INQUIRIES ABOUT THE MOTIVATION OF STUDENT S IN CROATIA TO ENTER THE COURSE OF VETERINARY-MEDICINE

The aim of this work was to find out the factors which determine the m otivation of students for the veterinary school. The sociologically re levant circumstances, specific for Croatia - as a post-socialistic cou ntry - which might influence the motivation of students are presented in the work. The results showed that 89,4 % students chose this study by themselves, 62,3 % did not have any known veterinarian as a paragon , 44 % were familiar with the contents of the veterinary profession. 9 7,8 % are aware of the poor financial condition of the veterinarians, and the majority is aware of the bad reputation of this profession in Croatia. It was concluded that under these circumstances the candidate s for the veterinary profession are motivated through direct affection to the profession and the love to animals.