20 answers
Madisyn
Student
Clearfield, Utah
10
Questions
Asked
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Going to Community College when they don't have the area of field I want?
I've heard people say to go to Community college because it is cheaper and your closer to home but the area of field I want isn't available. I want to be a vet tech but the community college does not have it and only has a vet assistance program to pay for a certificate. Should I do something else for community college for 2 years or just apply for a college or university?
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20 answers
Jamey Sepulveda
Accounting
4
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Jamey’s Answer
Community college is a great way to get your basics out of the way. If you know what vet tech program you want to apply for, reach out to someone at the school and see what classes from the community college would transfer for credit. This will ensure you take the correct classes and will give you a great head start when you transfer to another college that offers the program you need.
Judith Benichou
Bookkeeper
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Judith’s Answer
When making decisions like this it's important to be true to yourself and do what's best for you. While people give advice you need to take the information they provided and see if that's really what's best for you.
If you're set on being a vet tech I would recommend finding a program that's going to help you get there the most efficiently.
Something you can do is call schools that do offer programs to be a vet tech and ask them if the vet assistance programs will give you credits in the larger program. If so, you can start at the community college and then transfer and continue taking the regular curriculum. If they don't and you know that you want to be a vet tech i would not spend the time in the community college
If you're set on being a vet tech I would recommend finding a program that's going to help you get there the most efficiently.
Something you can do is call schools that do offer programs to be a vet tech and ask them if the vet assistance programs will give you credits in the larger program. If so, you can start at the community college and then transfer and continue taking the regular curriculum. If they don't and you know that you want to be a vet tech i would not spend the time in the community college
Kelley Whitaker
IT consulting
1
Answer
Conyers, Georgia
Updated
Kelley’s Answer
That's a fantastic question! Becoming a vet tech is an amazing career choice! Starting at a community college is a smart move for your first two years. They cover the core classes you'll need, just like a university. You can begin there and then transfer to a university for your last two years if you want! Plus, getting a certificate through a program is a wonderful idea because it gives you more hands-on experience!
Nichole Maria Cui
Director of Customer and Contract Onboarding
2
Answers
Pleasanton, California
Updated
Nichole’s Answer
Hi Madisyn, that's great that you are thinking about the affordability of your higher education! I would recommend looking at the vet course requirements of a college you are interested in. Bachelor's degrees have General Education (GE) requirements for their degrees and specialized courses. Usually, people spend the first 2 years at college completing their GEs and then their last 2 years completing their upper division specialized for their major courses. Community College is cheaper if you can complete your GEs there and then transfer to a 4 year college to complete your upper division work. The key is to make sure that all of the courses you take at community college are transferable to your goal university. I recommend talking with a community college counselor as they know that many of their students' top goal is to transfer.
Quynh (Winnie) Dinh
Tax Associate
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Quynh (Winnie)’s Answer
I started at CC and I think it was one of the best decisions I made. It saved costs but I still could transfer to 4-year university for a Bachelor’s degree.
Also, the first 2 years the curriculum between CC and uni are pretty similar where you will be taking general courses, the next 2 years will be deeper when you will be taking your major classes.
Also, the first 2 years the curriculum between CC and uni are pretty similar where you will be taking general courses, the next 2 years will be deeper when you will be taking your major classes.
Patrick Sehler-Downey
Technology Consultant
4
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi Madisyn,
Community College is a great way to save money during your pursuit of education. I would start off by connecting with the academic counselors at the community college you're looking at, understand what is included in the curriculum, then see if this vet assistance program has transferrable credits to a 4-year university. If none of the credits are transferrable, then I would start looking at other schools. Best of luck!
Community College is a great way to save money during your pursuit of education. I would start off by connecting with the academic counselors at the community college you're looking at, understand what is included in the curriculum, then see if this vet assistance program has transferrable credits to a 4-year university. If none of the credits are transferrable, then I would start looking at other schools. Best of luck!
Harley C. Gilpin
IT Auditor
1
Answer
Eugene, Oregon
Updated
Harley C.’s Answer
Great question! I highly recommend trying out community college for two years to get your general education requirements out of the way if you're trying to save money.
Jeremy Levin
Business Manager
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jeremy’s Answer
Hi Madisyn,
I would identify what 4 year school and/or veterinary program you would want to attend in a dream scenario and then figure out if your local community college has a biology or other common pre-med undergraduate program that would qualify you to transfer there. Most every degree has general education requirements that you can efficiently satisfy at a community college and that's why they are so widely recommended. Hope this helps!
I would identify what 4 year school and/or veterinary program you would want to attend in a dream scenario and then figure out if your local community college has a biology or other common pre-med undergraduate program that would qualify you to transfer there. Most every degree has general education requirements that you can efficiently satisfy at a community college and that's why they are so widely recommended. Hope this helps!
