How old is too old?

[zoequest]

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I'm a 32 year old working professional. I earned an undergraduate degree in political science, and I have a master's degree in public administration. I'm not happy with my career and I've been thinking about finally pursuing my passion...working with animals. I've investigated both DVM programs and Vet Technology programs. I was wondering if i could get some advise from older vet students? Am i too old to go to professional school assuming I start at 35 years old? Should I be more realistic about my age and pursue a vet technology program instead? My grades from undergrad and from graduate school are excellent (4.0 in both), so I would only have to take the prereqs at this point and don't have to address poor performances from the past. I am truly passionate about animals, and I want to pursue a career in animal welfare. Any advise would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[akitavet]

Ill start by saying that I am 26, so I have been out of school a bit (although I did an MS, so not that long) and I was never a "prevet" student.
Here's my thoughts

1.) You are too young to be looking at another 25 years in the workplace in a field where you are totally miserable.

2.) Do you have dependents? Financially, this is a big consideration.

3.) The only real problem I see is that there is less time to pay off student loans and save for retirement.

4.) If you want to be a vet, then be a vet. It is a lot more time and preparation, but if that's what you want to do, its totally worth it. Im currently a tech and I have applied to vet school. I have to say that being a technician is a VERY physical job...much more so than a veterinarian because you are doing a lot of lifting and restraining. At 35, whatever no big deal, but what about 45? Big difference in earning potential too. If your grades were so strong, Im guessing you're pretty smart, and is a technician position challenging enough to keep you interested? Something to think about...

There are other options too for working with animals. You could be a zookeeper, trainer, run a daycare/boarding facility (although PLEASE learn a lot about behavior), work for a shelter, wildlife rehab, animal control, etc etc etc. There's TONS out there.

 

[zoequest]

Thanks so much for your reply! How did you like working as a vet tech? Was it challenging enough? As a vet tech with a MS degree, is there opportunity to work at a professional level perhaps at a zoo, in a vet private practice or maybe in advocacy?

 

[akitavet]

Honestly, personally, I could not spend my career as a vet tech. I'm not certified, but I have worked with a lot of CVTs in small animal emergency and they are really at the forefront of what a tech can do, and for me, its not enough science. My background is in chemical engineering though.

Good things are that you have a lot of direct contact with the animals. Bad things are that you spend a LOT of time cleaning, and not just cages, etc. but also floors, walls, dishes, etc. Some clinics have veterinary assistants, but i have yet to meet a technician who didnt have some janitorial duties as well. Generally speaking, they wont know what to do with your MS degree, and Im not sure there will be a lot of additional associated responsibilities (although in big clinics, you can do some nursing management). As far as zoos go, Im not totally sure, but I dont think it would be much different. My zoo experience has been with the keepers, not the vets, but I dont know that there are any more sophisticated responsibilites.

As far as advocacy, Im not sure what you mean, but if you are talking about an animal rights group or something like that, Im not the one to talk to.

Here's the other thing...Im not ashamed to admit that I have an ego, and being a vet caters much more to that. Its not the reason that I applied to school. but it doesnt hurt.

 

[dyachei]

I know I'm young, but I thought I'd weigh in on this.

If its what you want to do, you're never too old. There are people in my class (this is our first year) that are older than you, some with dependents that are doing this. They haven't said if they regret it or not, but by the looks on their faces, I'd guess not. If it's what you love, do it. However, if you'd be ok being a vet tech, do that. There are several problems with that, of course, as have been talked about already. Pay doesn't get above a certain rate, for instance. I also honestly think that your MS wouldn't help you that much.

 

[critterfixer]

Well, I hope you're not too old, as I am a 41-year-old first year veterinary student. Another of my classmates is a 38-year-old former police officer. One woman is in her early 30's with a son, and another is a single mom of 3. One of the second years is 51.

I'm certain my school (UTK) is not unique. There are probably students in their late 30's and 40's in every veterinary school. The administration has been very supportive. Professors ask me about my kids. About the only thing that stands out as a difference between some of my classmates and I is that I don't go to parties or socialize much because I am just too busy with my homelife. As a whole, my classmates are very mature-minded. I can't honestly tell you who is 20-something or 30-something. We're all just trying to get through first semester. 🙂

But honestly, age is not an issue. If you have the passion and can do the work, then go for it. You are going to be 4 years older whether you are graduating with your DVM or not.

