallAuthor
Ryan MarshallRelated articles

Teaser
Early careersContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/28/2025
Summary
At Medivet, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals. This is evident in our multi-year collaboration with the University of Lancashire, where we recently