6 answers
Samuel
Student
Santa Clarita, California
1
Question
Asked
1081 views
What steps should I take to become a veterinarian? And how has this pandemic effected vet clinics and hospitals.
I'm a sophomore in high school who has a passion for helping animals. I've been deeply passionate about becoming a vet because of an incident that happened with my puppy. When I arrived at the hospital after school I saw the animals and their owners waiting it hurts my heart knowing they need help. I saw the relief the doctors and nurses gave to the animals and owners, including me, which is what opened my eyes to the job I wanted and loved. What steps should I take to achieve my goal and dream and how has this pandemic affected the work in clinics and hospitals? #veterinarian #animals #veterinary-medicine #veterinary
Login to comment
6 answers
Alura Bischoff
Veterinary Technician
2
Answers
Mesa, Arizona
Updated
Alura’s Answer
I am currently working as a veterinary technician and let me tell you, since the pandemic, our hospital has had ALOT of changes. Masks at all times, no longer seeing patients in rooms with their owners, not taking any cash, no unnecessary surgeries or appointments, longer appt times so we can clean in between each visit, shields in front of front desks, a ton of chemicals to wipe literally every nook of the hospital and phones are ringing like crazy!
When I originally went to college I wanted to be a vet but I’ve always appreciated the people who make up the whole team because every position is important. So I started school as a vet asst. finished and immediately found a job with a mobile vet. And let me tell you, I hated it. And not the animals, I hated the people. Long story short I was discouraged and went on to do other jobs. I got back into the vet field and was working with an amazing team. Not my position is a technician even though my schooling is only an assistant because I worked very hard. Now I do surgeries, they’re paying for me to complete my degree as a tech and I’m becoming a shift lead. I realized that I like the management and tech role way more than being a vet because as the tech, I do ALOT. I get to work with the pets the most, I get to learn new techniques all the time, and so much more. The doctors are great, but they wouldn’t be able to do it without us. I love doing the hard dirty work, and that’s not for everyone and I almost like being a leader. I’m working towards becoming a practice manager to run my own hospital with my own vets. I suggest maybe volunteering or starting with a lower degree and make sure you like it before spending all the money to become a vet! Your thoughts might change who knows
When I originally went to college I wanted to be a vet but I’ve always appreciated the people who make up the whole team because every position is important. So I started school as a vet asst. finished and immediately found a job with a mobile vet. And let me tell you, I hated it. And not the animals, I hated the people. Long story short I was discouraged and went on to do other jobs. I got back into the vet field and was working with an amazing team. Not my position is a technician even though my schooling is only an assistant because I worked very hard. Now I do surgeries, they’re paying for me to complete my degree as a tech and I’m becoming a shift lead. I realized that I like the management and tech role way more than being a vet because as the tech, I do ALOT. I get to work with the pets the most, I get to learn new techniques all the time, and so much more. The doctors are great, but they wouldn’t be able to do it without us. I love doing the hard dirty work, and that’s not for everyone and I almost like being a leader. I’m working towards becoming a practice manager to run my own hospital with my own vets. I suggest maybe volunteering or starting with a lower degree and make sure you like it before spending all the money to become a vet! Your thoughts might change who knows
Riley Carr
Business Analyst
179
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Riley’s Answer
While you are in high school, you should take as many AP/AICE science and math classes as you can handle. When you go to college, you should choose a science degree (like Biology) and earn your bachelors (4 years). Then, you will need to attend graduate school to earn a doctoral degree in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. At the end of this program, you will need to take the necessary exams to obtain your veterinarian license.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Samuel,
I'd like to address the second part of your question. I had to take my dog to the ER recently. They had me walk him in the front door, put him inside of a kennel, and go back to my car. I never met the doctor. She called me on the phone. They also checked me out over the phone, and, emailed me the receipt. Thankfully, they were kind enough to let me use the restroom, as it was a long wait!
I had a follow-up appointment with my regular vet. They didn't have strict protocols in place at the time, so, I was able to go in. They were limiting the number of people in the lobby, and doing better cleaning. I was actually very concerned for the staff! There have been other appointments since, and they no longer let the owners enter the clinic at all. It's just like the ER was. As for how it has affected the staff, they have split the staff into two teams, with one working M/T/W and the other working Th/F/S, to minimize how many employees each person is exposed to. This has resulted in a reduction of hours.
