2 answers
Emily
Student
Toledo, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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Can I still go to vet tech school and still have a Molecular biology degree?
I am currently in school for a molecular biology degree. I am now stuck and confused about what to do. If I drop out and go to vet tech school or will I be doing the same thing that I am doing now in college?
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2 answers
Priyanka K
Software Engineer
13
Answers
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Priyanka’s Answer
Deciding whether to continue with your molecular biology degree or switch to veterinary technician school is a significant decision that depends on your career goals, interests, and personal circumstances. Here are a few points to consider to help you make an informed choice:
Molecular Biology Degree:
Career Opportunities: A degree in molecular biology can open doors to various fields such as research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, academia, and healthcare. Potential careers include laboratory technician, research scientist, genetic counselor, or roles in biomedical companies.
Scope of Work: The work often involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and understanding complex biological systems at a molecular level. It can be highly specialized and research-focused.
Advanced Education: Many positions in molecular biology may require further education, such as a master's degree or PhD, especially if you aim for roles in research or academia.
Veterinary Technician School:
Career Opportunities: As a veterinary technician, you can work in animal hospitals, clinics, research facilities, or zoos. The job involves assisting veterinarians, performing medical tests, and providing care to animals.
Scope of Work: The day-to-day tasks are hands-on and practical, focusing on animal care, medical procedures, and patient interaction. It is a more applied and clinical role compared to the often theoretical and research-oriented nature of molecular biology.
Education and Training: Veterinary technician programs typically take 2-3 years to complete and may offer quicker entry into the workforce compared to a longer undergraduate or graduate degree in molecular biology.
Considerations for Decision Making:
Passion and Interest: Reflect on what excites you more – working directly with animals and in clinical settings, or engaging in research and scientific exploration at the molecular level.
Job Market and Salary: Research the job market and potential salaries for both fields in your area. Veterinary technicians generally have lower starting salaries compared to some careers in molecular biology, but job satisfaction and passion can outweigh financial considerations.
Long-term Goals: Consider where you see yourself in 5-10 years. Do you aspire to work in a lab, contribute to scientific discoveries, or do you see yourself in a veterinary clinic caring for animals?
Steps to Take:
Talk to Professionals: Reach out to professionals in both fields. Conduct informational interviews to get a real sense of daily responsibilities and career satisfaction.
Shadowing and Internships: If possible, shadow a veterinary technician or seek internships in molecular biology labs to gain hands-on experience and better understand each role.
Academic and Career Advising: Utilize your school's academic advising and career services. They can provide guidance tailored to your interests and academic progress.
Final Thought:
Both paths have their unique rewards and challenges. It's essential to align your decision with your personal interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Take your time to weigh the pros and cons and seek advice from mentors and professionals in both fields.
Good luck with your decision-making process!
Molecular Biology Degree:
Career Opportunities: A degree in molecular biology can open doors to various fields such as research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, academia, and healthcare. Potential careers include laboratory technician, research scientist, genetic counselor, or roles in biomedical companies.
Scope of Work: The work often involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and understanding complex biological systems at a molecular level. It can be highly specialized and research-focused.
Advanced Education: Many positions in molecular biology may require further education, such as a master's degree or PhD, especially if you aim for roles in research or academia.
Veterinary Technician School:
Career Opportunities: As a veterinary technician, you can work in animal hospitals, clinics, research facilities, or zoos. The job involves assisting veterinarians, performing medical tests, and providing care to animals.
Scope of Work: The day-to-day tasks are hands-on and practical, focusing on animal care, medical procedures, and patient interaction. It is a more applied and clinical role compared to the often theoretical and research-oriented nature of molecular biology.
Education and Training: Veterinary technician programs typically take 2-3 years to complete and may offer quicker entry into the workforce compared to a longer undergraduate or graduate degree in molecular biology.
Considerations for Decision Making:
Passion and Interest: Reflect on what excites you more – working directly with animals and in clinical settings, or engaging in research and scientific exploration at the molecular level.
Job Market and Salary: Research the job market and potential salaries for both fields in your area. Veterinary technicians generally have lower starting salaries compared to some careers in molecular biology, but job satisfaction and passion can outweigh financial considerations.
Long-term Goals: Consider where you see yourself in 5-10 years. Do you aspire to work in a lab, contribute to scientific discoveries, or do you see yourself in a veterinary clinic caring for animals?
Steps to Take:
Talk to Professionals: Reach out to professionals in both fields. Conduct informational interviews to get a real sense of daily responsibilities and career satisfaction.
Shadowing and Internships: If possible, shadow a veterinary technician or seek internships in molecular biology labs to gain hands-on experience and better understand each role.
Academic and Career Advising: Utilize your school's academic advising and career services. They can provide guidance tailored to your interests and academic progress.
Final Thought:
Both paths have their unique rewards and challenges. It's essential to align your decision with your personal interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Take your time to weigh the pros and cons and seek advice from mentors and professionals in both fields.
Good luck with your decision-making process!
Olivia Fredrick
Veterinary assistant
8
Answers
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hey Emily,
If you choose to go to veterinary technician school, you will need to be enrolled in a veterinary technician program and take their specific courses. A veterinary technician program has different course requirements compared to a molecular biology degree. You can still have a molecular biology degree but you must attend vet tech school to obtain your vet tech certification. There may be some minor overlap in courses between the 2 degrees. I would suggest seeing if your current school offers a vet tech degree /program that you could take in addition to your molecular bio degree. Or you could choose to transition into a vet tech program at a different school and transfer your completed courses.
Whatever path you choose, both will be rewarding.
Best of luck!
If you choose to go to veterinary technician school, you will need to be enrolled in a veterinary technician program and take their specific courses. A veterinary technician program has different course requirements compared to a molecular biology degree. You can still have a molecular biology degree but you must attend vet tech school to obtain your vet tech certification. There may be some minor overlap in courses between the 2 degrees. I would suggest seeing if your current school offers a vet tech degree /program that you could take in addition to your molecular bio degree. Or you could choose to transition into a vet tech program at a different school and transfer your completed courses.
Whatever path you choose, both will be rewarding.
Best of luck!