Hello everyone,
I've just passed BCSE and I want to share my experience with you, like many of you have done before, and it was very helpful, thanks
But, first of all, thank you Dr Jakish, for everything you did for all of us, and wherever you are I wish you all the best!
I came to US a year and a half ago, and since then I've been working as a vet tech in a small animal hospital. My English wasn't very great, probably upper intermediate level, and all practice I had up till that point was 6 month of internship at the Teaching hospital at my Vet School, after my graduation.
Few hints for those who are still at home and planning to come to US:
while still at home, practice taking blood, placing a catheter and restraining crazy cats (talk to them in English)
Get your documents ready (transcripts and translations)!
Also, basic laboratory procedures (cbc, fecal, urine) and x-rays. Try to learn as much as you can about most common flea, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites products on the US market - just Google it.
Once you are here:
If you don't know where to start, try to go around and visit vet hospitals in your area, ask them if they need any help. I know the law is different depending on what State you live in, but if you have experience working with animals (and since you are a doctor you obviously do
, you can still be helpful, and they don't have to pay you as a certified vet tech. There are also positions like assistants, but that basically means you can just hold animals and set up a fecal
Maybe, a little bit more than that but you don't have too much responsibilities anyway. Just be honest, tell them what you need and what you can offer to them.
The first few weeks can be a little scary, because you encounter different language, terms, products, system, and routine... on a daily basis, so get yourself prepared to feel kind of a lost
But, it gets easier and you will pick up things very quickly, so do not panic, and get over it!
After couple of months, you are going to feel more confident and then you can even start thinking about TOEFL (unless you did it before).
Now, BCSE :
I have mostly used 3 things: Comprehensive review for vt book, Zuku, Merck. You might need some extra books for surgery and physiology, but not necessary, that depends on how much you remember.
The book that many of you have mentioned before, Comprehensive review for veterinary technicians is very helpful but is not enough! Also, it is unlikely to get questions regarding management, restraining, and such things that are more for technician's exam. I find it very good for: basic anatomy, histology, cytology (1st chapter), Radiography and imaging (quite enough for BCSE) Anesthesia, Nutrition, Dentistry, instruments... so, it is useful and not expensive, but it's packed with information and tables, and if you are short on time just take what you need from it and don't spend too much time trying to memorize everything.
ZUKU REVIEW - I don't know what I would do without it. I had 10 different books and didn't know where to start. ZUKU gives you guideline so while you are going through questions you also pick up things related to that question. And, it gives you direct access to online Merck, (which is the main source). In that way you go through the Merck and you do not have to panic about 3000 pages that Merck really has
Of course, online Merck is free and you don't have to use Zuku to get there, but it just feels easier if you have some kind of a structured guideline where to go and what to pay attention to.
Anyway, BCSE test gives you enough time, so no need to panic, you will probably have 15-20min at the end to go through those you marked and you need to think twice. Physiology, Pathology and Medicine with diagnostics are the majority, as far as I can remember. And that goes along with Zuku materials, too. Anatomy is basic; you need to know major species differences, organ positioning, cranial nerves and major vessels and nerves. Pharmacology -you know you can't go through everything again like in vet school, but try to review drug groups, antibiotic target microorganisms, and most common side effects. So, trust your instincts and don't stop studying every day. It took me 4-5 months with full-time job and half-normal social life
to get ready for this one. It can probably be done sooner, but...
I have not used VETPREP but I have read good reviews on that as well. I will try it for NAVLE, so if someone went through VETPREP, I would appreciate an opinion.
So, to sum up, the best way to go to become a vet (again) is to learn the Merck cover to cover... but...I find it a little difficult as you can imagine he he
Therefore, find your own way fight for it!
Good luck, stay in touch!
