3 answers
Lucy
Student
Paducah, Kentucky
2
Questions
Asked
673 views
What should I be getting my associates in?
So, I am a first yr college student and I picked undecided when I enrolled and currently an getting Associate of Arts degree. I have always wanted to be a veterinarian but just wasn't sure when enrolling if that's what i'll for sure do and wondering where to go from here? Do I need to do math and sci classes while continuing my degree or switch to Animal science or Associate of science (which is a transferable degree) if this is something I'm seriously considering instead? I am clueless
Login to comment
3 answers
Miranda Somerville, MBA, MSHE
Veterinary Technician, Student and Equine Dental Technician
1
Answer
Charleston, West Virginia
Updated
Miranda’s Answer
Hello!
That is awesome you are interested in veterinary medicine! We need all the passionate professionals for these wonderful creatures. You have great options ahead for whatever you decide.
I am currently working on my fifth degree, a doctorate degree. It has been an interesting journey! I will share some things I have learned along the way in the field of academics & veterinary medicine.
Since you are enrolled for an Associate of Arts degree, you may be interested in talking to an academic advisor about the Associate of Applied Science Veterinary Technology. Upon completing this degree from an accredited institution, you can sit for the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam). This degree will set you up to either work in a veterinary hospital (which is the route I picked) and gain valuable experience or go to campus & learn at the college. I have always been told that getting into vet school is extremely hard & competitive. Everything you can do to build experience, make great grades, & network with veterinary professionals will look excellent on your application. While it is not necessary to get the AAS degree first, this may allow you the opportunity to learn more about this field & how you want to proceed. Do you want to work with small animals, large animals, exotics? Gaining connections can be a helpful way to ask more questions & have in person experience with numerous situations.
Here is some information on colleges & VTNE.
Top rated
Accredited
Some of the top veterinary technician programs include:
Purdue University offers an Associate of Applied Science or Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology, with on-campus and distance learning options. The distance learning program is designed for people already working in a veterinary practice. Purdue University offers a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Veterinary Technology:
Program structure
The program combines a four-year curriculum with both an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and BS degree options. Students can start in the clinical portion of the program (Year Two) if they already have the general education college courses from Year One, or if they want only the Associate degree.
Admission
The program is competitive and considers:
Academic ability, especially in math and science
Experience with animals or veterinary health care
Evidence of self-motivation, leadership, and awareness of the program
Applicants must be 18 years old before entering clinical courses
https://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=8&poid=9216
New England Institute of Technology
Offers an Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology, with on-campus and online classes. The program includes laboratory and clinical practice experiences.
San Juan College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology, which combines clinical skills with business skills. Students can also complete a Veterinary Assistant Certificate program.
Carrington College
Offers a program that includes clinical externships and animal patient simulations.
Purdue University & San Juan College offer excellent degrees for veterinary technology. If you decided to go to vet school, you could even move forward with Purdue University. SJC Vet Tech program have wonderful people waiting to answer your questions if you want to call & get ideas. There are many different programs to read about & consider. A very important point to know is that the college/program has to be accredited. Here is the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) website info:
https://www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/veterinary-technology-programs-accredited-avma-cvtea
I believe the answer is yes to math & science. Those are very important classes that you will need & use. It will be helpful to make a list of schools you might be interested in then call them. Ask the advisor which classes they recommend for the degree you decide you want. If you want to start with an Associate degree, ask the best classes for the program. If you decide to move forward with a Bachelor degree, call & ask the AVMA which Bachelors degree do they recommend to prepare for vet school? Some of the veterinarians I have worked with said they got a Bachelors in Biology, Chemistry, Animal Science, & Zoology.
I think it's awesome you are reaching out asking questions now. Ask professionals, shadow veterinarians, volunteer at animal shelters, call horse trainers (if you want large animals) & ask if they need help, any experience you can gain will help you. Plus it will help you decide what you like & maybe what you don't want to pursue. I hope this helps & I am always happy to answer questions about this field! Animals are the best 😊.
That is awesome you are interested in veterinary medicine! We need all the passionate professionals for these wonderful creatures. You have great options ahead for whatever you decide.
I am currently working on my fifth degree, a doctorate degree. It has been an interesting journey! I will share some things I have learned along the way in the field of academics & veterinary medicine.