 

[zoequest]

Thanks so much for your insight, critterfixer. It really helps hearing from someone in a similar situation. I would be very interested in hearing how you've adjusted to being back in school. Has that been difficult? Any regrets? What was your profession previously? Do you like what you're studying? And any advise to prepare for the rigor of the course load you get in vet school? Thanks again everyone. It's really encouraging hearing back from everyone.

 

[Pigsfoot]

zoe-
i'm 35 and just now applying. my previous life i was a web designer, but i always had animals and volunteered with them, and then one day i realized that made me happier than designing websites for people who dont know anything about design (tho the pay was nice).
My degree was in art-so when i went back to do my pre-reqs in hard sciences-i had a tough time adjusting to that kind of schoolwork (also, i was working full time while taking night classes). So where i thought it would take me 2 years, it actually took me 4 to get to the point where i felt comfortable applying.
So who knows if I'll get in. my undergrad GPA was 3.58. my sciences are only 3.2, but i'm trying anyway. i've been in school and working for so long now its just part of my life, so i'm looking forward to vet school.
I suggest volunteering and maybe starting a class or two-to get your feet wet again. but if you're feeling the pull-you should explore it! its never too late...

 

[VelcroSky]

I'm going to turn 33 in a few weeks. I was in the music game but now I'm making this change. This is my last year doing pre-reqs. I've got my applications in and hopefully I will be going to vet school next year. I can't lie and say that I never worry about getting out of vet school at such at late stage in the game, but it's what I really want to do so be it. One thing you want to think about is that not only will you need pre-reqs but you will also need to build up a decent amount of experience hours working with vets/animals. So figure that into your plans.

When I first went back to school for my pre-reqs I was really enjoying it. It was fun to be back in the classroom, it sure beats the real world. It's true it took my brain a little while to kick in and be on the level with all of these younger brains that have been doing the school thing for 12 or more years straight, but I got rolling and was able to bring a unique perspective to the classroom due to my maturity (yeah like I have any of that) and my experience. But now I'm getting antsy and really looking forward to vet school to start learning what I really want to be learning. My point is is that at times it feels like a long haul but I just keep my eye on the prize.

Anyway, feel free to ask me any questions that I could help out with and good luck!

 

[bakaduin]

Everyone has given great advice and I will say your never too old to do what you want! If its something your passionate about go for it.

The only thing Ill add is that being a veterinarian is a lot more than just being passionate about animals. I would advise you to get a job in a vet clinic first to see if its really something you enjoy. I had a friend in high school who loved animals more than anyone I've ever met and always wanted to be a vet. When she got to college she started working at a vets office and realized there we're a few things about the profession she just couldn't handle (like euthanasia). In the end she decided to pursue another career with animals.

 

[VeganSoprano]

My friend's mom just graduated from vet school this year at age 48, and several of the interns I work with currently had classmates who were over 50. You're definitely not too old if this is what you want to do with your life!

 

[ShelterGirl]

I'm 33 and if all goes well, I'll be 34 when I start vet school. It's not too late - and as someone said earlier, you're too young to spend the rest of your career in something you hate.

As far as the vet tech vs. vet question, clinic/shadowing experience will give you more insight as to which you prefer. I am a tech right now to get experience, but I don't want to be a tech forever. Why? I LOVE problem-solving. I want to be the one making the diagnosis and plan, not just executing the plan! I also have a bit of an ego too but hopefully won't treat techs like crap as some doctors do 🙂

 

[Electrophile]

About the only thing that stands out as a difference between some of my classmates and I is that I don't go to parties or socialize much because I am just too busy with my homelife. As a whole, my classmates are very mature-minded.

Yeah, Mizzou is one of those schools that let 20 year olds in if they do the pre-reqs, which, IMHO, is a mistake. They typically still have the undergrad maturity level. Plus I'm a big believer in a classical education, so I think getting a full well-rounded college experience is something you'll never be able to do again. So I think they are missing out. I went to grad school and am a couple years older (will be 25 next week) and am married, so usually on the weekends, I have fun watching movies, hanging out with DH, and playing and training with the dogs. Not much on the party scene, sorry! 😀

 

[meadow36]

I am 31 years old and a licensed CVT in an ER clinic. ER work is probably the most challenging you can get for a tech, but it's still not enough to keep me interested. The pay is way below comfortable as well. I have applied to three vet schools and hope to God I get in next year. Time will tell. I've had many careers but have come back to vet medicine after a 6 year hiatus.

