4 answers
Kiara
Student
Riverdale, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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How should I start to become a veterinarian?
I'm pretty much fresh out (2023) of high school. I think I have a good idea how I should go about this but I would like some advice on the matter. I don't have any "support" college wise, because my parent didn't go to college are doesn't know anything about it. I plan to do basic classes at a smaller school then transfer (probably UGA) to finish my pre-vet... I have held off going to any school so I'm not in college at the moment. I just like to know if anybody has advice or just share how they went about achieving this career.
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1410
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Kiara below is the essential college criteria that you should accomplish during your undergraduate degree before apply to a Veterinary College
• GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA): Maintain a competitive GPA, preferably 3.5 or higher. Most veterinary schools examine courses taken in the last 3-4 semesters very closely.
• GAIN ANIMAL EXPERIENCE: Volunteer with a veterinarian to gain wide variety of animal and clinical experience, and appreciation for the veterinary medical field. This might be an opportunity to find out if veterinary medicine is for you.
• GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATIONS:
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is widely accepted by most veterinary colleges while MCAT is another standardized test that is accepted by some in addition to by Medical Schools. Check each school's web page for their target standardized test scores.
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS: Choose three individuals to provide letters of recommendation. One is required from an academic adviser; one is required from a veterinarian; and the third one can be from an individual of your choice (typically one of your course instructors). It is important to get to know your academic adviser and/or professors during your college education. Some schools may require letters from two veterinarians. The application will give you a choice to waive your right to see letters of evaluation. You also have the choice not to waive that right and therefore request to see the letters after your application has been evaluated. While it is your right to see the letters, our advice is to waive the right to examine the letters. Evaluators will know before they write the letter if you have waived the right to see the letters or not. Some schools will think that evaluators may be hesitant to make negative comments about students do not waive their right to examine the evaluations. This can influence the evaluation of that letter by the admission committee.
• LEADERSHIP SKILLS: It is highly recommended that you get involved in student club activities, such as, Pre-Vet club which will provide you numerous opportunities to serve in your community which will provide you to interact with people from all walks of life. Make effort to hold an officer position or to serve on a committee which will provide numerous opportunities to gain leadership and communications skills. Remember veterinary college admission committees are ooking for tomorrow's leaders.
• GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA): Maintain a competitive GPA, preferably 3.5 or higher. Most veterinary schools examine courses taken in the last 3-4 semesters very closely.
• GAIN ANIMAL EXPERIENCE: Volunteer with a veterinarian to gain wide variety of animal and clinical experience, and appreciation for the veterinary medical field. This might be an opportunity to find out if veterinary medicine is for you.
• GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATIONS:
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is widely accepted by most veterinary colleges while MCAT is another standardized test that is accepted by some in addition to by Medical Schools. Check each school's web page for their target standardized test scores.
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS: Choose three individuals to provide letters of recommendation. One is required from an academic adviser; one is required from a veterinarian; and the third one can be from an individual of your choice (typically one of your course instructors). It is important to get to know your academic adviser and/or professors during your college education. Some schools may require letters from two veterinarians. The application will give you a choice to waive your right to see letters of evaluation. You also have the choice not to waive that right and therefore request to see the letters after your application has been evaluated. While it is your right to see the letters, our advice is to waive the right to examine the letters. Evaluators will know before they write the letter if you have waived the right to see the letters or not. Some schools will think that evaluators may be hesitant to make negative comments about students do not waive their right to examine the evaluations. This can influence the evaluation of that letter by the admission committee.
• LEADERSHIP SKILLS: It is highly recommended that you get involved in student club activities, such as, Pre-Vet club which will provide you numerous opportunities to serve in your community which will provide you to interact with people from all walks of life. Make effort to hold an officer position or to serve on a committee which will provide numerous opportunities to gain leadership and communications skills. Remember veterinary college admission committees are ooking for tomorrow's leaders.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Kiara
Chosen Osarodion Iyen
Maintenance
49
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
To become a veterinarian, here's a general path you can follow, along with some advice:
1. **Community College or Smaller School:**
- Start with basic classes, focusing on biology, chemistry, physics, and math. These courses are typically required for veterinary programs.
- Maintain a strong GPA to ensure a smooth transfer to a four-year university.
2. **Transfer to a Four-Year University:**
- Once you've completed your general education requirements, transfer to a university that offers a pre-veterinary program. UGA (University of Georgia) is a great option.
- Take advanced courses in animal science, microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry.
3. **Gain Experience:**
- Volunteer or work at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or farms. Hands-on experience with animals is crucial.
