5 answers
Emma
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What should I know before going into college for a vet technician ?
I'm in my sophomore year of high school. My favorite subjects in school are science and English. I volunteer at an animal rescue I go every Sunday 1:00 to 3:00. I love going there because it lets me give all the animals love and seeing them happy always makes me happy
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5 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
553
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Emma,
It's great that you're already volunteering at an animal rescue! That hands-on experience will be invaluable when pursuing a career as a veterinary technician. Here are some important things to know before going to college for a vet technician program:
1. Education Requirements
- Most vet tech programs are "Associate Degree programs" that take about 2 years to complete. Some schools offer bachelor's degrees, which can open doors to more specialized roles or leadership positions.
- Your science background will help, as courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology are essential in vet tech training. Many programs also require math skills for tasks like calculating medication dosages.
2. Accreditation
- Make sure the program you choose is accredited by the **American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)**. This ensures the program meets quality standards and qualifies you to sit for the "Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)" after graduation, which is required for licensure.
3. Hands-On Clinical Training
- Vet tech programs include extensive hands-on training in clinical settings. You'll learn how to assist with surgeries, perform lab tests, take X-rays, and care for animals. Your volunteer experience at the rescue will give you a great head start!
4. Career Responsibilities
- As a vet tech, you’ll do more than just care for animals. You’ll also:
- Assist veterinarians during surgeries and exams
- Administer medications and vaccines
- Perform lab tests (e.g., blood work)
- Educate pet owners about their animals' health
- Keep records and manage equipment
- Vet techs often work in fast-paced environments, so you'll need to be comfortable multitasking and thinking on your feet.
5. Emotional Challenges
- Working with sick or injured animals can be emotionally difficult. Some animals won’t make it despite your best efforts. Building emotional resilience will be important in handling tough situations.
- On the positive side, you’ll experience the joy of helping animals recover and finding them forever homes!
6. Physical Demands
- Vet tech work can be physically demanding. You’ll often be on your feet for long periods and may need to lift or restrain animals. Make sure you're ready for an active career!
7. Career Opportunities
- Vet techs work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs, and even in zoos. You might also explore specialized areas like dentistry, surgery, anesthesia, or wildlife care.
- Vet techs are in high demand, so job prospects are promising!
8. Work-Life Balance
- Vet techs often work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Emergency clinics and animal hospitals are open 24/7, and you might have to deal with unpredictable schedules.
9. Skills to Develop
- Compassion and Patience: Essential for working with both animals and their owners.
- Communication: You’ll need to explain medical procedures and treatment plans to pet owners in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Attention to Detail: Precision is key, especially when assisting in surgery or administering medications.
- Time Management: You’ll often juggle multiple tasks at once, so staying organized is crucial.
10. Networking and Continued Learning
- Continue your volunteering and consider shadowing a vet tech to learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities. You can also join veterinary technician associations to start building connections in the field.
- There are also opportunities to specialize further as a vet tech, such as in critical care, nutrition, or behavioral training, so keep an open mind for continued learning.
You're already on the right path with your volunteer work and passion for animal care. Keep exploring and learning to build a strong foundation for your vet tech career!
Best wishes!
It's great that you're already volunteering at an animal rescue! That hands-on experience will be invaluable when pursuing a career as a veterinary technician. Here are some important things to know before going to college for a vet technician program:
1. Education Requirements
- Most vet tech programs are "Associate Degree programs" that take about 2 years to complete. Some schools offer bachelor's degrees, which can open doors to more specialized roles or leadership positions.
- Your science background will help, as courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology are essential in vet tech training. Many programs also require math skills for tasks like calculating medication dosages.
2. Accreditation
- Make sure the program you choose is accredited by the **American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)**. This ensures the program meets quality standards and qualifies you to sit for the "Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)" after graduation, which is required for licensure.
3. Hands-On Clinical Training
- Vet tech programs include extensive hands-on training in clinical settings. You'll learn how to assist with surgeries, perform lab tests, take X-rays, and care for animals. Your volunteer experience at the rescue will give you a great head start!
4. Career Responsibilities
- As a vet tech, you’ll do more than just care for animals. You’ll also:
- Assist veterinarians during surgeries and exams
- Administer medications and vaccines
- Perform lab tests (e.g., blood work)
- Educate pet owners about their animals' health
- Keep records and manage equipment
- Vet techs often work in fast-paced environments, so you'll need to be comfortable multitasking and thinking on your feet.
5. Emotional Challenges
- Working with sick or injured animals can be emotionally difficult. Some animals won’t make it despite your best efforts. Building emotional resilience will be important in handling tough situations.
- On the positive side, you’ll experience the joy of helping animals recover and finding them forever homes!
6. Physical Demands
- Vet tech work can be physically demanding. You’ll often be on your feet for long periods and may need to lift or restrain animals. Make sure you're ready for an active career!
