2 answers
Xochitl
Student
Castroville, CA
9
Questions
Updated
937 views
what are some steps on becoming a veterinarian.
i what to know what are some of the steps on becoming a vet so i can start planing a path in my life and take classes i need and start earlier and not start when and already in college.
Login to comment
2 answers
Rhaysa Feliciano
Veterinarian
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Rhaysa’s Answer
Hi there! I recommend you first research the schools you are interested in applying in the future and see what their prerequisites are. This way you can plan accordingly to make sure you take all the classes that are required. Some people only complete their prerequisite courses and apply to vet school. Others, like myself, completed an undergrad degree. My university didn’t offer all the classes required for my schools of choice so I had to take some online courses through a different school to be able to complete all required courses.
I do recommend you start saving money if you have not yet started doing so. Save as much as you possibly can. Vet school is very expensive.
And get as much on hands experience at a local vet clinic. Either by volunteering or working as a veterinary assistant or tech if your state doesn’t require a degree to be labeled a vet tech. Most schools require you have a certain amount of hours of experience before applying.
Talk to vets and vet techs. Soak as much info you can. Vet med is so much more than just getting into vet school and graduating. Try to get as much experience in different aspects of animal care before you apply to vet school.
I do recommend you start saving money if you have not yet started doing so. Save as much as you possibly can. Vet school is very expensive.
And get as much on hands experience at a local vet clinic. Either by volunteering or working as a veterinary assistant or tech if your state doesn’t require a degree to be labeled a vet tech. Most schools require you have a certain amount of hours of experience before applying.
Talk to vets and vet techs. Soak as much info you can. Vet med is so much more than just getting into vet school and graduating. Try to get as much experience in different aspects of animal care before you apply to vet school.
Katlynne Hytrek
Blackhawk Mechanic, Animal Care Specialist
24
Answers
New Brockton, Alabama
Updated
Katlynne’s Answer
Hi Xochitl!
You're on the right track by asking these questions. Starting college, especially when considering multiple degrees, can seem overwhelming. But by staying curious and moving forward, you're setting yourself up for success.
I'm on this journey too, and I've found that taking small steps is the best way to learn. To become a veterinarian, begin with your bachelor's degree. Many degrees meet the prerequisites for vet schools. So the degree doesn't have to be in pre-vet or animal sciences. For example, my bachelor's is in marine biology, and I know others who studied biomedical sciences, biology, and chemistry.
There are many options, and any can work as long as you meet the course requirements for vet school, such as credits in literature, English, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, genetics, microbiology, and calculus. It might seem like a lot, but most of it can be completed through your degree plan. Make sure to check the DVM (doctorate in veterinary medicine) program at the colleges you are interested in to see their exact requirements.
While working on your bachelor's, try to gain experience in the field. Any animal-related experience will help when applying for your doctorate program. Consider volunteering at an animal shelter on the weekend, pet sitting, working at a vet clinic during the summer, or even joining the Army reserves as a vet tech. Every bit of experience counts toward getting into vet school!
Lastly, keep a log of all your volunteer work, animal care hours, and leadership roles. This will help you track your experiences and create a strong resume for doctorate school. You've got this!
You're on the right track by asking these questions. Starting college, especially when considering multiple degrees, can seem overwhelming. But by staying curious and moving forward, you're setting yourself up for success.
I'm on this journey too, and I've found that taking small steps is the best way to learn. To become a veterinarian, begin with your bachelor's degree. Many degrees meet the prerequisites for vet schools. So the degree doesn't have to be in pre-vet or animal sciences. For example, my bachelor's is in marine biology, and I know others who studied biomedical sciences, biology, and chemistry.
There are many options, and any can work as long as you meet the course requirements for vet school, such as credits in literature, English, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, genetics, microbiology, and calculus. It might seem like a lot, but most of it can be completed through your degree plan. Make sure to check the DVM (doctorate in veterinary medicine) program at the colleges you are interested in to see their exact requirements.
While working on your bachelor's, try to gain experience in the field. Any animal-related experience will help when applying for your doctorate program. Consider volunteering at an animal shelter on the weekend, pet sitting, working at a vet clinic during the summer, or even joining the Army reserves as a vet tech. Every bit of experience counts toward getting into vet school!
Lastly, keep a log of all your volunteer work, animal care hours, and leadership roles. This will help you track your experiences and create a strong resume for doctorate school. You've got this!