- Seek internships or shadow veterinarians to gain more insights into the profession.
4. **Prepare for the GRE:**
- Many veterinary schools require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Prepare and take this test seriously.
5. **Apply to Veterinary Schools:**
- Research and apply to accredited veterinary schools. The application process is competitive, so highlight your academic achievements, experience, and passion for the field.
- The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) is a centralized application service you'll likely use.
6. **Veterinary School:**
- Complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, which typically takes four years.
- Expect a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience.
7. **Licensure:**
- After earning your DVM, you'll need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice as a veterinarian.
8. **Optional Specialization:**
- If you're interested in specializing, such as in surgery or dermatology, additional training and residency programs will be required.
**Additional Tips:**
- **Financial Aid:** Look into scholarships, grants, and financial aid options. Many organizations offer financial support to aspiring veterinarians.
- **Networking:** Join pre-vet clubs and organizations. Networking with peers and professionals can provide valuable guidance and opportunities.
- **Resilience:** The journey to becoming a veterinarian is long and challenging, but persistence and dedication will help you succeed.
Starting at a community college and transferring to a university is a smart and cost-effective way to begin your journey. Good luck!
1. **Community College or Smaller School:**
- Start with basic classes, focusing on biology, chemistry, physics, and math. These courses are typically required for veterinary programs.
- Maintain a strong GPA to ensure a smooth transfer to a four-year university.
2. **Transfer to a Four-Year University:**
- Once you've completed your general education requirements, transfer to a university that offers a pre-veterinary program. UGA (University of Georgia) is a great option.
- Take advanced courses in animal science, microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry.
3. **Gain Experience:**
- Volunteer or work at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or farms. Hands-on experience with animals is crucial.
- Seek internships or shadow veterinarians to gain more insights into the profession.
4. **Prepare for the GRE:**
- Many veterinary schools require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Prepare and take this test seriously.
5. **Apply to Veterinary Schools:**
- Research and apply to accredited veterinary schools. The application process is competitive, so highlight your academic achievements, experience, and passion for the field.
- The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) is a centralized application service you'll likely use.
6. **Veterinary School:**
- Complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, which typically takes four years.
- Expect a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience.
7. **Licensure:**
- After earning your DVM, you'll need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice as a veterinarian.
8. **Optional Specialization:**
- If you're interested in specializing, such as in surgery or dermatology, additional training and residency programs will be required.
**Additional Tips:**
- **Financial Aid:** Look into scholarships, grants, and financial aid options. Many organizations offer financial support to aspiring veterinarians.
- **Networking:** Join pre-vet clubs and organizations. Networking with peers and professionals can provide valuable guidance and opportunities.
- **Resilience:** The journey to becoming a veterinarian is long and challenging, but persistence and dedication will help you succeed.
Starting at a community college and transferring to a university is a smart and cost-effective way to begin your journey. Good luck!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Kiara
Reema Patel
sales associate
35
Answers
Greenwood, South Carolina
Updated
Reema’s Answer
Embarking on a journey to become a veterinarian involves a dedication to rigorous education and training. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your path towards a veterinary career:
Steps to Embark on a Veterinary Career
Finish High School
Aim to excel in science subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, along with mathematics.
Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate Major: Although no specific major is mandated, many aspiring veterinarians choose a science-related field such as biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies.
Coursework: Make sure to complete the prerequisite courses demanded by veterinary schools, which usually encompass biology, chemistry (both general and organic), physics, mathematics, and animal science.
Acquire Animal Experience
Volunteer or Work: Enhance your hands-on experience by volunteering or working in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, farms, or research facilities. This experience is vital for your veterinary school application.
Internships: Think about internships or summer programs in animal care or veterinary medicine.
Prepare and Undertake the GRE
Most veterinary schools mandate the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Prepare thoroughly to achieve a competitive score.
Investigate Veterinary Schools
Accreditation: Confirm that the veterinary schools you're applying to are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Programs and Requirements: Investigate each school's program, prerequisites, and application requirements.
Submit Applications to Veterinary School
VMCAS: Most veterinary schools utilize the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) for applications. Assemble all necessary materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Application Timeline: Applications are usually submitted a year ahead, so schedule accordingly.
Finish a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree
Program Duration: It typically takes 4 years to finish veterinary school.
Curriculum: The initial years concentrate on classroom and laboratory instruction, while the concluding years involve clinical rotations and hands-on practice.
Clear Licensing Exams
NAVLE: To practice as a veterinarian, you need to clear the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
State Exams: Some states may impose additional licensing requirements or exams.
