2 answers
2 answers
Updated
karen’s Answer
Wow Tre, I am super impressed that you are asking this question and you are only in 4th grade!
I am a veterinarian and I knew I wanted to be one when I was 5 yr. old, but I didn't ask your question until much later so you are smart and if you keep asking these type of quetions - you will do great!
Things to do now are: Learn as much as you can about animals. Check out library books, read magazines, watch tv programs, spend time at the zoo, ask people for animal stuff for birthday and christmas gifts - let the world know of your intention and people will help you get there!
I also suggest this - make friends with a veterinarian in your area. They are busy and not everyone will have time to help, but if you can find one person who is willing to give you a little time and a little advice, that might become a life time friendship and that person can help you know where to direct your energy.
Also - decide exactly what it is about veterinary medicine that excites you. Its ok if you don't know right now, and it might change many times (after all you are only around 10), but knowing what you like and maybe deciding what you want to do in veterinary medicine will help you narrow down your interest so that you get REALLY GOOD at that one thing and that my friend will open many other doors.
For example - say you decide you want to be a Doctor for Dogs who just works on the Brain - that is a branch of medicine called : NEUROLOGY. Now, if you know you love neurology that is where you start - read as much as you can about the brain, people and animals (all the same really ! ) and you will soon be an expert for your age level on that topic.
In time people (even adults) will come to you with questions about the brain and you will continue to get better - by the time you are ready to apply to veterinary school ... you will impress your interviewers and you will be heading towards a career in VETERINARY NEUROLOGY that will be stellar and for which you will offer the field much value in your career.
The bottom line:
1. BE A GREAT STUDENT ! get good grades and pay attention to math and science.
2. DECIDE WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT IT - and learn alot about that topic.
3. Get jobs at local vet clinics when you are old enough (typically 16).
4. Find a vet to mentor you and be your friend.
5. Get into a good college and study Science, BIOLOGY, Animal Science or any number of things but GET GOOD GRADES and get an undergraduate degree.
6. apply to VET SCHOOLS (apply to any you think you might like to attend but pay attention to the one in your state if they have one - that is your best bet and least expensive).
7. once in vet school - SPECIALIZE! (Its the best way to make the most impact).
See : https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/yourvet/veterinarians-protecting-health-animals-and-people
I am a veterinarian and I knew I wanted to be one when I was 5 yr. old, but I didn't ask your question until much later so you are smart and if you keep asking these type of quetions - you will do great!
Things to do now are: Learn as much as you can about animals. Check out library books, read magazines, watch tv programs, spend time at the zoo, ask people for animal stuff for birthday and christmas gifts - let the world know of your intention and people will help you get there!
I also suggest this - make friends with a veterinarian in your area. They are busy and not everyone will have time to help, but if you can find one person who is willing to give you a little time and a little advice, that might become a life time friendship and that person can help you know where to direct your energy.
Also - decide exactly what it is about veterinary medicine that excites you. Its ok if you don't know right now, and it might change many times (after all you are only around 10), but knowing what you like and maybe deciding what you want to do in veterinary medicine will help you narrow down your interest so that you get REALLY GOOD at that one thing and that my friend will open many other doors.
For example - say you decide you want to be a Doctor for Dogs who just works on the Brain - that is a branch of medicine called : NEUROLOGY. Now, if you know you love neurology that is where you start - read as much as you can about the brain, people and animals (all the same really ! ) and you will soon be an expert for your age level on that topic.
In time people (even adults) will come to you with questions about the brain and you will continue to get better - by the time you are ready to apply to veterinary school ... you will impress your interviewers and you will be heading towards a career in VETERINARY NEUROLOGY that will be stellar and for which you will offer the field much value in your career.
The bottom line:
1. BE A GREAT STUDENT ! get good grades and pay attention to math and science.
2. DECIDE WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT IT - and learn alot about that topic.
3. Get jobs at local vet clinics when you are old enough (typically 16).
4. Find a vet to mentor you and be your friend.
5. Get into a good college and study Science, BIOLOGY, Animal Science or any number of things but GET GOOD GRADES and get an undergraduate degree.
6. apply to VET SCHOOLS (apply to any you think you might like to attend but pay attention to the one in your state if they have one - that is your best bet and least expensive).
7. once in vet school - SPECIALIZE! (Its the best way to make the most impact).
See : https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/yourvet/veterinarians-protecting-health-animals-and-people