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Working in a vet office before degree/certification?

Have any other veterinary nursing/pre-vet/vet med graduated students worked in a veterinary office prior to their degree/certification?

career-path fall25 veterinary certification
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Justin’s Answer

It’s a great idea to work in a veterinary setting prior to obtaining credentialing. Real world experience is invaluable, and will help you with your studies and career planning.
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Afeni Samirah,

It's a great idea to work in a vet office while you are a student! You won't be doing vet work per se, but you'll still get work experience that is relevant to your future profession. You might be able to assist the vet, and you'll learn about the "other" things that go on in a vet hospital (admin, billing, sales, purchasing, customer service, animal care etc) which will be super helpful when you want to set up your own practice. In an ideal case, you'd find an employer as well as a mentor who provides hand-on experiences and helps you grow into the profession.

Also, working at a vet office helps to pay the bills.

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP
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Christina’s Answer

Hey Afeni 👋🐶 — Love that you’re already thinking hands-on. Working in a vet office before getting your degree or certification? That’s not just smart—it’s strategic. 🧠💼

There’s something sacred about early immersion. When you step into that environment, you’re not just observing—you’re absorbing. You’ll see what textbooks can’t show: how a team moves during emergencies, how patience heals panic, and how empathy builds trust between animal, owner, and caregiver. 🐕🐾💗

Every day in that clinic will teach you something deeper than theory. You’ll learn to read the small cues—the flick of a tail, the stillness before a bark, the quiet fear behind an owner’s eyes. Those instincts can’t be downloaded; they’re earned by being in the room. 🩺✨

So yes, Afeni, jump in. Whether you’re cleaning kennels, shadowing techs, or filing charts, you’re building your foundation brick by brick. By the time you walk across that stage for your degree, you’ll already have the soul of a professional and the heart of a healer. 🌟🐾

Keep your will conditioned and your purpose aligned.
— Christina Owens | CoachOwens
https://coachowens.com
| Follow on LinkedIn @CoachOwens 🌱💫
Be fearless in what sets your soul on fire. ❤️‍🔥
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Brandie’s Answer

Working in Vet Med before you get your degree is invaluable. You can make sure you are cut out for it and maybe even learn what you want to specialize in before investing in 12 years of college education. You may find a hospital you want to work for or a mentor who can help guide you throughout your career. Watching what work for one DVM over another and learning from their bedside manner will be something that can't really be taught in the classroom.
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