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how is schooling as a vet?

What is schooling like? is it rigorous? relaxed? somewhere in the middle?
#vet #veterinarian

Thank you comment icon I did some searching and found a good site with a lot of info: https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Education_Requirements_to_Be_a_Veterinarian.html#:~:text=1%20Veterinarian%20Requirements.%20Veterinarians%20are%20required%20to%20complete,Examination.%204%20Important%20Facts%20About%20a%20Veterinarian%20Career Dr. James Zavala

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Michelle L.’s Answer

It is very rigorous. 3-4 years of undergrad to fulfill all your pre-requisite classes. 4 years of vet school which is still a very competitive applicant pool. Those 4 years in vet school, your life IS school. You have to really enjoy it and know it's right for you to get through. Plus the starting salaries for vets don't come close to helping cover the costs of the education... although that is changing thankfully!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Michelle L.! lisa
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Kelly’s Answer

I think the previous response was pretty complete from the stand point of the requirements to get into veterinarian school and laying out the time required, and equating it to medical school. From a personal experience....going through the veterinary education system was the most difficult and rigorous of my educational career, and unless someone was granting world peace, I would never relive it again. However, I love my profession and being a veterinarian is tremendously rewarding. I look back at veterinary school as one humongous hurdle/barrier to achieve being a member of overall an excellent profession.
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Melissa’s Answer

Vet school is a tremendous undertaking.....getting accepted can be the best day of your life because it is so highly competitive and you've worked extremely hard to get there. Once you start vet school, the study volume is overwhelming and every time I felt like my program couldn't push harder, it did ten-fold. It is important to have a strong support network of family, friends, or whomever that is for you. The trials of vet school are a means to an end, as great joy can be found on the other side of graduation. If you are highly self-driven and passionate about vet med being your path in life, then it is very possible to be successful.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. lisa
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Desiree’s Answer

In the US veterinarian school is akin to medical school - you need a 4 year bachelor's degree (typically in biology or chemistry) then an advance degree from a veterinary medical school ("DVM"), which typically takes another 4 years. Vet with additional specialities may undertake additional schooling, too. Most vets are required to do internships and residencies, too. You can look up the requirements for the state you wish to practice. Science majors are typically not "relaxed" - they require class room lectures and labs, so there is more classroom time than other majors. However, it all depends on your abilities and interests - if you love science and are passionate, the time may fly and it might seem easier than if your struggle in this area. As a general rule, 8 years+ of study is not an easy path and requires a commitment to your studies.

You can research this online generally (https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/how-to-apply-to-veterinary-school-and-become-a-veterinarian) or visit the website of a veterinary school (e.g., https://www.vet.cornell.edu/education/doctor-veterinary-medicine/admissions).

Desiree recommends the following next steps:

Review the materials for high school students considering veterinary medicine here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/education/doctor-veterinary-medicine/prospective-students/high-school-students
Research vet school requirements on-line.
Talk to vets in your area -- if you have a pet, go to their next exam and talk to the vet. With your parent's permission, ask if you can have a career discussion with them .
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