Impact of a Competency Training Course on the Job Profile of Veterinary Medicine Graduates in Northeastern Brazil.

This study examines the professional training of veterinary medicine graduates from the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), a federal public university in Northeastern Brazil, based on alumni perceptions. Findings indicate that most graduates, predominantly female, work within less than a year after graduation in the Northeast region, mainly in domestic animal clinics, with salaries compatible with their profession. Graduates recognize their training as generalist, noting strong integration between teaching, research, and extension, but perceive the curriculum as more theoretical than practical. The study highlights key curricular strengths in internal medicine, veterinary surgery, animal product technology, public health, reproduction, and animal welfare, and suggests that ongoing monitoring of graduates can inform pedagogical adjustments to better align training with job market demands.