Should students interested in becoming a veterinarian first become a Vet. Tech.?
I am wondering if I should become a Vet. Tech. first so I can have a source of income and experience in the field. #veterinary #veterinary-technician
3 answers
Courtney’s Answer
No. Focus taking classes that apply towards your veterinary degree so that you don't slow down your degree progress. Instead, you should consider doing an internship at a vet clinic so that you can get the experience.
Todd’s Answer
Some do, and this is certainly a good way to get experience. Others concentrate on academics and going directly to vet school. To become a registered or certified vet tech will take several months if not years of study, and some of these courses may not apply to admission to vet school or an undergraduate degree. You can work for a veterinarian as an assistant (ie tech) but certification or registration requires formal training and then an exam. It varies from state to state and title to title.
Todd recommends the following next steps:
Deepthi’s Answer
Definitely volunteer at an animal hospital for a few weeks and get an idea if this is what you really want to do. This is a great job that can be very mentally and physically demanding. Goodluck!