How many of you've had vet tech experience before applying to vet school?

[kitty613]

I know this thread may be a bit old, but I have a unique situation so please bear with me! In the fall, I am attending a vet tech program in which I have the option of finishing the bulk of prevet preq's (in place of the electives and more) within the program. I know everyone is probably asking, why don't I just go undergrad and finish my preq's there and skip the whole vet tech thing? Right? Well, I have a bit of a stumbling block. My mother is terminally ill and I can't fathom moving away from her at this point to go to vet school.

So, I guess the point of the post was to see if it is common to be a vet tech before becoming a vet. Is it okay to go to vet tech school, get most of my preq's done, work as a vet tech for a bit and then when the dust settles 🙁...apply to vet school? This is the last option I had that I could think of, unless someone else has another idea! I'm all ears!

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[drwildlife]

Sorry about your mother, kitty. I have had so many family members terminally ill the past few years that it's the point of unbelievable. Though I may not know exactly how you feel, I've been in somewhat of the same position before.

As for a vet tech, they offer the exact preqs that veterinary school requires? Organic Chemistry and such? If so, I don't really see a probably in the preqs area (someone else may be able to say something better than this.) I have just heard before that veterinary schools kind of...frown? upon veterinary technicians applying. I'm not exactly sure why but, I've been told by a few representatives from LSU, MSU, etc and heard from others on here.

One thing would make a difference is what kind of program it is - is it vet tech certificate program or a bachelors degree?

 

[kitty613]

They're real preq's! I'm able to finish them in part because I am a transfer student (and I have most of the other electives covered), but also because I chose the vet tech track program that is is heavy in science courses for people electing to go on to other degress.

 

[Coquette22]

I have just heard before that veterinary schools kind of...frown? upon veterinary technicians applying. I'm not exactly sure why but, I've been told by a few representatives from LSU, MSU, etc and heard from others on here.

The reasoning I've heard is that it shows that maybe you're wishy-washy about the idea of being a vet. It's not reasoning I agree with, mind you, since if I hadn't done a vet assistant course, I wouldn't have realized that I wanted (and was capable) of being a vet.

Usually, people discourage other people from going to tech school, because it almost never translates into anything useful (no pre-req credits, can usually get a clinic job without the training, so you just waste time and money). BUT this seems to be the exception to that. If you can use it to get pre-reqs while staying close to your mom, and especially if it involves hands-on work where you could get some solid clinic hours, it could be really good for you. I definitely understand wanting to stay nearby though. My dad had a stroke in September, and if accepted this year for September 2011 start, I'll be deferring my seat until September 2012 (AVC allows this) both to finish my degree, and to get the extra year with my Dad to give him as much time as possible to recover.

 

[kitty613]

Can't delete. Sorry!

 

[Paris2014]

One of the doctor's I work for went to tech school before becoming a vet...If anything I think it gives you an upper hand in vet school because you will have had hands on experience with surgeries, placing catheters..etc and it may even help you in lecture. I say follow your heart and do whats best for you and your family. Best wishes.

 

[kitty613]

One thing would make a difference is what kind of program it is - is it vet tech certificate program or a bachelors degree?

2 yr program: SUNY Delhi Vet Tech Cornell/Transfer Option

Preq's in Program
General Bio 1&11
General Chem 1&11
Organic Chem 1&11
Microbiology
Staistics or Pre Calc

**Obviously I would have to take a few more preq's when eveything's said and done.

 

[Dsmoody23]

They're real preq's! I'm able to finish them in part because I am a transfer student (and I have most of the other electives covered), but also because I chose the vet tech track program that is is heavy in science courses for people electing to go on to other degress.

I was toying with this idea for a while too. It seemed like having that 4 year bachelors and the slightly higher earning potential of a certified tech was a win-win.

But when you actually sit down and look at the curriculum and the courses, you're not going to be on a level playing field with a standard 4 year bachelors in pre-med bio.

In order to meet the requirements for most tech certifications, you need classes in imaging, parasitology, pharmacy, anesthesia, etc etc... and very few of those classes are going to fill your vet school requirements.

It's like throwing away a whole year or two in order to get certified in a job you don't even want.

This is just my opinion, obviously, but I've already done a lot of the legwork on comparing the requirements and pre-reqs.

 

[drwildlife]

From what I'm understanding, it is a more than just a certificate and you actually get a bachelor's out of it. Pretty nice! It does sound like it could work well for you. I would just make sure that you 1. get hands on experience with it 2. try to talk to veterinary schools about where they stand with that degree. They probably won't tell you everything but, they may be able to give you some idea.

 

[twelvetigers]

http://www.studentdoctor.net/answers/100/veterinary-technician-competitive-applicant-veterinary
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=704602
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=695817
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=683562

My concerns, given your situation, would be more along the lines of... many universities have an age limit for prerequisite coursework. If you have to wait too long to apply, you might end up needing to retake some classes anyway.

Have you tried to get a vet tech job without becoming certified? IT may not pay as well, but it's certainly possible and might be a better option for you.