Samuel Levin
CPA
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
Community college is a smart choice to begin your education, especially if you're watching your budget. First, check out all the community colleges nearby. If none have the courses you need, consider talking to your pet's vet or visit a local vet clinic to get advice on their education path. If money isn't a concern and a major college has the program you want, go ahead and apply there.
Aidan Nichols
AI Consultant
2
Answers
Danville, California
Updated
Aidan’s Answer
1) Look for a nearby community college offering an AVMA-accredited vet-tech associate's degree. Commuting or moving there can save you money compared to many four-year schools. 2) Take only the general-education courses like English, math, biology, and chemistry at your local community college. Then, transfer into a vet-tech program elsewhere to avoid repeating classes. 3) Sign up for an accredited online or hybrid vet-tech program.
Jestin Thompson, MS
Senior Accountant
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jestin’s Answer
Hey Madisyn!
Here are two options for you:
1. Community College - If you choose this path, make sure to research the college you're interested in. Check out the courses for your major and take the ones that will make it easy to transfer to a 4-year school in your field.
2. Just my personal opinion: if community college doesn't help with your career goals, consider applying to a 4-year college. It might mean less time in school overall.
While community college can save money, don't forget to look for scholarships and grants. I've seen friends spend more time at community college than planned, and it can happen easily. If you go with the first option, stay focused and aim to finish in 2 years so you can move on to the next steps.
Here are two options for you:
1. Community College - If you choose this path, make sure to research the college you're interested in. Check out the courses for your major and take the ones that will make it easy to transfer to a 4-year school in your field.
2. Just my personal opinion: if community college doesn't help with your career goals, consider applying to a 4-year college. It might mean less time in school overall.
While community college can save money, don't forget to look for scholarships and grants. I've seen friends spend more time at community college than planned, and it can happen easily. If you go with the first option, stay focused and aim to finish in 2 years so you can move on to the next steps.
Stacey Lane
Accounting
4
Answers
Owasso, Oklahoma
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
Hi Madisyn!
I highly suggest the community college route if finances are of consideration. In your first two years of college, you have to complete all general education courses (English, math, etc). This is the same across the board for ALL colleges no matter your degree choice. It is the next two years of college where you start to take classes related to your degree field. After your two years of community college, you will move to a University anyway. Going to community college the first two years can save you significantly on costs verses going to a University where you will be taking the same courses anyway.
One thing to keep in mind is to check that credits will transfer to the University of your choice. Not all do! You don't want to have to repeat any courses.
Good luck on your journey!
I highly suggest the community college route if finances are of consideration. In your first two years of college, you have to complete all general education courses (English, math, etc). This is the same across the board for ALL colleges no matter your degree choice. It is the next two years of college where you start to take classes related to your degree field. After your two years of community college, you will move to a University anyway. Going to community college the first two years can save you significantly on costs verses going to a University where you will be taking the same courses anyway.
One thing to keep in mind is to check that credits will transfer to the University of your choice. Not all do! You don't want to have to repeat any courses.
Good luck on your journey!
Airam Valdez
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Airam’s Answer
That's a great question. If your ultimate goal is to become a vet tech and your local community college doesn't offer that program, it's worth weighing how the certificate they do offer fits into your long-term plan. One option is to use the vet assistant program as a stepping stone: it can help you gain experience, start working in the field, and see if it truly aligns with your passion. Some vet tech programs may even value that hands on experience when you apply later. However, if you're set on becoming a licensed vet tech and the assistance program doesn't directly lead there, it might be worth applying directly to a college or university that offers the vet tech program.
Think about what matters most to you: staying close to home and saving money, or starting your exact career path sooner. You're allowed to choose the route that most fits your goals. There's no "wrong choice" just the one that works best for where you want to go. Good Luck!
Think about what matters most to you: staying close to home and saving money, or starting your exact career path sooner. You're allowed to choose the route that most fits your goals. There's no "wrong choice" just the one that works best for where you want to go. Good Luck!
Brenda Wernick
data entry
3
Answers
Morehead City, North Carolina
Updated
Brenda’s Answer
Hi Madisyn,
Such a great question!
Cost is definitely an important factor when deciding which college to attend. I think even though your local community college does not have the program you are wanting, you could certainly complete your first two years there and then transfer those credits to a 4-year college in the future. Many times, the base classes you will need at a 4-year school are the same at a community college, so you would be able to possibly transfer into your vet-tech program at a 4-year school as a junior.
I hope this helps and best of luck!
Such a great question!
Cost is definitely an important factor when deciding which college to attend. I think even though your local community college does not have the program you are wanting, you could certainly complete your first two years there and then transfer those credits to a 4-year college in the future. Many times, the base classes you will need at a 4-year school are the same at a community college, so you would be able to possibly transfer into your vet-tech program at a 4-year school as a junior.