7. Career Opportunities
- Vet techs work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs, and even in zoos. You might also explore specialized areas like dentistry, surgery, anesthesia, or wildlife care.
- Vet techs are in high demand, so job prospects are promising!
8. Work-Life Balance
- Vet techs often work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Emergency clinics and animal hospitals are open 24/7, and you might have to deal with unpredictable schedules.
9. Skills to Develop
- Compassion and Patience: Essential for working with both animals and their owners.
- Communication: You’ll need to explain medical procedures and treatment plans to pet owners in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Attention to Detail: Precision is key, especially when assisting in surgery or administering medications.
- Time Management: You’ll often juggle multiple tasks at once, so staying organized is crucial.
10. Networking and Continued Learning
- Continue your volunteering and consider shadowing a vet tech to learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities. You can also join veterinary technician associations to start building connections in the field.
- There are also opportunities to specialize further as a vet tech, such as in critical care, nutrition, or behavioral training, so keep an open mind for continued learning.
You're already on the right path with your volunteer work and passion for animal care. Keep exploring and learning to build a strong foundation for your vet tech career!
Best wishes!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Mbah Wai-Tanyi Aguh
Agronomist
49
Answers
New Rochelle, New York
Updated
Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
That's wonderful! Your passion for animals and experience volunteering at the rescue shelter are great stepping stones for a career as a vet technician. Here are some key things to consider before pursuing this path in college:
1. *Education and Training*: Research accredited veterinary technology programs ( associate's degree or certificate) that include clinical experience.
2. *Science and Math Requirements*: Focus on exceling in biology, chemistry, and math courses, as they're essential for vet tech programs.
3. *Gain Animal Experience*: Continue volunteering and seek additional opportunities to work with animals, such as internships or part-time jobs at veterinary clinics.
4. *Develop Soft Skills*: Improve communication, teamwork, and time management skills, which are valuable in a fast-paced veterinary environment.
5. *Certification and Licensure*: Learn about certification (CVT, RVT, or LVT) and licensure requirements in your state.
6. *Job Responsibilities*: Understand the roles and responsibilities of a vet tech, including assisting with procedures, taking X-rays, and providing patient care.
7. *Emotional Demands*: Prepare yourself for the emotional challenges of working with animals, including dealing with sick or injured animals and compassionate euthanasia.
8. *Stay Organized and Focused*: Balance academics, volunteering, and other activities to ensure a strong foundation for college and a future career.
Keep up the great work at the animal rescue, and enjoy your remaining high school years! Your passion and dedication will serve you well in this rewarding field.
1. *Education and Training*: Research accredited veterinary technology programs ( associate's degree or certificate) that include clinical experience.
2. *Science and Math Requirements*: Focus on exceling in biology, chemistry, and math courses, as they're essential for vet tech programs.
3. *Gain Animal Experience*: Continue volunteering and seek additional opportunities to work with animals, such as internships or part-time jobs at veterinary clinics.
4. *Develop Soft Skills*: Improve communication, teamwork, and time management skills, which are valuable in a fast-paced veterinary environment.
5. *Certification and Licensure*: Learn about certification (CVT, RVT, or LVT) and licensure requirements in your state.
6. *Job Responsibilities*: Understand the roles and responsibilities of a vet tech, including assisting with procedures, taking X-rays, and providing patient care.
7. *Emotional Demands*: Prepare yourself for the emotional challenges of working with animals, including dealing with sick or injured animals and compassionate euthanasia.
8. *Stay Organized and Focused*: Balance academics, volunteering, and other activities to ensure a strong foundation for college and a future career.
Keep up the great work at the animal rescue, and enjoy your remaining high school years! Your passion and dedication will serve you well in this rewarding field.
Jimmy Bellesis
Nutritionist
10
Answers
Napa, California
Updated
Jimmy’s Answer
Hello Emma! I appreciate your interest and I'm glad to answer your question. As a specialist in Animal Nutrition, I find the realm of animals both thrilling and vast! There are countless ways in which we can assist our animal companions. I suggest you give a listen to a podcast named 'Ologies'. It's hosted by Allie Ward, a renowned science communicator, and features various professionals from diverse scientific fields.
Additionally, it could be beneficial to have a chat with family members or friends who work as veterinary technicians. They can provide you with genuine insights based on their experiences. From my perspective, many Veterinarians and Vet Techs are often overworked and undercompensated. The typical veterinary clinic deals with a wide range of issues like allergies, diarrhea, joint problems, and minor surgeries such as spaying and neutering.
Furthermore, I would advise you to consider a free trial of Disney Plus or use Youtube to watch series like 'Critter Fixers' or 'A Day in the Life at the Tampa Zoo'. These shows can offer a visual understanding of the work involved.