 

[VeganSoprano]

In NY, you are legally allowed to do pretty much *nothing* without a license - not even blood draws. Pretty short-sighted IMO considering the shortage of credentialed techs, but that's another story. Point is that getting good tech experience in NY without a tech degree is actually illegal.

I would say to focus on your mom for now. If you try to take a full load you will probably either do poorly in your classes or feel like you are neglecting your family responsibilities, or both. You will only have your mom for a short time and you have (hopefully) a long time to go to school. Definitely take a few easy-ish classes and/or get a job and/or do volunteer work as needed to maintain your own sanity and feel like you are not putting your life completely on hold. But first things first. You won't regret spending time with your family and it will save you having to make up for a bad semester.

 

[kitty613]

I would say to focus on your mom for now. If you try to take a full load you will probably either do poorly in your classes or feel like you are neglecting your family responsibilities, or both. You will only have your mom for a short time and you have (hopefully) a long time to go to school. Definitely take a few easy-ish classes and/or get a job and/or do volunteer work as needed to maintain your own sanity and feel like you are not putting your life completely on hold. But first things first. You won't regret spending time with your family and it will save you having to make up for a bad semester.

VeganSoprano, your post brought me to tears! Thanks for your warm thoughts and advice.

 

[LMMS]

Ah, the joys of being at home when one didn't plan to be... More time to mess around on the web. Anyway...

Kitty, I agree with VS: Take the time to be with your family and spend as much time with your mother as possible. Should you enroll in something now and your mother takes a turn, your priorities are going to change rapidly to the more important thing: your mom. I had a marginally similar situation when I went back to take prereqs... My mom became very ill (was in ICU on a vent for about a week and then had a long recovery). Naturally, I dropped everything to go home and be with her; and my GPA took a nose dive. Then, the following semester, I went back to school and my mom had a relapse. This was seven years ago and I'm still trying to dig my GPA out of the 'hole'.

I also think that VS makes an excellent point that you should take a couple of courses and volunteer to ensure you have a semi-normal existence. Take a course or two that will make you happy without too much of a grind, but will keep you study skills up - fill gen eds, or something along those lines. Also, try to find a vet hospital or shelter where you can have an 'open' schedule. That way, should you feel the need to spend more time at home, you'll be able to without worrying about it.

I wish you and your family peace through this difficult time. Try to make the best of each day you have - life is too short not to.

 

[lareinesoleil]

My $0.02: I don't know about the tech program, but I agree with everyone who is saying to work/volunteer. It would keep you working towards the vet goal, but if you had to cut way back to focus on your mom there wouldn't be any harm to your GPA. I bet the shelters in your area could use more volunteers, and you could always check with vets about working a few afternoons a week or something. It won't be as much of a time-suck as taking O-Chem or something, and you'll need the experience to apply anyway. And you definitely won't regret focusing on your mom. I would do the exact same thing, in your situation.

And when the time comes to apply, all the applications I did had a place for "special circumstances", so you could explain this situation.

 

[BLancellotti]

In NY, you are legally allowed to do pretty much *nothing* without a license - not even blood draws. Pretty short-sighted IMO considering the shortage of credentialed techs, but that's another story. Point is that getting good tech experience in NY without a tech degree is actually illegal.

You're absolutely right. I finished my B.S. in Biology and starting working as an assistant at a large hospital in NYC. Other than observing and asking questions, the only thing I really got to do with the animals was restrain (and clean of course). After my first attempt to get into vet school failed, I needed to boost my overall GPA, even though my prereqs were fine. I enrolled in a vet tech program and I can't even begin to tell you how doors just opened for me. I take about 9 credits a semester since I work full time too, I'm maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A, and I've been able to expand my skill set immensely. As a tech student under supervision, I am allowed to draw blood, place catheters, give medications and injections, intubate patients, run anesthesia, and a whole slew of other things that they don't let you do in NY without a license. In addition, I was able to do a veterinary technician internship at the clinic at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, the largest animal sanctuary in the US. As far as whether or not being a tech student has helped my chances of getting in to vet school, I'll let you know as soon as I hear back from anyone (please let it be soon, I'm going slightly crazy!)

I think as long as all your prereqs are covered, being a tech is a great way to become familiar with the field. I work with a lot of doctors who started out as techs.

 

[Tech2Vet]

Just thought I'd give my two cents on this one....
I was an unlicensed vet tech for close to 10 years before applying to vet school. For many of those 10 years I made the same amount of money, was able to do everything that the licensed techs were allowed to do and had a head vet tech position overseeing techs (including those that are licensed).

So, I would not bother going to vet tech school if I were you, unless you don't care about spending time and money on school. Please remember that veterinary schools will most likely not accept the credits you do in tech school - although they may take them into consideration as part of your experience etc. (Of course they'd probably look more favorably on spending that time doing actual work experience in a clinic)

I worked in several different locations (including a few that have laws about restrictions on unlicensed techs) but you can always find at least a couple of clinics that won't restrict you - no matter what the laws are. If you plan to be an unlicensed tech, I would advise you to look for smaller clinics and avoid emergency clinics or national chains (Banfield, VCA). Let me know if you have any further questions about being a tech. good luck!