I hope this helps and best of luck!
Monique Sonne
Administrative Consultant
3
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Monique’s Answer
Hi Madisyn,
Don't give up on your goal! Community college is a great way to complete your general education and explore related courses. You can then transfer that general ed to a vet tech program later.
I went to community college before transferring to a University and it helped me save money and explore different curriculum to help me better understand what I wanted to do and major in.
Don't give up on your goal! Community college is a great way to complete your general education and explore related courses. You can then transfer that general ed to a vet tech program later.
I went to community college before transferring to a University and it helped me save money and explore different curriculum to help me better understand what I wanted to do and major in.
Danielle Shapiro
Recruiter
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
If your community college doesn’t offer a vet tech program, starting with their vet assistant certificate could still be a great way to get experience, build connections, and make sure the field is right for you. Community college is also more affordable and lets you stay close to home, which can help you save money before transferring. If you're set on becoming a vet tech, you can start at community college and then apply to a school with an accredited vet tech program to finish your training.
Stacey Liberatoscioli
5
Answers
Oceanside, New York
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
I would definitely start at a Community College. It's a smart choice if you're unsure about your career path. If they don't have a Veterinary Program, consider working at a vet clinic. This hands-on experience will help you decide if it's the right field for you. If you find it exciting, look for the nearest school with that program.
Don't stress about the cost. Financial aid is available, and you can handle loans once you're employed. Education is crucial, and knowing your exact career path saves both time and money. You've got this!
Don't stress about the cost. Financial aid is available, and you can handle loans once you're employed. Education is crucial, and knowing your exact career path saves both time and money. You've got this!
leo Perez
Tax
3
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
leo’s Answer
I went to a community college, and I was undecided, whether to study accounting, architecture or interior design. Instead, I took business administration and was able to take some accounting credits, some arts, but was focused mainly on business administration. Business administration gives you the foundation for whatever you decide doing, as no matter what you study, there is a business component. When I graduated with the associate degree, I went to a four-year college, and most of my credits transferred, and at the point, I knew exactly what I wanted and took all the accounting and tax classes that I needed. I graduated with a major in accounting and a minor in business administration. I would look for something similar in your field.
Talk to a career coach, you can do it!
Talk to a career coach, you can do it!
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi,
If you’re set on becoming a Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech) but your community college doesn’t offer the right program, it can feel frustrating trying to figure out the best path forward. Community college can be a great option because it’s more affordable and close to home, but if they only offer a Vet Assistant certificate, you’ll need to think about whether that aligns with your long-term goals. A Vet Assistant certificate is good for gaining basic animal care experience, but it’s not the same as the formal education required to become a licensed Vet Tech. You typically need a two-year associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA-accredited program, followed by passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). If your community college doesn’t have that, one option is to take general education courses there to save money, then transfer to a college that offers the accredited program. Another option is to directly apply to a technical college or university that has the Vet Tech program, especially if you want to get started as soon as possible. It really comes down to your priorities—if saving money and staying close to home are important, starting at community college with transferable credits could be smart. On the other hand, if you’re focused on getting licensed quickly, going straight to a school with a Vet Tech program might be your best bet.
If you’re set on becoming a Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech) but your community college doesn’t offer the right program, it can feel frustrating trying to figure out the best path forward. Community college can be a great option because it’s more affordable and close to home, but if they only offer a Vet Assistant certificate, you’ll need to think about whether that aligns with your long-term goals. A Vet Assistant certificate is good for gaining basic animal care experience, but it’s not the same as the formal education required to become a licensed Vet Tech. You typically need a two-year associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA-accredited program, followed by passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). If your community college doesn’t have that, one option is to take general education courses there to save money, then transfer to a college that offers the accredited program. Another option is to directly apply to a technical college or university that has the Vet Tech program, especially if you want to get started as soon as possible. It really comes down to your priorities—if saving money and staying close to home are important, starting at community college with transferable credits could be smart. On the other hand, if you’re focused on getting licensed quickly, going straight to a school with a Vet Tech program might be your best bet.
Renee Dawson
Wealth Management
3
Answers
Secaucus, New Jersey
Updated
Renee’s Answer
I went to a community college and got al of the basics out of the way. Keep with the 101, generic courses that could serve as pre-reqs to your chosen degree. Be careful to not stay too long though because at a point, you may stop gaining credits that any college will accept. For example, a 4 year college may only accept 60 credits so there is a limit to how much of your community college courses can transfer over. When I transferred to the University of Maryland after 1.5 years in CC I actually gained credits (3 credit courses at community that were 4 credit courses at UMD). Don't overdo it, try to get very good grades (I had a 4.0 in community) and stick with universal courses that would apply more to a general degree than your chosen field because if you want a degree in a specialty, the school will likely want you to complete their program.