Being a veterinarian is a valuable profession that plays a vital role in the health and quality of life of animals, and it also directly affects human health and food safety. However, studying and working in this profession requires a range of qualities, such as:
General Qualifications
General qualifications follow the admission announcement of each program
Health Qualifications
Be in good health and free from any disease, symptoms of disease, or disability that would be an obstacle to study, practical work, and the practice of veterinary medicine, in accordance with the announcement of the Consortium of Deans of Veterinary Faculties of Thailand on the specific qualifications of applicants to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, B.E. 2559 edition (View details)
Furthermore, if an applicant passes the selection and enrolls in the program, and subsequently develops a physical impairment as specified, the program will consider each case on an individual basis, taking into account the feasibility of completing the study to achieve the minimum prescribed learning outcomes and competencies, as well as the safety of the learner, the animals, and the people involved. The Faculty is prepared to consider appropriate support, such as providing elevators, ramps, or partly online learning. However, for courses involving hands-on work with animals, each case must be reviewed and approved by the program's executive committee. Learners may also study further about transferring to another faculty through course equivalency in accordance with the university's regulations.
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) program aims to prepare students to be ready to practice the veterinary profession with quality. Over the six-year course of study, students will face a wide variety of situations, both academic and practical, requiring foundational scientific knowledge, specialized veterinary knowledge, as well as professional skills and other non-technical skills, in order to work effectively and safely in differing contexts.
Students must undergo practical training in a variety of environments, including classrooms, laboratories, and real workplace settings such as animal hospitals, animal farms, slaughterhouses, and other learning sites with differing environments. This may involve contact with animals, feces and secretions, various chemicals (such as disinfectants and formalin), as well as potentially hazardous pathogens. Therefore, students must be able to work safely, for themselves, their coworkers, the animals, and the animal owners.
In addition, students must have the knowledge and ability to properly perform "euthanasia," taking into account academic principles and veterinary ethics. Learners must demonstrate the characteristics of a professional veterinarian, including empathy toward animals and people, communication skills, teamwork, professional responsibility, ethics, and the ability to build effective interactions with people from diverse cultures and religions.
Based on the foundations and nature of study in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) program and the requirements for practicing the veterinary profession, the inherent requirements that veterinary students should possess can be grouped into nine domains, as follows (click on each domain to view details and examples):
Students must know and strictly comply with the regulations and rules of the university and the faculty, such as the use of laboratories and internships. Complying with these rules helps reduce the risk of harm that may occur to oneself and others, and builds readiness to be a responsible professional. And when students graduate and begin practicing as veterinarians, they must comply with the laws related to the profession.
Examples
Veterinarians must work in high-pressure and unpredictable situations, such as caring for sick animals, communicating with grieving animal owners, or working with others under stressful and challenging conditions where opinions may differ. Emotional and behavioural stability is therefore essential, in order to respond appropriately to various events, remain composed, and maintain professionalism at all times.
Students must demonstrate the ability to manage their emotions, adapt to changing environments, and be open to advice or feedback from instructors and internship supervisors with a constructive attitude. In addition, students should be aware of their own physical and mental health, be able to assess their own readiness, and seek help when necessary, such as when dealing with stress or a workload beyond their capacity.
Because being a veterinarian is not only about having academic knowledge or skills, but also about being able to manage one's own emotions in real situations, work smoothly with others, and be professional. A lack of emotional stability may affect the quality of service, the safety of animals, and the confidence of animal owners and professional teammates.
Examples
Veterinary medicine is a profession that must be practiced strictly within the framework of professional ethics. Therefore, students in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program must demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and adherence to professional ethics, as well as behavior appropriate to the standards expected of the veterinary profession.
Adhering to the code of ethics and relevant policies not only fosters good relationships between students and their peers, instructors, staff, clients, and the general public, but also directly affects the safety and welfare of animals. Students must be able to work with regard for correctness, transparency, and respect for others, and must handle confidential information with care and make decisions based on ethics when facing complex or conflicting situations, such as caring for animals whose owners have financial limitations, or when animal welfare problems are found. Because veterinarians play a role in caring for animal lives, communicating with people, and making decisions in situations with ethical implications, demonstrating appropriate and responsible behavior helps build trust in the veterinary profession and benefits both society and the animals under their care.
Examples
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) program emphasizes that students have effective communication skills in speaking, non-verbal communication, and writing. This communication may be two-way or multi-way, whether between people or between humans and animals. Good communication skills help make learning, practical training, and animal care smooth, effective, and safe.
Verbal Communication
Speaking Thai clearly and appropriately for the context is critically important to the safety of students, coworkers, and animals, especially in situations requiring urgent control or management of animal behavior. Students must be able to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately, and in a timely manner, even in noisy environments, and be able to give clear instructions when events require safe and effective management.
Examples
Non-verbal Communication
The appropriate use of body language, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, eye contact, posture, and body movement, are all important components of non-verbal communication. Students must be able to perceive, interpret, and respond appropriately to the behavioral cues of people and animals, be confident in their expression, and be aware of their own behavior in educational and professional contexts. This ability not only fosters good relationships between students and animal owners or instructors, but also plays an important role in observing animals' symptoms, diagnosing diseases, and caring for animals safely.
Examples
Written Communication
Written communication, especially in Thai, is an important skill in the veterinary profession, whether in recording medical records, writing reports, or communicating with animal owners. Students must be able to write systematically, clearly, and appropriately for the context of the work, and be able to convey academic content accurately according to standards, so that clinical work is precise, verifiable, and effectively communicated.
