
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.
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