*PS I worked in NYC for 4 years
I also worked in NJ,NC and in the UK

 

[JollyBlueJay4]

Hi Kitty,
I cannot say that this may work for you, but, like others have said, I would recommend the vet tech route. I did my undergrad, worked as a vet tech for 2 years in RI, then got my MS, now accepted to several vet schools for class of 2015.

I think the work I did as a vet tech helped my application tons. It also gave me a ton of experience in things that I didn't even think about. One of the senior vets I worked with always said he could tell right off the spot whether a vet was a vet tech in the past or not. The vet tech vets have learned, usually the hard way, never to TRULY trust cats/dogs/other animals they work with and are incredibly efficient in many ways a vet aren't. It also gives you the opportunity to work on the bottom of the hospital's totum pole. After spending that time cleaning up all sorts of messes, taking the blame for things you know you didn't do wrong, taking orders that you don't agree with from higher-ups, etc., you'll be WAY more inspired to go back to school, get your DVM, and be a better vet to your techs than others were to you! =)

Sorry for the rant. But I cannot agree more that this is a good experience! You may even learn you wouldn't be happy as a vet, or you would be happier as a vet tech, or maybe some completely different field will open up to you! Who knows!

I am extremely sorry for your family and you have my prayers. Time with them is important, and you definitely do not want to take any moment for granted. Just remember, as with every person you love, you know you would never want that loved one to settle for anything less than their highest hopes and dreams just for you. So I am sure your mom would never want you to sacrifice any of your potential / dreams / aspirations for her. Not at all to say you should go travel Europe, but do what's best, for you and your family, because I know that's exactly what they want you to do too. Again, you have my prayers.

 

[FleurNoire]

I am a Registered Vet Tech out in California. I applied to vet school three years ago and didn't get in, so I went to a vet tech program to continue my education. I feel I am a much better candidate now because of it. I understand the field better and I know a lot more about pharmacology, diseases, and many other subjects. In my program we had to do work study, so I was able to gain experience in emergency, internal medicine specialization, private practice, and behavior. A lot of the places I volunteered really liked the fact that I was in tech school and allowed me to do a lot more than some of the other volunteers.

I think going to tech school will make you seem more serious about veterinary medicine, because it shows that you had an interest in the field and that you pursued it and found out more about it. You can always explain how due to personal reasons you were not able to apply to vet school before but that you wanted to gain more experience in the field and that even though you are a technician, you find yourself thirsting for more knowledge and want to move up in the field. Whatever you decide, just be happy 🙂

 

[NStarz]

Just taking a step back, it looks like many/most of the registered techs say to go that route, and the unregistered techs say to go the other route. Something to think about.

 

[kitty613]

Thank you all so much. I got such great advice, and wonderful support. Thank you, from the bottom of my 'kitty' heart.

 

[light10]

You've gotten much better advice than I could give on the tech route, but I just wanted to share some (((hugs))) for you, kitty613 and let you know you're not alone.

Five years ago, I was in a very similar situation. The summer before I planned to apply to vet schools, my mom's longstanding cancer was declared 'terminal' - but given her type of cancer, that could (and did) mean she might have several quality years left. I never submitted the VMCAS I started in 2005.

Without rambling on about my situation, I just wanted to say that whatever you choose to do now, you WILL be able to come back to your DVM path. I honestly didn't think I would ever apply to vet schools - I took a different route educationally (PhD), I was doing well in my field, etc. But I couldn't let it go. And so, this year, I applied. And got in. And it just feels so RIGHT.

So, trust your instincts about what feels right, spend time with your mom, and really LIVE life - it will be so much more precious now. Do something constructive - whether that be a vet tech program, a BA, or working in a field of interest - whatever is a good fit for you and your family and keeps you moving forward with your life in some way.

And whatever you decide to do, know that this experience will make you wiser, more mature, more experienced and better able to handle a DVM curriculum, and life itself. It sucks, it really, really, really sucks. But you will get through it, and your DVM dream will still be waiting for you.

And, again, big hugs.

 

[DVMDream]

I am an unregistered vet tech in AZ and have been for around 5 and 1/2 years. I get to draw blood, place catheters, intubate, run anesthesia, give injections, etc, etc. I started off at the lowest totem pole: kennel and have continued to move up. I have learned what it takes to run a veterinary practice from hiring employees, ordering inventory, making sure business is doing well and growing (so that you can advance while the field advances), keeping up with client concerns, etc, etc. I have my BS in Biology and I have been trained on the job information about pharmacology, diseases, anesthesia, etc. We are required to learn something new about some aspect of vet med each week as part of our jobs and for me I tend to learn something new everyday. It has been a great experience for me and has really shown me that I can and do want to be a veterinarian. I has also showed me that I really do NOT want to own my own clinic. I believe being a tech is great experience and if you can obtain that experience without having to go to school then go for it, but if you have to be registered to gain the experience then I would really look into it the make sure it is worth the added debt and time. Make sure there is absolutely no way that you can get the experience without being registered because it really does add time and money to an already time consuming and expensive process.