Gateway into veterinary medicine

Rhiana Reid-Kanon

I grew up in south London, in the borough of Lewisham. I wanted to be a vet from a very young age. I had many small animals throughout my childhood and knew I would like to work with them in some shape or form. My fascination for animals and science has always been apparent and was cultivated as I grew older. 

I chose the RVC Veterinary Gateway programme because I appreciated the idea of having a course reserved for people who may not have had ideal education or opportunities.

The application process took multiple factors into account and allows candidates to be judged by individual merit. The RVC Veterinary Gateway programme enables people to still achieve their dream despite circumstances that may have hindered them when compared to other applicants.

I found out about the gateway programme when I attended the Sutton Trust summer school, as advised by my head of sixth form. It was here that I met people from the same background as me and realised that I still had a chance if the generic way of entering veterinary medicine didn’t work out.

The RVC Veterinary Gateway programme involves an additional year, designed to prepare people before they enter BVetMed 1. This preparatory year equipped me with knowledge and skills so that I could excel in the five-year course and get off to a great start.

My advice for students

If you are thinking of applying to study veterinary medicine but are not sure if you can make it, do consider the RVC Veterinary Gateway programme. Attending attended the Sutton Trust summer school was also instrumental in me believing I could become a vet. Although you may think the odds are against you… believe me they are not. The same obstacles you face can be the reason why you are eligible for a chance.

For more information on applying to vet school, and the various routes in to study veterinary medicine, read the BVA's guide to applying. It sets out the truths around the process and highlights the UK vet schools' desire to widen participation through increased accessibility onto degree courses. 

 

 

 

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