5 answers
Gray
Student
Hampton, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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what should I do to become a veterinarian?
what is the best way to graduate high school? should I get my GED or should I get my actual high school diploma? I wanna go into veterinary and become a vet tech.
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5 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
I’m just going to place hold until a vet professional can give you more information.
I personally would get the high school diploma because it holds a little bit more weight GED is not the end of the world, but colleges will be a little more welcoming with a high school diploma.
With the high school diploma you will have an easier time getting into schools to get your vet tech.
I wish you the best of luck you got this.
I personally would get the high school diploma because it holds a little bit more weight GED is not the end of the world, but colleges will be a little more welcoming with a high school diploma.
With the high school diploma you will have an easier time getting into schools to get your vet tech.
I wish you the best of luck you got this.
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
180
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Becoming a veterinarian or vet tech usually requires education and training beyond high school. If you're looking to pursue this path, consider vocational programs or community college courses in veterinary technology. As for high school, if you can, aim for a diploma as it provides a stronger foundation, but a GED can also be a viable option. It's all about finding the path that suits your situation and aspirations.
Emily Lindberg
Teacher
20
Answers
Salem, Oregon
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Securing your high school diploma is always a good idea if it's within your reach. However, I understand that life's challenges can sometimes make this tough. Given your unique circumstances, I encourage you to pursue what's currently attainable for you.
While I'm not an expert in veterinary studies, I can offer some advice if you're aiming to become a vet tech. If university admission is a concern because of your GED, consider starting at a community college. This approach is not only cost-effective but also beneficial as universities tend to focus on your community college performance rather than your high school record.
While I'm not an expert in veterinary studies, I can offer some advice if you're aiming to become a vet tech. If university admission is a concern because of your GED, consider starting at a community college. This approach is not only cost-effective but also beneficial as universities tend to focus on your community college performance rather than your high school record.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
240
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Gray:
It is highly recommended to do well during your 4 years in high school and earn your high school diploma. During your high school years, also get involved with a wide range of activities: sports, clubs, community service, etc. Colleges and universities will review applications from potential students and will be looking at both academics and school and community involvement.
Veterinary Technicians will have to earn a two year degree in Veterinary Technology. This can be achieved at a community college. If one wants to become a Veterinary Technologist, a four year degree must be earned at a college or university. Accreditation for all programs is obtained by the the American Veterinary Medical Association. A written examination is taken and must be passed for licensing.
According to The Best Colleges, here is a link to the Top 10 Veterinary Technician Programs:
https://www.thebestcolleges.org/rankings/top-vet-tech-schools/
- Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana)
- University of New Hampshire (Durham, New Hampshire)
- SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred, New York)
- SUNY College of Technology at Delhi (Delhi, New York)
- Johnson College (Scranton, Pennsylvania)
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana (Natchitoches, Louisiana)
- Vermont Technical College (Randolph, Vermont)
- Ogeechee Technical College (Statesboro, Georgia)
- Northwest Community College (Norfolk, Nebraska)
- SUNY College of Technology at Delhi (Canton, Nebraska)
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Veterinary career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. If your high school offers an Animal or Wildlife course, it will be in your best interest to take this class. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Veterinary Technician, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major if you decide to pursue a career as a Veterinarian:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Zoology
- Physics
- Animal or Wildlife Science
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Another recommendation is to visit your local animal hospital and speak with the Veterinarian for additional advice. The Veterinarian can provide you with his or her educational background, experience, insights, etc. on how he or she became a Veterinarian as well as provide insights for becoming a Veterinary Technician.
A Veterinarian will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work). Afterwards, one's education is continued until a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D) is earned which will be another four years of study. Then, both the national and state exams are required for one to earn the licenses to practice Veterinary medicine.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Veterinary Colleges and Universities in the United States:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc
- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Veterinary Technician and possibly as a Veterinarian!
It is highly recommended to do well during your 4 years in high school and earn your high school diploma. During your high school years, also get involved with a wide range of activities: sports, clubs, community service, etc. Colleges and universities will review applications from potential students and will be looking at both academics and school and community involvement.
Veterinary Technicians will have to earn a two year degree in Veterinary Technology. This can be achieved at a community college. If one wants to become a Veterinary Technologist, a four year degree must be earned at a college or university. Accreditation for all programs is obtained by the the American Veterinary Medical Association. A written examination is taken and must be passed for licensing.
According to The Best Colleges, here is a link to the Top 10 Veterinary Technician Programs:
https://www.thebestcolleges.org/rankings/top-vet-tech-schools/
- Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana)
- University of New Hampshire (Durham, New Hampshire)
- SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred, New York)
- SUNY College of Technology at Delhi (Delhi, New York)
- Johnson College (Scranton, Pennsylvania)
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana (Natchitoches, Louisiana)
- Vermont Technical College (Randolph, Vermont)
- Ogeechee Technical College (Statesboro, Georgia)
- Northwest Community College (Norfolk, Nebraska)
- SUNY College of Technology at Delhi (Canton, Nebraska)
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Veterinary career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. If your high school offers an Animal or Wildlife course, it will be in your best interest to take this class. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Veterinary Technician, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major if you decide to pursue a career as a Veterinarian:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Zoology
- Physics
- Animal or Wildlife Science
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Another recommendation is to visit your local animal hospital and speak with the Veterinarian for additional advice. The Veterinarian can provide you with his or her educational background, experience, insights, etc. on how he or she became a Veterinarian as well as provide insights for becoming a Veterinary Technician.
A Veterinarian will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work). Afterwards, one's education is continued until a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D) is earned which will be another four years of study. Then, both the national and state exams are required for one to earn the licenses to practice Veterinary medicine.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Veterinary Colleges and Universities in the United States:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc
- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Veterinary Technician and possibly as a Veterinarian!
Tracy Farber
Strategic Space Planner
2
Answers
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Gray, earning a high school diploma could be a significant step towards your dream of becoming a Vet Tech or Veterinarian. My daughter's experience volunteering at a nearby animal hospital was truly enlightening. The vet techs and doctors there imparted priceless wisdom and even became her guides. Remember, this is a highly sought-after profession, so staying focused on your studies and doing well in school is crucial. Keep pushing forward, your hard work will surely pay off!