I agree with the multitude of cleaning duties mentioned by other posters, as well as many other menial tasks assigned to techs. Also, at least half the animals that come into the ER clinic are euthanized - sometimes for problems that can be fixed, but the owners have no money to pay for it. This is a fact of vet life. You need to work in the field and experience this first hand before you apply to vet school. Can you euthanize a healthy animal with a fixable problem (like a daschund that needs $3000 back surgery), bag it up, put it in the freezer and move on to the next patient? It seems gory, but it's something you need to be able to live with and not have nightmares about later.

If you decide this field is for you, then don't let your age stop you. Many people change careers in their 30's. Go for it.

 

[nsdhfk]

nm

 

[fargeese]

Screw how old you are. You'll be dead in a hundred years anyway, so shouldn't you enjoy yourself? I am not advocating complete hedonism, mind you, but if it is really what you want to do, you should give it a shot. I have a fine career, but I want to do something else, so that's what I am going to do. Even if I won't get out of school until I'm 38. 40 is the next 30 anyway, heh heh.

PS Shelter Girl, are we twins? 33 going on 34, 2nd time apps, same schools applied to? 🙂 I think we are going for very different things though, since there aren't that many homeless cows that need spaying I don't think 🙂

 

[vegternarian]

Wow, I thought I was an old codger because I was an art major and lost a year in switching from a BA to BS pattern of lower division courses (I'm twenty). I'm glad to see such diversity in veterinary schools, and so many people finding meaning and happiness in the veterinary field. 🙂

 

[nyanko]

old codger

(I'm twenty)

😆 you gotta be kidding

 

[vegternarian]

😆 you gotta be kidding

Hey, I'm almost twenty-one. LOL

 

[pressmom]

from another poli sci major. I didn't decide I wanted to be a vet until I was 24 (relatively young, I know) and I'll be 31 when I graduate. Anything is possible. I came in with NOTHING. Literally no pre-reqs. I was able to finish them up in 4 semesters and 1 summer of going to school part-time and working (and volunteering) in the vet field. As people have said, you'll probably have to take a pay cut, but in the end it's worth it. Good luck in whatever you choose.

PS I would highly recommend shadowing a vet on your day off a couple of times to see if you really want this because its a lot more than loving animals.

 

[ElvisMarie6]

Zoe- I agree with all the advice above especially about shadowing a vet. In addition to all your pre-reqs you'll need at least 1000s hours of clinical experience to be a competitive applicant (you prob knew that already). Also-when I applied last year and didn't get in, my post-mortem interviewer said a competitve applicant has to do well in a lot of "hard-core" upper division science courses in addition to the pre-reqs. So like everyone else said, if its your dream go for it... life is too short to be unhappy! Good luck! 🙂

 

[Truth74]

Hello,
I'm 33, a former Law Enforcement major( and also a mother) in the application cycle for 2008. I didn't realize there were so many of us ( 33 year olds) on the forum.

 

[ckgilabert]

i was going to say that theres a guy in my class thats way older and has kids and a wife and all that stuff. he has a business that can sustain itself so he's able to go back to school. good luck and i hope you persue your dreams!

 

[ShelterGirl]

PS Shelter Girl, are we twins? 33 going on 34, 2nd time apps, same schools applied to? 🙂 I think we are going for very different things though, since there aren't that many homeless cows that need spaying I don't think 🙂

Perhaps! I haven't dealt too much with cows, but I was telling my boyfriend the other day that if I worked with large animals, I'd want to work mainly with food animals because they're cool!

Truth - yay for the 33-year-olds! I think Philo and maybe 1-2 others are also 33!

