4 answers
kaylee
Student
Walton, Kentucky
4
Questions
Asked
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what are some specific important high school classes to take in order to become a vet?
#veterinarian #veterinary
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4 answers
CHRISTY SOUTH
Radiologic Technologist
7
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
CHRISTY’s Answer
Science, math, biology, and chemistry. Take every class required for a 4-yr university. It’s strenuous, but worth it! Also, when you are able, do some volunteer work at your local shelters. Also, if time permits, try working part time for a veterinary office as an assistant for some added experience. If your school offers PLTW classes, you might consider those for Bio-med. we need more vets! Good luck and best wishes for your success!
Thank you so much for the advice.
kaylee
These are great suggestions, thanks Christy!
Alexandra Carpenter, Admin
You’re welcome
CHRISTY SOUTH
Todd Phillips
Associate Veterinarian at Northern Oaks Bird & Animal Hospital
40
Answers
Updated
Todd’s Answer
I would agree with Christy and Suzanne's answers, and also suggest that you also contact the Vet Schools at Auburn and Tuskegee for input as well. To my knowledge Kentucky does not have a vet school, but Auburn and Tuskegee do accept students from Kentucky. You will need to contact them for more information about this and admission requirements. You can apply to other vet schools in the US and other countries, but the cost is likely to be much higher in most cases.
The admission requirements for most vet schools include specific hours and levels of science and other subject courses (usually called "pre-requisites"). If you can take AP level courses for college credit in high school, & the schools you apply to will accept these courses for completion of admission requirements, you will be ahead of the game in your college work when you graduate from high school. For the same reason, if you take community or junior college level courses, check to be sure they will transfer as acceptable credit for your pre-requisites.
Contact the vet schools at Auburn https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/education/prospective-students/ , and at Tuskegee https://www.tuskegee.edu/programs-courses/colleges-schools/cvm for more information
Visit local vets to see if veterinary medicine is a career you would enjoy, and try to get some volunteer or work experience with animals to give you ideas about what specific areas you might want to work in.
The admission requirements for most vet schools include specific hours and levels of science and other subject courses (usually called "pre-requisites"). If you can take AP level courses for college credit in high school, & the schools you apply to will accept these courses for completion of admission requirements, you will be ahead of the game in your college work when you graduate from high school. For the same reason, if you take community or junior college level courses, check to be sure they will transfer as acceptable credit for your pre-requisites.
Todd recommends the following next steps:
the University of Kentucky had a vet program that i think is good. do you know anything about it? thank you for answering!!
kaylee
I don't know about a vet program at the University of Kentucky. I was not able to find any information online, and there are a limited number of vet schools in the US (about 30 I believe). The University of Kentucky may offer programs in veterinary science or veterinary technology but I don't find any information showing that it has a program that will lead to a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent. Perhaps you should call the University of Kentucky and ask them specifically, they should have advisors that specifically help prospective students.
Todd Phillips
yes i think the the university of ky would only work for the pre vet school part, then i would have to go somewhere else for the rest.
kaylee
Melissa Jedlicka
Veterinarian
3
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Check out the answers above...the only thing I would add is that vet schools like to see well-rounded students. Definitely focus on science, math, and animal experiences, but also make time for hobbies and development of your other interests. Make time to dabble and figure out things you enjoy... There is not a single correct answer, but for different people this can mean sports, music, art, writing, clubs/extracurricular involvement, language classes/travel or study abroad, volunteering, woodworking, gardening,...the possibilities are endless. Also.....keep a log of all these activities to make your life easier come time for your vet school application! :) Good luck!
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
106
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Kaylee, it is great that you are thinking ahead and planning. For people interested in pursuing a career in medicine (either veterinary or human) it is important to be sure you are taking college-preparatory classes in high school. Specifically, try to take all the biology that you can, chemistry, physics (if your school offers it) and math at least through trigonometry. If you can take AP classes, especially in the sciences, that is great. Also I'd suggest you look into whether you can take any community college classes while still in high school (either dual-enrolled or in the summer). For college admission whatever your career goal is, four years of English, a second language, history, government/social studies, etc. will all be necessary as colleges have broad requirements for admission and for graduation.
Be sure the guidance counselor and your teachers know what your career goals are so that you can take the most advanced versions which will best prepare you for college.
Good luck and write back if you have more questions.
Be sure the guidance counselor and your teachers know what your career goals are so that you can take the most advanced versions which will best prepare you for college.
Good luck and write back if you have more questions.
ok thank you so much for answering! i just wanted to have an idea what i should be doing.
kaylee