Sadly, my dog has cancer. He has twice seen an oncologist who I have not met face to face. He will need radiation treatment. There are 3 places offering it in Texas, but, my top choice, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, is not accepting new clients during the pandemic. So, I will be going to my second choice. The initial consult will be over the phone ( a one-hour appointment), with treatment visits done through curb-side check-in.
I am grateful these practices are open, and, that I am able to get care for my dog. I truly wish I could meet the people face to face, but, I understand why this is not possible. I think the practices have done an excellent job of adapting to the changes. Cleanliness is always important in a vet hospital. It's just now they need to worry about human diseases, not just animal ones, so they need to wipe down counter tops, pens, etc. I think the fact that they are already trained in the general concept of infectious disease control makes it easier for them to adapt.
I would encourage you to do well academically, esp. science and math. Try to get some experience with animals, perhaps volunteering at a shelter or working at a doggy day care/boarding facility. Develop strong people skills (such as from working customer service jobs). So much of what you will have to do will be explaining to people that their animal is sick, and what options are available. Sadly, you will encounter people who decide to euthanize, rather than treat, and you will need to be able to deal with their decision.
Also, on a final note, please, when you become a vet, encourage your clients to get pet insurance. It doesn't cost a lot. Veterinary services are a lot more expensive than they used to be. I have a policy on my dog, and it is not nearly enough.
Thank you for wanting to help care for animals! I wish you the best of luck in your studies!
I'd like to address the second part of your question. I had to take my dog to the ER recently. They had me walk him in the front door, put him inside of a kennel, and go back to my car. I never met the doctor. She called me on the phone. They also checked me out over the phone, and, emailed me the receipt. Thankfully, they were kind enough to let me use the restroom, as it was a long wait!
I had a follow-up appointment with my regular vet. They didn't have strict protocols in place at the time, so, I was able to go in. They were limiting the number of people in the lobby, and doing better cleaning. I was actually very concerned for the staff! There have been other appointments since, and they no longer let the owners enter the clinic at all. It's just like the ER was. As for how it has affected the staff, they have split the staff into two teams, with one working M/T/W and the other working Th/F/S, to minimize how many employees each person is exposed to. This has resulted in a reduction of hours.
Sadly, my dog has cancer. He has twice seen an oncologist who I have not met face to face. He will need radiation treatment. There are 3 places offering it in Texas, but, my top choice, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, is not accepting new clients during the pandemic. So, I will be going to my second choice. The initial consult will be over the phone ( a one-hour appointment), with treatment visits done through curb-side check-in.
I am grateful these practices are open, and, that I am able to get care for my dog. I truly wish I could meet the people face to face, but, I understand why this is not possible. I think the practices have done an excellent job of adapting to the changes. Cleanliness is always important in a vet hospital. It's just now they need to worry about human diseases, not just animal ones, so they need to wipe down counter tops, pens, etc. I think the fact that they are already trained in the general concept of infectious disease control makes it easier for them to adapt.
I would encourage you to do well academically, esp. science and math. Try to get some experience with animals, perhaps volunteering at a shelter or working at a doggy day care/boarding facility. Develop strong people skills (such as from working customer service jobs). So much of what you will have to do will be explaining to people that their animal is sick, and what options are available. Sadly, you will encounter people who decide to euthanize, rather than treat, and you will need to be able to deal with their decision.
Also, on a final note, please, when you become a vet, encourage your clients to get pet insurance. It doesn't cost a lot. Veterinary services are a lot more expensive than they used to be. I have a policy on my dog, and it is not nearly enough.
Thank you for wanting to help care for animals! I wish you the best of luck in your studies!
This is an excellent answer Kim,
Your experience as a vet client and a pet parent illustrates well how veterinary clinics have adapted to the physical distancing and mitigation recommended during this pandemic.
Tania Hunt
Todd Phillips
Retired veterinarian
42
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Todd’s Answer
Hi Samuel, I think the folks that have answered already have given good info especially for the second question. The only qualification I would put on the answers to the second question is that everything is changing very quickly so stay tuned.