Continue to seize any opportunities that align with your passion for animals. Animals have the unique ability to live entirely in the present moment, and by tuning into them, we can learn and evolve significantly. I'm looking forward to seeing your contributions to the animal kingdom one day, Emma!
Additionally, it could be beneficial to have a chat with family members or friends who work as veterinary technicians. They can provide you with genuine insights based on their experiences. From my perspective, many Veterinarians and Vet Techs are often overworked and undercompensated. The typical veterinary clinic deals with a wide range of issues like allergies, diarrhea, joint problems, and minor surgeries such as spaying and neutering.
Furthermore, I would advise you to consider a free trial of Disney Plus or use Youtube to watch series like 'Critter Fixers' or 'A Day in the Life at the Tampa Zoo'. These shows can offer a visual understanding of the work involved.
Continue to seize any opportunities that align with your passion for animals. Animals have the unique ability to live entirely in the present moment, and by tuning into them, we can learn and evolve significantly. I'm looking forward to seeing your contributions to the animal kingdom one day, Emma!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Emma !
Wow, you are a special young person as you are already involved in hands on work with animals as someone who will pursue Veterinary Science ! This is awesome ! I think you are already learning some valuable things by doing your volunteer work and that is so wonderful.
So, right now as a sophomore in high school, I think that you perhaps are getting to know all the right things for before college. Keep up with all science classes offered by your high school such as Chemistry, Biology and even a business management class to give you an idea of business as being a Vet is partially a business whether you work for an employer or have your own animal clinic. There's really nothing more to know as you will learn everything in Veterinarian School.
It's great that you love English, too, because Veterinarians need to have very good writing and speaking skills. I would also suggest if you want to start out reading an animal science focused topic, you can either purchase in a store or search for e-books online. My suggestion is, if you live in the U.S., to read the website of your local Library as they may have an e-book affiliated website that you can use to read these books for free. While in High School, an extracurricular that involves animals would also be good and give you additional knowledge and experience. See if there are groups at your school or in your community which you can join that have to do with working with service animals, animal advocacy, or pet grooming, You can even aim in a different direction and independently start an animal science research project. If there are any science fairs held at your school from now until you graduate, consider becoming involved as a presenter.
So it's not so much what people can tell you that you "have to know" just be involved in animal life - even if you start to volunteer at a horse ranch. Just realize that your high school experience is going to unfold naturally and as long as you stay active with your involvement, you will take in a wealth of knowledge and bring it with you as you enter college. Another thing you can do if it's just that you want to start being familiar with animal science is watch videos about it on You Tube. Just go there and type in the search field "Introduction to Animal Science" and some videos will appear.
So basically, there's really nothing specific you need to know right now. Let things unfold naturally because you are on the right track !
Best wishes in all you do !
Wow, you are a special young person as you are already involved in hands on work with animals as someone who will pursue Veterinary Science ! This is awesome ! I think you are already learning some valuable things by doing your volunteer work and that is so wonderful.
So, right now as a sophomore in high school, I think that you perhaps are getting to know all the right things for before college. Keep up with all science classes offered by your high school such as Chemistry, Biology and even a business management class to give you an idea of business as being a Vet is partially a business whether you work for an employer or have your own animal clinic. There's really nothing more to know as you will learn everything in Veterinarian School.
It's great that you love English, too, because Veterinarians need to have very good writing and speaking skills. I would also suggest if you want to start out reading an animal science focused topic, you can either purchase in a store or search for e-books online. My suggestion is, if you live in the U.S., to read the website of your local Library as they may have an e-book affiliated website that you can use to read these books for free. While in High School, an extracurricular that involves animals would also be good and give you additional knowledge and experience. See if there are groups at your school or in your community which you can join that have to do with working with service animals, animal advocacy, or pet grooming, You can even aim in a different direction and independently start an animal science research project. If there are any science fairs held at your school from now until you graduate, consider becoming involved as a presenter.
So it's not so much what people can tell you that you "have to know" just be involved in animal life - even if you start to volunteer at a horse ranch. Just realize that your high school experience is going to unfold naturally and as long as you stay active with your involvement, you will take in a wealth of knowledge and bring it with you as you enter college. Another thing you can do if it's just that you want to start being familiar with animal science is watch videos about it on You Tube. Just go there and type in the search field "Introduction to Animal Science" and some videos will appear.
So basically, there's really nothing specific you need to know right now. Let things unfold naturally because you are on the right track !
Best wishes in all you do !
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
342
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Emma:
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. Also, if an Animal or Wildlife course is offered, 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. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway to become a Veterinarian.
A Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work) will be required at the college level. 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.
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. 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!
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. Also, if an Animal or Wildlife course is offered, 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. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway to become a Veterinarian.
A Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work) will be required at the college level. 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.
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. 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!