Ponder Specialization
Internships and Residencies: If you're interested in specializing in a specific area (like surgery, internal medicine), you may need to undertake additional internships or residencies, which can extend your training by several years.
Stay Updated and Network
Professional Associations: Join professional groups like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to keep abreast of industry advancements and network with professionals.
Continuing Education: Veterinary medicine is a dynamic field, so dedicate yourself to continuous learning through continuing education courses, conferences, and workshops.
Summary of Essential Steps
High School: Concentrate on science and math.
Bachelor’s Degree: Opt for a science-related major and finish prerequisite courses.
Animal Experience: Obtain hands-on experience with animals.
GRE: Prepare and undertake the GRE.
Veterinary School: Apply to and finish an accredited DVM program.
Licensing: Clear the NAVLE and any additional state exams.
Specialization: Contemplate additional training if desired.
By adhering to these steps, you're setting yourself up for a successful journey towards becoming a veterinarian.
Steps to Embark on a Veterinary Career
Finish High School
Aim to excel in science subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, along with mathematics.
Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate Major: Although no specific major is mandated, many aspiring veterinarians choose a science-related field such as biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies.
Coursework: Make sure to complete the prerequisite courses demanded by veterinary schools, which usually encompass biology, chemistry (both general and organic), physics, mathematics, and animal science.
Acquire Animal Experience
Volunteer or Work: Enhance your hands-on experience by volunteering or working in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, farms, or research facilities. This experience is vital for your veterinary school application.
Internships: Think about internships or summer programs in animal care or veterinary medicine.
Prepare and Undertake the GRE
Most veterinary schools mandate the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Prepare thoroughly to achieve a competitive score.
Investigate Veterinary Schools
Accreditation: Confirm that the veterinary schools you're applying to are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Programs and Requirements: Investigate each school's program, prerequisites, and application requirements.
Submit Applications to Veterinary School
VMCAS: Most veterinary schools utilize the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) for applications. Assemble all necessary materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Application Timeline: Applications are usually submitted a year ahead, so schedule accordingly.
Finish a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree
Program Duration: It typically takes 4 years to finish veterinary school.
Curriculum: The initial years concentrate on classroom and laboratory instruction, while the concluding years involve clinical rotations and hands-on practice.
Clear Licensing Exams
NAVLE: To practice as a veterinarian, you need to clear the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
State Exams: Some states may impose additional licensing requirements or exams.
Ponder Specialization
Internships and Residencies: If you're interested in specializing in a specific area (like surgery, internal medicine), you may need to undertake additional internships or residencies, which can extend your training by several years.
Stay Updated and Network
Professional Associations: Join professional groups like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to keep abreast of industry advancements and network with professionals.
Continuing Education: Veterinary medicine is a dynamic field, so dedicate yourself to continuous learning through continuing education courses, conferences, and workshops.
Summary of Essential Steps
High School: Concentrate on science and math.
Bachelor’s Degree: Opt for a science-related major and finish prerequisite courses.
Animal Experience: Obtain hands-on experience with animals.
GRE: Prepare and undertake the GRE.
Veterinary School: Apply to and finish an accredited DVM program.
Licensing: Clear the NAVLE and any additional state exams.
Specialization: Contemplate additional training if desired.
By adhering to these steps, you're setting yourself up for a successful journey towards becoming a veterinarian.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Kiara
Rita Chuang
Physician
142
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I don't know but I heard that getting into vet school is harder than medical school. I also had a few patients who were vets who were not happy. They said they now have the highest suicide rate. What I would do is work at a vet's office and interact with them. This is your best way to see if you enjoy the job, talk with them and see what they like/dislike about the job.
If you want to get some life experience first, that's fine but I would not wait too long. It gets harder to go back to school the longer you wait. People change their minds all the time on their major in school and even after school, they change their minds on their work. You have several options. You can go to college and just take the core classes and see what interests you. You can get a part time job or an externship during the summer. Maybe you can see if you can go to school part time.
I would go to the career center in your school and see if their are alumni available that will take students from your school and see if you can spend a summer with them.
If you want to get some life experience first, that's fine but I would not wait too long. It gets harder to go back to school the longer you wait. People change their minds all the time on their major in school and even after school, they change their minds on their work. You have several options. You can go to college and just take the core classes and see what interests you. You can get a part time job or an externship during the summer. Maybe you can see if you can go to school part time.
I would go to the career center in your school and see if their are alumni available that will take students from your school and see if you can spend a summer with them.
Thank you for the advice, Rita.
Kiara