As to the first question, I would add two things. Since you are in California, it will usually be better (lower tuition +/- other factors) for you to go to vet school " in state" vs out of CA. Contact the vet schools in CA, office of admissions, and ask for as much info as they can give you about preparing for, applying to, and being successful in vet school. I would try to find someone at each school that does pre admission counseling, and may be able to help you with specific questions you have vs just looking at the website. Finding a recent graduate working in your area that you could visit with may also be very helpful.
Here is the info for the schools in CA: https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/admissions/application-process-timeline
https://prospective.westernu.edu/veterinary/dvm/
The other thing I would answer in regard to your first question is not as much fun, but very important. You should carefully consider your return on investment you will receive from a DVM degree. Unfortunately, the cost of education has increased enormously over the years, while the average salary of a veterinarian has not increased relative to that cost. This has resulted in large student debt that can take years or decades to pay off. This can result in delaying such things as buying a car or house, getting married, having children, or starting a business/clinic.
While I would never tell someone not to pursue their dreams, I would want them to know as much as possible exactly what will be required to fulfill that dream. My point is to be as informed as possible about the possibility of undergraduate/vet school debt, and make a plan about how to address it going in rather than after graduation.
Follow the suggestions of the other answers, contact the vet schools in CA, ask a bunch of questions, then ask more questions, be flexible, and be persistent. It took me two tries to get into vet school, and it was very difficult, but also very rewarding. Good luck.
As to the first question, I would add two things. Since you are in California, it will usually be better (lower tuition +/- other factors) for you to go to vet school " in state" vs out of CA. Contact the vet schools in CA, office of admissions, and ask for as much info as they can give you about preparing for, applying to, and being successful in vet school. I would try to find someone at each school that does pre admission counseling, and may be able to help you with specific questions you have vs just looking at the website. Finding a recent graduate working in your area that you could visit with may also be very helpful.
Here is the info for the schools in CA: https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/admissions/application-process-timeline
https://prospective.westernu.edu/veterinary/dvm/
The other thing I would answer in regard to your first question is not as much fun, but very important. You should carefully consider your return on investment you will receive from a DVM degree. Unfortunately, the cost of education has increased enormously over the years, while the average salary of a veterinarian has not increased relative to that cost. This has resulted in large student debt that can take years or decades to pay off. This can result in delaying such things as buying a car or house, getting married, having children, or starting a business/clinic.
While I would never tell someone not to pursue their dreams, I would want them to know as much as possible exactly what will be required to fulfill that dream. My point is to be as informed as possible about the possibility of undergraduate/vet school debt, and make a plan about how to address it going in rather than after graduation.
Todd recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Samuel,
To become a veterinarian, follow these steps:
High School Education: Focus on science and math courses, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Maintain a strong academic performance and participate in extracurricular activities related to animals, like volunteering at a local animal shelter or participating in a 4-H club.
Undergraduate Studies: Pursue a Bachelor’s degree in biological science, such as zoology, biology, or animal science. This will provide a strong foundation in the sciences and may include prerequisite courses for veterinary school.
Gain Experience: Work or volunteer in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or research facilities to gain hands-on experience with animals and understand the daily responsibilities of a veterinarian.
Prepare for and Take the Veterinary College Admissions Test (VCAT): This standardized test is required for admission to most veterinary schools in the United States.
Apply to Veterinary School: Research and apply to accredited veterinary schools, ensuring you meet their specific requirements, such as GPA and test scores.
Complete Veterinary School: A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or a Veterinary Medicine (VM) degree typically takes four years to complete. The curriculum includes courses in animal anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical training.
Internship or Residency: After graduation, complete a one-year veterinary internship or residency program in a specific area of interest, such as small animal practice, large animal practice, or exotic animal care.
Licensure and Certification: Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to become a licensed veterinarian. Some states may have additional requirements, so check with your state’s veterinary board.
Continuing Education: Stay updated on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine by attending conferences, workshops, and completing continuing education courses.
Regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on veterinary clinics and hospitals:
Changes in Operations: Many veterinary clinics and hospitals implemented new protocols to minimize the risk of virus transmission, such as social distancing, increased sanitation, and curbside services for appointments.
