2 answers
Olivia
Student
Wilmington, North Carolina
2
Questions
Updated
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How can I become an aquatic veternarian?
Whats the best ways to get me into a good grad school to become a veterinarian. Is becoming an aquatic veterinarian realistic/a good idea?
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2 answers
Skip Jack
4
Answers
Starkville, Mississippi
Updated
Skip’s Answer
Hey Olivia,
Great question ! and Michelle's reply is extensive and mostly accurate. But, 1st, you must enroll in an accredited veterinary school (no small fete in itself). While in veterinary school, seek out as many "aquatic" experiences as possible (elective courses, experiential training at aquatic/marine facilities, various conferences/meetings, regional short courses, etc.). But, there are a number of "places" that you can get more information about opportunities for aquatic veterinarians. You should visit several aquatic veterinary organizational websites e.g. American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV), International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM), World Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Association (WAVMA), and of course AVMA website. And it's important to know that there are diverse opportunities for "aquatic veterinarians" (freshwater, marine fish, coral, shellfish, marine mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc. etc. , pet fish, farm-raised food fish, display aquaria, private practice, governmental organizations (e.g. USDA, FDA, state Fish & Wildlife agencies), corporate pharmaceuticals, research and development, lab animal specialization and the list goes on. Lot's a GREAT choices.
Best Wishes,
S. W. Jack, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D.
Great question ! and Michelle's reply is extensive and mostly accurate. But, 1st, you must enroll in an accredited veterinary school (no small fete in itself). While in veterinary school, seek out as many "aquatic" experiences as possible (elective courses, experiential training at aquatic/marine facilities, various conferences/meetings, regional short courses, etc.). But, there are a number of "places" that you can get more information about opportunities for aquatic veterinarians. You should visit several aquatic veterinary organizational websites e.g. American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV), International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM), World Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Association (WAVMA), and of course AVMA website. And it's important to know that there are diverse opportunities for "aquatic veterinarians" (freshwater, marine fish, coral, shellfish, marine mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc. etc. , pet fish, farm-raised food fish, display aquaria, private practice, governmental organizations (e.g. USDA, FDA, state Fish & Wildlife agencies), corporate pharmaceuticals, research and development, lab animal specialization and the list goes on. Lot's a GREAT choices.
Best Wishes,
S. W. Jack, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D.
Thank you so much for the helpful advice and for taking the time to reply! Your response is super informative!
Olivia
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Olivia !
To become an Aquatic Veterinarian in North Carolina, you would first obtain a Bachelors Degree and then enroll at Veterinary School. After becoming a licensed Veterinarian, you would be required to go for specialized training and credentials in aquatic veterinary medicine. The other choice to fulfill this would be to pursue a three-year residency in zoological and aquatic animal medicine, which prepares you for board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine. You should speak with your guidance counselor or college Academic Counselor about this.
You may want to look into North Carolina State University's DVM program, because they offer a curriculum that includes hands-on clinical practice and opportunities to focus on specific areas of interest, such as aquatic medicine. My advice is to consider having your college path for this entirely in North Carolina because North Carolina does not accept licensure reciprocity from other states. Having this academic route will prepare you for the North Carolina requirements.
If you have a passion for being around marine life, fascinated with both the animals and plant life, and you personally think it's the best idea for yourself, then follow through with the path. No one can tell you if it's good, bad or "worth it". It's only worth it if it's something that you really, really want to do. Yes, it is realistic because Aquatic Veterinarians do exist.
A good way to confirm your interest would be to volunteer at one of the Aquariums and get an early experience of the atmosphere. Look for volunteer work at North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, North Carolina Aquarium at Jennette's Pier, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, Sea Life Charlotte-Concord, and the Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team Ecco,
The only accredited Veterinary School in North Carolina is North Carolina State University in Raleigh where you can receive your Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. It may be a good idea to go to their website and start exploring it. Admission is said to be highly competitive, so strive for high grades in high school and on your SAT. It is known to be highly competitive for acceptance into the Veterinary Program.
So if you're not sure if it's really something you want to do, give it more time while you explore further, do volunteer work and read books about the work and career.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
To become an Aquatic Veterinarian in North Carolina, you would first obtain a Bachelors Degree and then enroll at Veterinary School. After becoming a licensed Veterinarian, you would be required to go for specialized training and credentials in aquatic veterinary medicine. The other choice to fulfill this would be to pursue a three-year residency in zoological and aquatic animal medicine, which prepares you for board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine. You should speak with your guidance counselor or college Academic Counselor about this.
You may want to look into North Carolina State University's DVM program, because they offer a curriculum that includes hands-on clinical practice and opportunities to focus on specific areas of interest, such as aquatic medicine. My advice is to consider having your college path for this entirely in North Carolina because North Carolina does not accept licensure reciprocity from other states. Having this academic route will prepare you for the North Carolina requirements.
If you have a passion for being around marine life, fascinated with both the animals and plant life, and you personally think it's the best idea for yourself, then follow through with the path. No one can tell you if it's good, bad or "worth it". It's only worth it if it's something that you really, really want to do. Yes, it is realistic because Aquatic Veterinarians do exist.
A good way to confirm your interest would be to volunteer at one of the Aquariums and get an early experience of the atmosphere. Look for volunteer work at North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, North Carolina Aquarium at Jennette's Pier, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, Sea Life Charlotte-Concord, and the Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team Ecco,
The only accredited Veterinary School in North Carolina is North Carolina State University in Raleigh where you can receive your Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. It may be a good idea to go to their website and start exploring it. Admission is said to be highly competitive, so strive for high grades in high school and on your SAT. It is known to be highly competitive for acceptance into the Veterinary Program.
So if you're not sure if it's really something you want to do, give it more time while you explore further, do volunteer work and read books about the work and career.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate you taking the time to give me such a thoughtful response!
Olivia
You are very welcome, Olivia !
Michelle M.