Question: How long did it take to earn/learn all of those qualifications?

Nina Rzechorzek answered on 7 May 2020:

Too long! 4 years BSc (Hons), 5 years (Vet MB MRCVS), 2 years in general practice, 3 years (PhD) then 3 years specialist training (total 17 years)
But it is definitely not necessary to have all those qualifications to work in neuroscience or circadian rhythms. If you want to work in this area and don’t want to be a clinician, you would start with an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, Physiology, or Biochemistry, (3-4 years) then maybe consider an MSc (1 year) and/or PhD (3 years) if you want a career in academic science/research (so total 6-8 years)
Alternatively, if you want to be a vet in general practice, you only need the degree in veterinary medicine (5-6 years leading to MRCVS)
If you want to be a specialist vet, you would need the undergrad qualification above, then either a one year internship (or two years in general practice which is what I did) then 3 years residency (total 9-11 years)
There are plenty of careers in science that don’t need a PhD – best thing to do is try to get some work experience in a lab working on things that interest you (once lockdown is over). I probably spent a total of 2 years working during vacation time to get experience working with animals, and in labs, before I went to University. Much of this work was unpaid, and yes, I am still paying off two student loans (and I’ll be very old before I pay them off completely). That said, I’m doing what I love; I’ll never be rich and that’s fine by me.