W.C. Fields once said that you should never work with children or animals. What he should have said was never to work with animals or money, because it is clear that when he invented this phrase, he did not take into consideration financial matters.

A recent survey has revealed that one in three veterinary students find themselves in severe financial struggle, with more than half suffering from stress. Over a quarter suffered from depression, the same amount suffered from anxiety and one in every 14 from an eating disorder.

The 2008 study, produced by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and its student branch the Association of Veterinary Students (AVS), also found that some veterinary schools have almost doubled their intake of overseas veterinary students since 2005.

Financial stress

It was predicted that the 2008 veterinary science graduates to leave university, would leave with an average debt of £22,300.

This is worrying, because they started their degree paying lower tuition fees, but current students will undoubtedly witness their final debt level increase greatly, with graduates in 2011 expecting their debt to reach £29,400.

As a result, over two thirds (66.8%) of students feel unable to work to supplement their income. This problem is made harder due to the fact that these students have fewer opportunities to find work during the holidays, because of extra mural studies.

35.3% of respondents stated that their financial problems are either difficult or severe. Therefore, it is little surprise that many students worry about debt issues.

Light at the end of the tunnel

However, the AVS has suggested that there are ways to improve this bleak picture. BVA already provides support meetings for young professionals and has put together a position statement which will kick start a lobbying process for a loan structure, financial guidance and an increase in student loan availability.

BVA President Nicky Paull commented on the growing problem of veterinary debt: “The BVA/AVS survey, a part of the BVA's continuing work on behalf of veterinary students, once again continues to highlight the growing problem of debt. This is a particular problem for veterinary undergraduates whose five year course by definition will attract more debt than the average three year undergraduate course.

“The impact of this increasing debt is twofold. Firstly, new graduates are more likely to choose their first jobs on the basis of salary and reducing debt rather than individual professional development. Secondly, we are concerned that as school leavers make career decisions on financial grounds, only those from relatively affluent backgrounds will choose the veterinary profession. This is contrary to the aims of Government to promote the DfES/Gateway to the Professions initiative. It would be sad to see such a vitally important undergraduate course become one which can only be undertaken by talented young people from families who feel they can afford to help with the long term costs.

Paull concluded: “The veterinary undergraduate course is not only training future veterinarians on animal health and welfare but also in the essential role vets play in food safety and the health of the nation.”