Axiological portrait of a veterinary graduate

Introduction . The relevance of the study is due, on the one hand, to changes in social norms and standards regarding environmental issues, animal rights and welfare, and, on the other hand, to specific changes within the veterinary profession associated with the emergence of new technologies, rethinking the ethical status of animals, and problems of moral, physical and mental well-being of veterinarians. Purpose setting . The purpose of the study is to describe the specifics of the axiological portrait of a future veterinarian. The study is aimed at examination of value preferences, motivations and expectations as components of the axiological portrait of a veterinary graduate. Methodology and methods of the study . The first stage of the study was aimed at the analysis of the key veterinary values, based on the S. Schwartz’s theory of basic values. The next stage focused on the development of the questionnaire to conduct the survey among veterinary graduates of the Omsk State Agrarian University named after P. A. Stolypin. The final stage included quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data to build an hierarchy of value preferences and motivations of graduates. Results . It was found that the hierarchy of veterinary graduates’ values reflects a comprehensive approach to professional activity, in which professionally important qualities of a veterinarian, such as responsibility, self-control, politeness and kindness, compliance with professional ethics, positive communication at work and professional development are of primary importance. Social status and career ambitions play a less important role, which emphasizes the altruistic ideas of graduates about the veterinary profession. Conclusions . The obtained results can be used in the curricula development including «Veterinary Medicine» and «Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise» in order to integrate the axiological component into the educational process for a more in-depth training of future professionals with a high level of responsibility and a sustainable professional focus.