Staffing Challenges: Some veterinary professionals may have been affected by COVID-19, leading to staffing shortages in some clinics.
Changes in Pet Ownership: Due to lockdowns and remote work, there has been an increase in pet adoptions and purchases, leading to higher demand for veterinary services.
Financial Impact: While there has been an increase in demand for veterinary services, some clinics may have experienced financial challenges due to reduced elective procedures and increased costs related to implementing new safety protocols.
Research and Education: The pandemic has also affected veterinary research and education, with some in-person activities being postponed or shifted to virtual platforms.
One Health Approach: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the “One Health” approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This has led to increased focus on zoonotic diseases and the role veterinarians play in public health.
GOD BLESS!
James.
To become a veterinarian, follow these steps:
High School Education: Focus on science and math courses, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Maintain a strong academic performance and participate in extracurricular activities related to animals, like volunteering at a local animal shelter or participating in a 4-H club.
Undergraduate Studies: Pursue a Bachelor’s degree in biological science, such as zoology, biology, or animal science. This will provide a strong foundation in the sciences and may include prerequisite courses for veterinary school.
Gain Experience: Work or volunteer in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or research facilities to gain hands-on experience with animals and understand the daily responsibilities of a veterinarian.
Prepare for and Take the Veterinary College Admissions Test (VCAT): This standardized test is required for admission to most veterinary schools in the United States.
Apply to Veterinary School: Research and apply to accredited veterinary schools, ensuring you meet their specific requirements, such as GPA and test scores.
Complete Veterinary School: A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or a Veterinary Medicine (VM) degree typically takes four years to complete. The curriculum includes courses in animal anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical training.
Internship or Residency: After graduation, complete a one-year veterinary internship or residency program in a specific area of interest, such as small animal practice, large animal practice, or exotic animal care.
Licensure and Certification: Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to become a licensed veterinarian. Some states may have additional requirements, so check with your state’s veterinary board.
Continuing Education: Stay updated on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine by attending conferences, workshops, and completing continuing education courses.
Regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on veterinary clinics and hospitals:
Changes in Operations: Many veterinary clinics and hospitals implemented new protocols to minimize the risk of virus transmission, such as social distancing, increased sanitation, and curbside services for appointments.
Staffing Challenges: Some veterinary professionals may have been affected by COVID-19, leading to staffing shortages in some clinics.
Changes in Pet Ownership: Due to lockdowns and remote work, there has been an increase in pet adoptions and purchases, leading to higher demand for veterinary services.
Financial Impact: While there has been an increase in demand for veterinary services, some clinics may have experienced financial challenges due to reduced elective procedures and increased costs related to implementing new safety protocols.
Research and Education: The pandemic has also affected veterinary research and education, with some in-person activities being postponed or shifted to virtual platforms.
One Health Approach: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the “One Health” approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This has led to increased focus on zoonotic diseases and the role veterinarians play in public health.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Tania Hunt
Veterinarian
25
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Tania’s Answer
To your first question:
As a sophomore in HS, this is a great time to get your start in preparing for veterinary school. As a high schooler, the thing you can do NOW are:
1) make sure you are getting a good foundation in the sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) and make sure you keep you grade up so that you can get into the college or university of your choice. Getting a good undergraduate education is essential to get into Veterinary Medical School (which is graduate school and after your undergrad education.)
2) Find opportunities to work with animals-- volunteering at a shelter, zoo, wildlife rescue, or horse stable. If you live in a part of the state/country you can get involved in 4H or FFA. Most of the opportunities that will be available to you now, have to do with husbandry or the take of animals. You can certainly reach out to a veterinary clinic to see if you can volunteer, but many clinics don't hire workers or volunteers until they are 18 yrs old.
3) Ask for advice. If you can find people in the field whom you can ask questions. Do any of your animals visit the family vet? Ask them about their experience... what they like about their career; what are the challenges? Explore other careers that work with animals. You can help animals without being a vet. You could be a vet tech, a zookeeper, work at a dog/cat rescue organization, animal trainer, be a researcher, work in Fish and Game. Your high school and undergrad years are the time to learn as much as you can about your future career. (You don't want to dedicate 10 years of school only to find out you actually don't like doing what you've chosen).