Since you are enrolled for an Associate of Arts degree, you may be interested in talking to an academic advisor about the Associate of Applied Science Veterinary Technology. Upon completing this degree from an accredited institution, you can sit for the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam). This degree will set you up to either work in a veterinary hospital (which is the route I picked) and gain valuable experience or go to campus & learn at the college. I have always been told that getting into vet school is extremely hard & competitive. Everything you can do to build experience, make great grades, & network with veterinary professionals will look excellent on your application. While it is not necessary to get the AAS degree first, this may allow you the opportunity to learn more about this field & how you want to proceed. Do you want to work with small animals, large animals, exotics? Gaining connections can be a helpful way to ask more questions & have in person experience with numerous situations.
Here is some information on colleges & VTNE.
Top rated
Accredited
Some of the top veterinary technician programs include:
Purdue University offers an Associate of Applied Science or Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology, with on-campus and distance learning options. The distance learning program is designed for people already working in a veterinary practice. Purdue University offers a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Veterinary Technology:
Program structure
The program combines a four-year curriculum with both an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and BS degree options. Students can start in the clinical portion of the program (Year Two) if they already have the general education college courses from Year One, or if they want only the Associate degree.
Admission
The program is competitive and considers:
Academic ability, especially in math and science
Experience with animals or veterinary health care
Evidence of self-motivation, leadership, and awareness of the program
Applicants must be 18 years old before entering clinical courses
https://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=8&poid=9216
New England Institute of Technology
Offers an Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology, with on-campus and online classes. The program includes laboratory and clinical practice experiences.
San Juan College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology, which combines clinical skills with business skills. Students can also complete a Veterinary Assistant Certificate program.
Carrington College
Offers a program that includes clinical externships and animal patient simulations.
Purdue University & San Juan College offer excellent degrees for veterinary technology. If you decided to go to vet school, you could even move forward with Purdue University. SJC Vet Tech program have wonderful people waiting to answer your questions if you want to call & get ideas. There are many different programs to read about & consider. A very important point to know is that the college/program has to be accredited. Here is the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) website info:
https://www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/veterinary-technology-programs-accredited-avma-cvtea
I believe the answer is yes to math & science. Those are very important classes that you will need & use. It will be helpful to make a list of schools you might be interested in then call them. Ask the advisor which classes they recommend for the degree you decide you want. If you want to start with an Associate degree, ask the best classes for the program. If you decide to move forward with a Bachelor degree, call & ask the AVMA which Bachelors degree do they recommend to prepare for vet school? Some of the veterinarians I have worked with said they got a Bachelors in Biology, Chemistry, Animal Science, & Zoology.
I think it's awesome you are reaching out asking questions now. Ask professionals, shadow veterinarians, volunteer at animal shelters, call horse trainers (if you want large animals) & ask if they need help, any experience you can gain will help you. Plus it will help you decide what you like & maybe what you don't want to pursue. I hope this helps & I am always happy to answer questions about this field! Animals are the best 😊.
Mbah Wai-Tanyi Aguh
Agronomist
56
Answers
New Rochelle, New York
Updated
Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
Hello Lucy
Congratulations on taking the first step towards your higher education journey.
Considering your interest in veterinary medicine, I'll outline some options to help you make an informed decision:
Current Path: Associate of Arts (AA)
Pros:
1. Flexibility: AA degrees often have fewer specific requirements.
2. Transferable credits: Most AA credits transfer to four-year institutions.
Cons:
1. Lack of specialized courses: AA might not provide sufficient science and math preparation.
Alternative Options:
1. *Associate of Science (AS)*: Emphasizes science, math, and technology courses, preparing you for veterinary programs.
2. *Animal Science*: Specialized degree focusing on animal health, nutrition, and management.
3. *Pre-Veterinary Medicine*: Some colleges offer this program, specifically designed for vet school preparation.
Recommended Courses for Veterinary Medicine:]
1. Biology
2. Chemistry (organic and inorganic)
3. Physics
4. Mathematics (calculus, statistics)
5. Genetics
6. Animal Nutrition
7. Veterinary-related electives
Next Steps:
1. Consult with your academic advisor to discuss options and create a plan.
2. Research local colleges offering strong veterinary programs.
3. Shadow veterinarians or volunteer at animal clinics for hands-on experience.
4. Consider taking science and math courses to strengthen your foundation.
Transferable Degrees for Veterinary Medicine:]
1. Associate of Science (AS)
2. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Animal Science
3. Pre-Veterinary Medicine programs
Kentucky-specific Options
1. University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture
2. Murray State University's Department of Agriculture
3. Morehead State University's Department of Agricultural Sciences
Online Resources
1. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
2. Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
3. PetMD's Veterinary Career Guide
You're not alone, Lucy! Many students explore different paths before finding their calling.