Examples
Veterinary students must have deep knowledge and understanding and be able to apply that knowledge in professional contexts accurately and effectively. This attribute is a crucial foundation for safety and quality in animal care, as well as for communication with animal owners and coworkers. The attributes in this domain can be described in three sub-topics, as follows:
1. Knowledge and Application
Students must be able to accumulate knowledge from various sources, both from the classroom, field experience, and self-directed learning, and then analyze, process, and apply it appropriately in animal care. This ability reflects students' potential to connect knowledge with real practice in clinical situations, such as planning treatment for sick animals. Students must select appropriate information, analyze risks, and make decisions under time constraints. A lack of this skill may lead to unsafe or erroneous treatment.
Examples
2. English Language Proficiency
Students must be able to receive information, speak, read, and write in English at a level appropriate for learning and working in the veterinary profession. Because most of the world's body of knowledge, including standard practice guidelines and academic journals, is in English, veterinarians need to continually update their knowledge from international sources, and may also need to work with foreign veterinarians, researchers, or international organizations. English proficiency is therefore an indispensable skill.
Examples
3. Numeracy and Applied Mathematics
Students must have skills in using numbers accurately, because calculation is an important part of the work, such as calculating drug dosages, planning fluid administration, or interpreting quantitative data from medical records or test reports. Errors in calculation, such as giving the wrong dosage, can have serious consequences for an animal's life. The ability to use mathematics correctly is therefore an indispensable foundation of veterinary practice.
Examples
The health and sensory-ability qualifications of learners in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program are based on the announcement of the Consortium of Deans of Veterinary Faculties of Thailand on the specific qualifications of applicants to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, B.E. 2559 edition, dated 7 July 2559. Prospective students with impairments in vision, hearing, or touch should consult a specialist before deciding to apply to the program, to ensure they have sufficient ability to learn and work in the profession. If such an impairment arises during the course of study, the Faculty and the University will conduct a comprehensive assessment of its impact on the studies, together with the student and parents, to find appropriate ways to adapt or provide support. However, if the impairment is found to severely affect performance to the point that it cannot be remedied, it may be necessary to consider having the student transfer to another more suitable program.
1. Vision
Vision is an essential foundation of veterinary study and practice. Learners should have a level of vision sufficient to perceive images clearly for examination, diagnosis, and procedures that require care and precision, with no abnormalities in vision, and with visual acuity in the better eye, when corrected with glasses, of not less than 6/12 (20/40). Details are in accordance with the announcement of the Consortium of Deans of Veterinary Faculties of Thailand, B.E. 2559 edition.
Examples
2. Hearing
Hearing plays an important role in both diagnosis and communication in the veterinary work environment. Learners should have a level of hearing that is not an obstacle to study and practice, with no hearing abnormalities in both ears. Details are in accordance with the announcement of the Consortium of Deans of Veterinary Faculties of Thailand, B.E. 2559 edition.
Examples
3. Tactile Sense
The sense of touch is an essential skill in diagnosing animals, since learners must use palpation, handling, or touch to assess symptoms and detect abnormalities in an animal's body. Learners should have tactile ability that is not an obstacle to study and practice, so that they can perform activities requiring tactile skills appropriately.
Examples
Veterinary study and practice require physical readiness and strength, and the ability to move at the level of both gross motor skills and fine motor skills, so that work can be performed safely, effectively, and with reduced risk of injury to oneself, others, and animals.
1. Gross Motor Skills
Students must be able to perform basic body movements, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, walking, running, twisting and bending, as well as restraining animals, in order to handle tasks that require physical strength and coordination continuously and safely. Being a veterinarian involves caring for large animals such as cattle, horses, or dogs, as well as working in uncertain environments such as farms, rough terrain, or clinics with limited space. If learners lack sufficient movement skills, they will be unable to control animals or work safely.
Examples
2. Fine Motor Skills
Students must be able to use their hands and fingers for tasks requiring precision, such as gripping, squeezing, pressing, turning, or handling small instruments, as well as controlling small animals, so that veterinary work is precise and safe. Because veterinary work, such as performing procedures, inserting catheters, drawing blood, or surgery, requires fine hand-eye coordination to achieve correct treatment results and reduce the risk of harm to the animal and the practitioner, if learners cannot use these skills appropriately, it will directly affect the quality of treatment.
Examples
Veterinary study and practice is a process that requires both physical strength and mental stability at a continuous and sustainable level. Students not only learn theory but must also practice real hands-on skills, which often require energy, concentration, and emotional control over long periods, such as performing surgical procedures, caring for animals in emergencies, or complex diagnosis and treatment. The ability to maintain health and performance continuously is therefore key to enabling students to carry out their duties safely and with quality.
Examples
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of education and work, in order to create an environment that respects differences, embraces all identities, and is conducive to effective collaborative learning.
Those who enter the faculty to study must respect the diversity of others and demonstrate an understanding of the principles of DEI throughout their studies, in the classroom, at practical training sites, and in faculty activities. It is expected that students will grow into veterinarians with a conscience for fairness and equity when they graduate and practice the profession. The Faculty requires every unit to adhere to the following:
In addition, if any staff member or student has concerns or questions about diversity, equity, and inclusion, please contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or report through the ISO complaint system; the reporter's information will be kept strictly confidential.
Rabies Vaccination
For the safety of students during practical training, which may involve contact with animals or being in areas at risk of rabies, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine provides rabies vaccination every academic year, free of charge.
If a student has previously received the vaccine from a former institution or another organization, please submit the vaccination certification document for consideration; repeat vaccination is not necessary if immunity is still sufficient.