Start planning for the undergrad years:
1) Consider your major. Obtaining a bachelor's of science will be the most help, especially in biology, zoology, or animal science. But I know many a vet who majored in other things (like English). You will need to complete the prerequisites for vet school. Also, you do not have to do your undergraduate degree at the same school you will eventually do your veterinary school degree. Again, maintain a high GPA; to be competitive with the thousands of other students applying to vet school you need to have an excellent GPA (3.5 and above).
2) Continue to volunteer, do animal-based internships or research, or work at a veterinary clinic. Even in undergrad, you will still need to accumulate experience in the field. Make strong connections and relationships with your professors, and mentors in the field. You will need to have people who can write you strong letters of recommendation.
3) Research the veterinary school you might want to go to. There are about 32 in North America and a few in the UK and Australia & New Zealand. Consider location, a special program that school may have, and cost.
As far as your second question:
Kim's answer illustrates many of the step vet clinics have taken. The clinics I work at here in California all have some version of triage or drop-off from the parking lot. Some general practices are now only seeing emergency cases. Those general practices that are still seeing appointments, few are doing elective procedures like dental cleanings or spay/neuter surgeries or knee surgeries. Vets that have established relationships with their clients are also offering telehealth consultations ie. using apps like zoom, Skype, etc to video call with the clients.
Check out this video from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): https://youtu.be/3mglX7PCoaI
Look for web-resources on vet school: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/careers/veterinary-school-admission-101, and https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/admissions/so-you-want-be-veterinarian
https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/colleges-accredited-200109.pdf
As a sophomore in HS, this is a great time to get your start in preparing for veterinary school. As a high schooler, the thing you can do NOW are:
1) make sure you are getting a good foundation in the sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) and make sure you keep you grade up so that you can get into the college or university of your choice. Getting a good undergraduate education is essential to get into Veterinary Medical School (which is graduate school and after your undergrad education.)
2) Find opportunities to work with animals-- volunteering at a shelter, zoo, wildlife rescue, or horse stable. If you live in a part of the state/country you can get involved in 4H or FFA. Most of the opportunities that will be available to you now, have to do with husbandry or the take of animals. You can certainly reach out to a veterinary clinic to see if you can volunteer, but many clinics don't hire workers or volunteers until they are 18 yrs old.
3) Ask for advice. If you can find people in the field whom you can ask questions. Do any of your animals visit the family vet? Ask them about their experience... what they like about their career; what are the challenges? Explore other careers that work with animals. You can help animals without being a vet. You could be a vet tech, a zookeeper, work at a dog/cat rescue organization, animal trainer, be a researcher, work in Fish and Game. Your high school and undergrad years are the time to learn as much as you can about your future career. (You don't want to dedicate 10 years of school only to find out you actually don't like doing what you've chosen).
Start planning for the undergrad years:
1) Consider your major. Obtaining a bachelor's of science will be the most help, especially in biology, zoology, or animal science. But I know many a vet who majored in other things (like English). You will need to complete the prerequisites for vet school. Also, you do not have to do your undergraduate degree at the same school you will eventually do your veterinary school degree. Again, maintain a high GPA; to be competitive with the thousands of other students applying to vet school you need to have an excellent GPA (3.5 and above).
2) Continue to volunteer, do animal-based internships or research, or work at a veterinary clinic. Even in undergrad, you will still need to accumulate experience in the field. Make strong connections and relationships with your professors, and mentors in the field. You will need to have people who can write you strong letters of recommendation.
3) Research the veterinary school you might want to go to. There are about 32 in North America and a few in the UK and Australia & New Zealand. Consider location, a special program that school may have, and cost.
As far as your second question:
Kim's answer illustrates many of the step vet clinics have taken. The clinics I work at here in California all have some version of triage or drop-off from the parking lot. Some general practices are now only seeing emergency cases. Those general practices that are still seeing appointments, few are doing elective procedures like dental cleanings or spay/neuter surgeries or knee surgeries. Vets that have established relationships with their clients are also offering telehealth consultations ie. using apps like zoom, Skype, etc to video call with the clients.
Tania recommends the following next steps: