6 answers
Sharyck
Student
Osceola, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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How can i begin my journey to become a veterinarian?
how early can i begin my journey to try and achieve my goals to be a veterinarian. Whats the fastest i can try to start so that i can join the field im into, sooner?
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6 answers
Elo Akhimien
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Elo’s Answer
Hi Sharyck, it is great to hear you are on the path to becoming a veterinarian. After graduating from high school, the next step would be to earn an undergraduate degree with pre-health prerequisites (general biology, general chemistry, physics, organic chemistry..etc.). Durring your junior year of college you will need to complete your GRE or MCAT. Depending on the veterinarian school you are applying to you will need to complete one of these entrance exams. Please make sure you do your research since some school may have different prerequisites. Once you matriculate and graduate from Veterinarian school then you will take your state or national licensing exam to become a licensed veterinarian. I wish you all the best in your journey!
Jill Barrientos
13
Answers
Updated
Jill’s Answer
"Embarking on your path to becoming a veterinarian requires a hands-on, real-world approach. Start by connecting with your local veterinarian to gain invaluable, practical experience. Here's a simple guide to help you navigate this journey, even as a high school student with no prior experience:
1. **Make a Clinic Visit:** Start by touring your local veterinary clinic. Get acquainted with how the clinic operates, the tools they use, and the everyday responsibilities of a vet.
2. **Show Your Passion:** Share your enthusiasm for veterinary medicine with the vets and their team. As a high school student keen to learn, your passion might just open new doors.
3. **Request to Shadow:** Politely ask if you could shadow them during their work hours. This will give you a chance to observe a variety of procedures, consultations, and surgeries.
4. **Offer to Volunteer:** Propose to volunteer at the clinic. You may not be conducting veterinary procedures, but assisting with tasks like cleaning, organizing, or doing administrative work shows your dedication and eagerness to learn.
5. **Engage with Technicians and Nurses:** While shadowing or volunteering, interact with veterinary technicians and nurses. They are often rich sources of knowledge and can simplify procedures and answer questions in a way that's easy to understand.
6. **Use Online Resources:** If in-person opportunities are hard to come by, turn to the internet. There are plenty of webinars, courses, and forums where you can learn more about the field and network with other aspiring vets.
7. **Participate in Workshops and Camps:** Seek out local or regional veterinary workshops, camps, or events aimed at high school students. These can offer structured learning experiences and opportunities to meet others in the field.
8. **Become a Club Member:** Many high schools have pre-veterinary or science clubs. Joining can help you find others who share your interests and might even lead to group visits to veterinary clinics.
Remember, persistence and dedication are the keys to a successful career in veterinary medicine. The experiences you gather now will shape your future career. By following these steps, you're not just expanding your knowledge, but also showing your commitment to the veterinary field."
1. **Make a Clinic Visit:** Start by touring your local veterinary clinic. Get acquainted with how the clinic operates, the tools they use, and the everyday responsibilities of a vet.
2. **Show Your Passion:** Share your enthusiasm for veterinary medicine with the vets and their team. As a high school student keen to learn, your passion might just open new doors.
3. **Request to Shadow:** Politely ask if you could shadow them during their work hours. This will give you a chance to observe a variety of procedures, consultations, and surgeries.
4. **Offer to Volunteer:** Propose to volunteer at the clinic. You may not be conducting veterinary procedures, but assisting with tasks like cleaning, organizing, or doing administrative work shows your dedication and eagerness to learn.
5. **Engage with Technicians and Nurses:** While shadowing or volunteering, interact with veterinary technicians and nurses. They are often rich sources of knowledge and can simplify procedures and answer questions in a way that's easy to understand.
6. **Use Online Resources:** If in-person opportunities are hard to come by, turn to the internet. There are plenty of webinars, courses, and forums where you can learn more about the field and network with other aspiring vets.
7. **Participate in Workshops and Camps:** Seek out local or regional veterinary workshops, camps, or events aimed at high school students. These can offer structured learning experiences and opportunities to meet others in the field.
8. **Become a Club Member:** Many high schools have pre-veterinary or science clubs. Joining can help you find others who share your interests and might even lead to group visits to veterinary clinics.
Remember, persistence and dedication are the keys to a successful career in veterinary medicine. The experiences you gather now will shape your future career. By following these steps, you're not just expanding your knowledge, but also showing your commitment to the veterinary field."
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Sharyck!
Embarking on the journey to become a vet is no small feat! It takes a hefty dose of education and hands-on experience, but with the right mindset and a solid plan, you can start your adventure towards this fulfilling profession. The sooner you start, the better, but remember, there are key steps and requirements to hit along the way.
1. High School Prep:
Kickstart your vet journey right from high school! Concentrate on getting a good grip on science and math subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and math. These will give you the groundwork you need for your future vet studies. Plus, joining clubs related to animals or volunteering at local animal shelters can show your love and dedication for the field.
2. College Education:
Once you've got your high school diploma, it's time to chase a bachelor's degree in a related field. There's no specific major you need to get into vet school, but many students opt for biology, animal science, or something similar. During your college years, aim for a high GPA and make sure to take the courses vet schools require. These usually include biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English.
3. Getting into Vet School:
To get your foot in the door of a vet school, you'll need to finish the necessary prerequisites and meet the admission requirements of the school you're applying to. Vet schools usually ask for your college transcripts, recommendation letters, and your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Some might also want extra application materials like personal statements or interviews.
4. Vet School:
Once you're in vet school, get ready for an intense four-year program that mixes classroom learning with real-world clinical experience. You'll learn all about animal health, from anatomy and physiology to pharmacology, pathology, and surgery. The first half of the program focuses on basic sciences, while the second half lets you get hands-on experience with various animal species.
5. Getting Licensed and Specializing:
After vet school, you'll need to get a license to practice. This usually means passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or a similar exam in your state. Once you're licensed, you can choose to specialize in areas like small animal medicine or surgery, exotic animal medicine, or public health through internships, residencies, or advanced degree programs.
Remember, the timeline to become a vet can change based on your personal situation and the country you want to practice in. Generally, the whole process from high school to getting your vet license takes about 8-10 years.
To speed up your journey, stay focused and dedicated throughout your education. Keep your GPA high, look for opportunities to work with animals, and network with professionals in the field. Also, applying to vet schools early can help you get a spot in a program that fits your goals.
Top 3 Trustworthy Reference Publications or Websites:
1. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - www.avma.org
2. Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) - www.aavmc.org
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
Embarking on the journey to become a vet is no small feat! It takes a hefty dose of education and hands-on experience, but with the right mindset and a solid plan, you can start your adventure towards this fulfilling profession. The sooner you start, the better, but remember, there are key steps and requirements to hit along the way.
1. High School Prep:
Kickstart your vet journey right from high school! Concentrate on getting a good grip on science and math subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and math. These will give you the groundwork you need for your future vet studies. Plus, joining clubs related to animals or volunteering at local animal shelters can show your love and dedication for the field.
2. College Education:
Once you've got your high school diploma, it's time to chase a bachelor's degree in a related field. There's no specific major you need to get into vet school, but many students opt for biology, animal science, or something similar. During your college years, aim for a high GPA and make sure to take the courses vet schools require. These usually include biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English.
3. Getting into Vet School:
To get your foot in the door of a vet school, you'll need to finish the necessary prerequisites and meet the admission requirements of the school you're applying to. Vet schools usually ask for your college transcripts, recommendation letters, and your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Some might also want extra application materials like personal statements or interviews.
4. Vet School:
Once you're in vet school, get ready for an intense four-year program that mixes classroom learning with real-world clinical experience. You'll learn all about animal health, from anatomy and physiology to pharmacology, pathology, and surgery. The first half of the program focuses on basic sciences, while the second half lets you get hands-on experience with various animal species.
5. Getting Licensed and Specializing:
After vet school, you'll need to get a license to practice. This usually means passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or a similar exam in your state. Once you're licensed, you can choose to specialize in areas like small animal medicine or surgery, exotic animal medicine, or public health through internships, residencies, or advanced degree programs.
Remember, the timeline to become a vet can change based on your personal situation and the country you want to practice in. Generally, the whole process from high school to getting your vet license takes about 8-10 years.
To speed up your journey, stay focused and dedicated throughout your education. Keep your GPA high, look for opportunities to work with animals, and network with professionals in the field. Also, applying to vet schools early can help you get a spot in a program that fits your goals.
Top 3 Trustworthy Reference Publications or Websites:
1. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - www.avma.org
2. Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) - www.aavmc.org
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Kenitra, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
Embarking on the journey to become a veterinarian requires a strategic and early start. Aspiring veterinarians can begin laying the groundwork in high school by focusing on a strong foundation in science and biology courses. Volunteering or working part-time at local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or farms provides invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to the field. Networking with veterinarians and seeking mentorship opportunities allows for guidance and insights into the profession. To accelerate entry into the field, aspiring veterinarians can explore accelerated undergraduate programs that seamlessly transition into veterinary school. These programs often integrate relevant coursework and streamline the application process. Additionally, maintaining a high GPA, participating in extracurricular activities, and preparing for the required standardized tests contribute to a competitive veterinary school application. Early and intentional steps, coupled with a genuine passion for animal care, set the foundation for a successful and expedited journey toward achieving the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Working as a veterinarian is a rewarding career that combines a love for animals with the fascinating world of science. If you're passionate about animals and have a keen interest in science, becoming a veterinarian could be an exciting career path for you. Understanding the necessary skills, education, and experiences required to become a vet can help you decide if this profession aligns with your career goals and personal interests.
A veterinarian, often referred to as a vet, is essentially a doctor for animals. They provide medical care, from preventative measures to treatments for illnesses, for both domestic and wild animals. The specific duties of a vet can vary depending on their specialty, but generally, they are responsible for:
- Diagnosing illnesses
- Providing treatments
- Addressing traumas
- Prescribing medications
- Performing surgeries
- Interpreting test results
- Educating pet owners and caregivers
- Creating diets and feeding schedules
- Monitoring behavior
- Administering vaccines
Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a veterinarian:
1. Start Preparing in High School
Your journey to becoming a vet can start as early as high school. Focus on subjects like math, English, and lab sciences to prepare for college. You could also consider electives like animal science or related courses. Advanced placement courses can sometimes be converted into college credits. Aim for high grades to maintain a good GPA. Most colleges require at least a 3.0 GPA and high scores on SAT or ACT exams.
2. Choose the Right College
Look for a college or university that offers programs in physical and biological science, as these are typically required for vets. Consider schools with options in chemistry, biology, zoology, physiology, microbiology, or anatomy.
3. Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Once you've chosen a college, complete a bachelor's degree. While some veterinary schools may accept students without a bachelor's degree, having one can provide a solid foundation of knowledge. Consider majoring in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or animal science.
4. Apply for Veterinary School
There are only 30 veterinary schools in the United States, making admission competitive. A bachelor's degree can increase your chances of acceptance. Most schools require scores from a standardized test like the GRE. The Association of American Veterinary Colleges provides admission requirements and other information for member schools in the United States.
5. Complete Veterinary School
Once accepted into veterinary school, you'll spend around four years earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM). The first three years are typically spent in classroom instruction, while the final year involves clinical rotations, providing hands-on experience.
6. Earn Your License
Before graduating with a DVM degree, you'll need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). Most states also require candidates to pass a state licensing exam.
7. Gain Experience
After earning your DVM, you can begin practicing veterinary medicine. Many vets choose to specialize in a certain type of animal or a specific area. To specialize, you can undergo a residency to gain practical experience.
8. Choose a Veterinary Specialty
There are several veterinary specialties to choose from, including small animal, large animal, mixed practice, zoo, equine, and research veterinarian. Certification in a specialty can expand job opportunities.
9. Join a Professional Organization
Joining a national or state association for veterinarians can help you connect with other professionals in the field and learn about potential job opportunities.
In conclusion, becoming a veterinarian is a challenging but rewarding journey. It requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for animals. If you're passionate about animal welfare and interested in science, this could be the perfect career path for you.
A veterinarian, often referred to as a vet, is essentially a doctor for animals. They provide medical care, from preventative measures to treatments for illnesses, for both domestic and wild animals. The specific duties of a vet can vary depending on their specialty, but generally, they are responsible for:
- Diagnosing illnesses
- Providing treatments
- Addressing traumas
- Prescribing medications
- Performing surgeries
- Interpreting test results
- Educating pet owners and caregivers
- Creating diets and feeding schedules
- Monitoring behavior
- Administering vaccines
Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a veterinarian:
1. Start Preparing in High School
Your journey to becoming a vet can start as early as high school. Focus on subjects like math, English, and lab sciences to prepare for college. You could also consider electives like animal science or related courses. Advanced placement courses can sometimes be converted into college credits. Aim for high grades to maintain a good GPA. Most colleges require at least a 3.0 GPA and high scores on SAT or ACT exams.
2. Choose the Right College
Look for a college or university that offers programs in physical and biological science, as these are typically required for vets. Consider schools with options in chemistry, biology, zoology, physiology, microbiology, or anatomy.
3. Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Once you've chosen a college, complete a bachelor's degree. While some veterinary schools may accept students without a bachelor's degree, having one can provide a solid foundation of knowledge. Consider majoring in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or animal science.
4. Apply for Veterinary School
There are only 30 veterinary schools in the United States, making admission competitive. A bachelor's degree can increase your chances of acceptance. Most schools require scores from a standardized test like the GRE. The Association of American Veterinary Colleges provides admission requirements and other information for member schools in the United States.
5. Complete Veterinary School
Once accepted into veterinary school, you'll spend around four years earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM). The first three years are typically spent in classroom instruction, while the final year involves clinical rotations, providing hands-on experience.
6. Earn Your License
Before graduating with a DVM degree, you'll need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). Most states also require candidates to pass a state licensing exam.
7. Gain Experience
After earning your DVM, you can begin practicing veterinary medicine. Many vets choose to specialize in a certain type of animal or a specific area. To specialize, you can undergo a residency to gain practical experience.
8. Choose a Veterinary Specialty
There are several veterinary specialties to choose from, including small animal, large animal, mixed practice, zoo, equine, and research veterinarian. Certification in a specialty can expand job opportunities.
9. Join a Professional Organization
Joining a national or state association for veterinarians can help you connect with other professionals in the field and learn about potential job opportunities.
In conclusion, becoming a veterinarian is a challenging but rewarding journey. It requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for animals. If you're passionate about animal welfare and interested in science, this could be the perfect career path for you.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
342
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Sharyck:
A Veterinarian will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work). Afterwards, one's education is continued until a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D) is earned which will be another four years of study. Then, both the national and state exams are required for one to earn the licenses to practice Veterinary medicine.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Veterinary career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. If your high school offers an Animal or Wildlife course, it will be in your best interest to take this class. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Veterinarian, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Veterinary Colleges and Universities in the United States:
- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Veterinarian:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Zoology
- Physics
- Animal or Wildlife Science
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Another recommendation is to visit your local animal hospital and speak with the Veterinarian for additional advice. The Veterinarian can provide you with his or her educational background, experience, insights, etc. on how he or she became a Veterinarian.
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Veterinarian!
A Veterinarian will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work). Afterwards, one's education is continued until a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D) is earned which will be another four years of study. Then, both the national and state exams are required for one to earn the licenses to practice Veterinary medicine.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Veterinary career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. If your high school offers an Animal or Wildlife course, it will be in your best interest to take this class. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Veterinarian, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Veterinary Colleges and Universities in the United States:
- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Veterinarian:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Zoology
- Physics
- Animal or Wildlife Science
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Another recommendation is to visit your local animal hospital and speak with the Veterinarian for additional advice. The Veterinarian can provide you with his or her educational background, experience, insights, etc. on how he or she became a Veterinarian.
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Veterinarian!