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What process would I have to go through to become a marine biologist that can also help animals that are hurt/in need??
One of the options I would pick for a job is a marine biologist, but I also want to be a vet so I can help save animals In need. Would I have to major in 2 things for this?
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Sherrie’s Answer
Hi Sofia, I am glad that you are interested in marine biology and veterinary science.
1. For now see if there's a local organization in your hometown where you can do a paid or unpaid internship in marine biology or veterinary science. This could be a university research lab, zoo, aquarium, pet store or other non-profit agency that takes care of/rescues animals. Many universities offer summer research opportunities for high school students. Check with your high school guidance councelor to see if that's an option for you.
2. If you are able to start taking a few college courses in marine biology or medical technology that will be helpful.
3. Start looking around for universities that have marine biology programs and reach out to their Admissions Dept. to find out what you'll need to do to meet their entrance requirement. Also look to see if there's a professor who's doing work in an area that might be interesting for you. A lot of professors hire or mentor undergraduate students so you can get some lab/research experience.
4. While you're in college try to do summer field work in marine biology or vet science, or try to get a job--possibly at one of the places where you might have been volunteering already.
5. Reach out to local agencies like the USDA to see if they have an internship program that might help you with a job and/or scholarship for vet school. Even if you aren't able to attend vet school right away, try to work in a related field.
Good luck!
1. For now see if there's a local organization in your hometown where you can do a paid or unpaid internship in marine biology or veterinary science. This could be a university research lab, zoo, aquarium, pet store or other non-profit agency that takes care of/rescues animals. Many universities offer summer research opportunities for high school students. Check with your high school guidance councelor to see if that's an option for you.
2. If you are able to start taking a few college courses in marine biology or medical technology that will be helpful.
3. Start looking around for universities that have marine biology programs and reach out to their Admissions Dept. to find out what you'll need to do to meet their entrance requirement. Also look to see if there's a professor who's doing work in an area that might be interesting for you. A lot of professors hire or mentor undergraduate students so you can get some lab/research experience.
4. While you're in college try to do summer field work in marine biology or vet science, or try to get a job--possibly at one of the places where you might have been volunteering already.
5. Reach out to local agencies like the USDA to see if they have an internship program that might help you with a job and/or scholarship for vet school. Even if you aren't able to attend vet school right away, try to work in a related field.
Good luck!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Sofia
Updated
Briana’s Answer
Hi, Sofia,
It's great that you have an idea of what you'd like your future career to be. Though they both involve anomals, marine biology and being a veterinarian are two very different careers with different education and training requirements.
A marine biologist is a more research-based/academic job. You will need to complete high school and at least a 4-year Bachelor's degree at a university. I would recommend majoring in zoology, biology, or biochemistry. From there, you can work in biology research labs as a research assistant, an animal care technician in a lab, as a zoo/aquarium keeper, or as a wildlife animal rehaber. If you would like to be a primary investigator running your own marine biology research (instead of an assistant), you'll need further education to get a Masters degree (at least 2 years) or, preferably, a PhD (4+ years).
To become a vetrinarian, you will need to complete high school, a 4-year Bachelor's degree at a university, and a professional medical degree from veterinary school (at least 3 years), pass a liscensure exam, get a state(s) liscense, and undergo specialist clinical training. I would recommend majoring in zoology, biology, or biochemistry before applying for veterinary school. After veterinary school, you can choose to specialize in marine veterinary practice.
Another option you may want to consider is becoming a veterinary technician, which requires only an associates degree (2 year) or a certification program.
As you can see, both of these have the same general starting point when it comes to your Bachelor's degree, but I'd recommend speaking to a college career counselor to determine what path works best for you.
It's great that you have an idea of what you'd like your future career to be. Though they both involve anomals, marine biology and being a veterinarian are two very different careers with different education and training requirements.
A marine biologist is a more research-based/academic job. You will need to complete high school and at least a 4-year Bachelor's degree at a university. I would recommend majoring in zoology, biology, or biochemistry. From there, you can work in biology research labs as a research assistant, an animal care technician in a lab, as a zoo/aquarium keeper, or as a wildlife animal rehaber. If you would like to be a primary investigator running your own marine biology research (instead of an assistant), you'll need further education to get a Masters degree (at least 2 years) or, preferably, a PhD (4+ years).
To become a vetrinarian, you will need to complete high school, a 4-year Bachelor's degree at a university, and a professional medical degree from veterinary school (at least 3 years), pass a liscensure exam, get a state(s) liscense, and undergo specialist clinical training. I would recommend majoring in zoology, biology, or biochemistry before applying for veterinary school. After veterinary school, you can choose to specialize in marine veterinary practice.
Another option you may want to consider is becoming a veterinary technician, which requires only an associates degree (2 year) or a certification program.
As you can see, both of these have the same general starting point when it comes to your Bachelor's degree, but I'd recommend speaking to a college career counselor to determine what path works best for you.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Sofia