Three Careers, One Common Goal
Vet, dentistry, and optometry all demand strong science skills, attention to detail, and a genuine drive to help. While each field focuses on different patients, they all offer meaningful, hands-on careers with long-term impact.
1. Becoming a Veterinarian 🐾
What vets do: Vets diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. They can work in general practice, emergency clinics, research, wildlife, or livestock and agricultural sectors.
Pathway to becoming a vet:
- ATAR: Usually 95+ for undergraduate courses.
- Prerequisites: Chemistry and often biology are highly recommended.
- University: Some unis offer direct-entry vet degrees (like the University of Sydney or James Cook University), while others (e.g. University of Melbourne) require you to complete a science degree first and then apply for postgraduate veterinary studies.
- Duration: 5–7 years total, depending on your pathway.
- Professional body: Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)
Tips:
- Get experience early! Volunteering at clinics or shelters looks great on applications.
- Be ready for both cuddly animals and some tough calls — the job can be emotionally demanding.
👉 Check out this article on choosing what to do after high school if you're tossing up between science or something else.
2. Becoming a Dentist 🦷
What dentists do: Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums, and oral health. They may work in private practices, hospitals, or specialise in orthodontics, surgery, or paediatrics.
Pathway to becoming a dentist:
- ATAR: Competitive — typically 95+ for direct entry.
- Prerequisites: Chemistry is almost always required; biology and maths recommended.
- University: Some unis offer undergraduate dentistry degrees (e.g. Griffith, JCU, La Trobe), while others (like Melbourne and Sydney) require a postgraduate degree after a science or biomedicine undergrad.
- Admissions test: Some universities require the UCAT or GAMSAT, depending on the pathway.
- Duration: 5–7 years total.
- Professional body: Australian Dental Association (ADA)
Tips:
- Start preparing early for the UCAT if you're going that route — it’s a unique test.
- Manual dexterity (e.g. crafting, drawing) is a plus, so don’t underestimate practical skills.
👉 Check out this blog for more insight into dentistry pathways!
Manoj Arachige
3. Becoming an Optometrist 👓
What optometrists do: Optometrists test vision, diagnose eye conditions, and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. They play a crucial role in the early detection of eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Pathway to becoming an optometrist:
- ATAR: Usually around 90+, though this can vary by uni.
- Prerequisites: Physics, chemistry, and sometimes English. Check specific course requirements.
- University: Direct-entry optometry programs are offered at schools like Deakin, QUT, and UNSW.
- Duration: 5 years (usually a combined bachelor + master’s structure)
- Professional body: Optometry Australia
Tips:
- Work experience at an optometry clinic can boost your application and confidence.
- Strong communication skills are vital — optometrists often work independently and manage long-term patient care.
Manoj Arachige
Comparing the Three Paths
Final Thoughts: Which Path is Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Are you more interested in surgery, long-term care, or diagnostics?
- Are you ready for a long academic journey?
Each of these careers is challenging, but also highly rewarding. If you love science, have strong attention to detail, and want to make a real difference in people’s (or animals’) lives, these pathways are worth exploring.
If you’re still unsure, that’s totally normal. You don’t need to have it all figured out in Year 11 or 12 — but starting to research and plan now will make your decisions easier later.
FAQs
Which is harder to get into — vet, dentistry or optometry?
Dentistry is generally the most competitive due to limited spots and high ATAR cut-offs. However, all three require dedication and strong academic performance.
Can I switch to one of these careers after doing another degree?
Yes! Many universities offer graduate-entry programs for vet, dentistry and optometry. You’ll usually need a relevant undergraduate degree and to sit the GAMSAT or meet GPA requirements.
What subjects should I choose in high school?
Choose Chemistry and Biology for vet or dentistry, and Physics if you're leaning towards optometry. English is always a safe choice, and keep your maths strong.
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for WACE, Simran Vaishnav. Simran is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine at Bond University and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Simran's profile here and request her as a tutor.
