A field study on the profile of veterinary students in Türkiye: example of Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

This research was carried out to determine the general profile of the students enrolled in Turkish and English programs of Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (AUFVM). Determination of the demographic characteristics, family and socio-economic statuses and pre-university education levels of students are aimed. Additionally, reasons for choosing the veterinary profession, career expectations, views on postgraduate education, leisure time preferences and participation in sportive and artistic activities are evaluated. The universe of the study consisted of 545 students studying in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades enrolled in Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 2019-2020 Spring Semester of Turkish and English programs. It has been determined that the students are generally of urban origin (mostly from the central Anatolian region) and come from families with low income. Accordingly, more than half of the students chose the veterinary faculty program as their first choice and they are satisfied with being a veterinary faculty student and a candidate of the profession. In addition, it has been highlighted that more than half of the students want to continue their post-graduate education, “sometimes” have the chance to participate in sportive and cultural activities, and have low rate of reading books. As a result, it can be said that collecting data of veterinary faculty students and presenting a general overview of the student profile will be beneficial for both university and faculty administrators and academicians in terms of providing the opportunity to know the students and assess their abilities.