Stay focused, and don't hesitate to reach out to advisors, professionals, or online resources for guidance.
What would you like to explore next?
1. Specific course recommendations?
2. College programs in Kentucky?
3. Shadowing or volunteer opportunities?
Congratulations on taking the first step towards your higher education journey.
Considering your interest in veterinary medicine, I'll outline some options to help you make an informed decision:
Current Path: Associate of Arts (AA)
Pros:
1. Flexibility: AA degrees often have fewer specific requirements.
2. Transferable credits: Most AA credits transfer to four-year institutions.
Cons:
1. Lack of specialized courses: AA might not provide sufficient science and math preparation.
Alternative Options:
1. *Associate of Science (AS)*: Emphasizes science, math, and technology courses, preparing you for veterinary programs.
2. *Animal Science*: Specialized degree focusing on animal health, nutrition, and management.
3. *Pre-Veterinary Medicine*: Some colleges offer this program, specifically designed for vet school preparation.
Recommended Courses for Veterinary Medicine:]
1. Biology
2. Chemistry (organic and inorganic)
3. Physics
4. Mathematics (calculus, statistics)
5. Genetics
6. Animal Nutrition
7. Veterinary-related electives
Next Steps:
1. Consult with your academic advisor to discuss options and create a plan.
2. Research local colleges offering strong veterinary programs.
3. Shadow veterinarians or volunteer at animal clinics for hands-on experience.
4. Consider taking science and math courses to strengthen your foundation.
Transferable Degrees for Veterinary Medicine:]
1. Associate of Science (AS)
2. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Animal Science
3. Pre-Veterinary Medicine programs
Kentucky-specific Options
1. University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture
2. Murray State University's Department of Agriculture
3. Morehead State University's Department of Agricultural Sciences
Online Resources
1. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
2. Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
3. PetMD's Veterinary Career Guide
You're not alone, Lucy! Many students explore different paths before finding their calling.
Stay focused, and don't hesitate to reach out to advisors, professionals, or online resources for guidance.
What would you like to explore next?
1. Specific course recommendations?
2. College programs in Kentucky?
3. Shadowing or volunteer opportunities?
Melody Tharpe
Education - Teacher
169
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Hello Lucy,
It seems like you're seeking guidance in pinpointing a clear educational direction. It's crucial to identify your passions and what truly resonates with you as a solid path forward. To kickstart this journey, I recommend you initiate a conversation with your academic advisor, and also connect with the school of animal science. As of now, you're part of the general studies school, but you're looking for avenues to delve deeper into what aspects of animal science captivate you.
If your interest lies beyond direct veterinary medicine and more towards animal care, maintenance, and support, then there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Have you ever thought about volunteering at a veterinary clinic, a zoo, or any other animal-related program? If you haven't, this could be an excellent starting point to discover potential careers in animal science. If you have, try to recall what you loved the most about the experience, something that you'd happily continue doing even without pay.
Remember, there's no need to rush this process. It's important to make informed, decisive choices about your future, but take your time to gather all the necessary information. This journey is all about exploring your passion and finding the path that truly aligns with your interests.
It seems like you're seeking guidance in pinpointing a clear educational direction. It's crucial to identify your passions and what truly resonates with you as a solid path forward. To kickstart this journey, I recommend you initiate a conversation with your academic advisor, and also connect with the school of animal science. As of now, you're part of the general studies school, but you're looking for avenues to delve deeper into what aspects of animal science captivate you.
If your interest lies beyond direct veterinary medicine and more towards animal care, maintenance, and support, then there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Have you ever thought about volunteering at a veterinary clinic, a zoo, or any other animal-related program? If you haven't, this could be an excellent starting point to discover potential careers in animal science. If you have, try to recall what you loved the most about the experience, something that you'd happily continue doing even without pay.
Remember, there's no need to rush this process. It's important to make informed, decisive choices about your future, but take your time to gather all the necessary information. This journey is all about exploring your passion and finding the path that truly aligns with your interests.