 

[Snakegal]

I thought that I was going to be in a select few (30-somethings that are applying to vet school)... I was wrong... It appears that I'm in a select many!😀 I'm 32 now and will be 33 when I apply and 34 when I enter... wow! I've never said that (or wrote that) out loud. I've told a couple of people my plans and most of them are telling me to go for it, they are surprised I'm not already there, and you only live once. I've had one or two look at me like I'm crazy!! I had one guy tell me that I was insane to think that I could go to vet school at my age, not to mention the fact that I have an 8 year old.

Thanks so much for letting me know that I'm not alone. I'll be calling on y'all for advice when I start getting my app together in a couple of months.

Laters...

 

[Catnapper]

I'm 33 and if all goes well, I'll be 34 when I start vet school. It's not too late - and as someone said earlier, you're too young to spend the rest of your career in something you hate.

As far as the vet tech vs. vet question, clinic/shadowing experience will give you more insight as to which you prefer. I am a tech right now to get experience, but I don't want to be a tech forever. Why? I LOVE problem-solving. I want to be the one making the diagnosis and plan, not just executing the plan! I also have a bit of an ego too but hopefully won't treat techs like crap as some doctors do 🙂

Here-here! I'm also 33 and who knows if or when I'll get into vet school, but I'm here on this planet an unknown amount of time, so I might as well go about making my plans and living my life regardless of age. N'est pas?😉
And the tech thing: you make $0.00 for all of the physical toil and hours you put in, your intellectual contribution is relatively small, and you have little-no say in the animal's interest.
And to all you other dinosaurs who applied this year: Good Luck!!

 

[critterfixer]

Thanks so much for your insight, critterfixer. It really helps hearing from someone in a similar situation. I would be very interested in hearing how you've adjusted to being back in school. Has that been difficult? Any regrets? What was your profession previously? Do you like what you're studying? And any advise to prepare for the rigor of the course load you get in vet school? Thanks again everyone. It's really encouraging hearing back from everyone.

Hmmm...well, I've been back in school for 4 years now, working on my pre-reqs while I also worked and home schooled my kids. So my life has been pretty darn busy. I'd like to say that just being in school now is easier, but it isn't. Vet school is very demanding of time. I've had to tell my kids (they're teens) that I need them to be much more independent and that I am basically only available to them when they really need me. My husband lives 3 and a half hours away, and he's only here to help me Wednesday night (late) through Sunday afternoon.

I don't regret starting vet school at all. I do regret not doing it sooner when my life was simpler, but I can't change that now. So I am going with the flow. It's taken me the better part of 6 weeks to find my rhythm, but I think I've got it down.

In my former life, I was the Director of Administration at a Vocational College and then I had a career as a Realtor. The last 6 years I worked part-time as the Director of Religious Education at a UU Fellowship while mostly staying home to home school my kids, but they are back in school now.

I like some of what I am studying, and other parts are boring and tedious. That's first year--just a lot of hard sciences and not as much practical application as the next few years will have. I do enjoy learning, though, so I am finding things to like in all my classes (histology is the one I like least). I am an auditory learner, so I tend to ask a lot of questions and need a lot of discussion, which I know drives some of my classmates batty, but that's the way I learn. I enjoy Anatomy lab because we can discuss what we are seeing and make connections with the lecture material. I am really looking forward to our Application Based Learning Exercise coming up in a couple of weeks. I think I will really enjoy solving cases in small group research and discussion.

As for advice, just get your study skills down NOW. You will need to be supremely organized with both the volume of information that will come at you and your limited time. As you take your pre-reqs, be sure to really understand the why and the how, and get away from rote memorization. Also, learn to get by on less sleep. 😉

Best wishes to you, youngster!

 

[lailanni]

I know a few people in their late 20's and 30's that have applied and gotten in.

If you don't have clinical experience, get some. It'll help you decide if that's what you want to do. And you need experience hours.

I'm not sure if I caught what your undergrad was in. You'll need chem, bio, genetics, physics, statistics, calc, biochem, etc for most places. So if you didn't get any of that, you may be looking at a few quarters back in school before you can apply.

But it's totally possible! Go for it!!

 

[winterfire1203]

I believe our oldest classmate is 41, she's got two kids and a husband back home that she goes to visit on weekends. We have quite a few 30 year olds as well, and this is from a class with a very young age average: 23.

 

[philomycus]

Hello,
I'm 33, a former Law Enforcement major( and also a mother) in the application cycle for 2008. I didn't realize there were so many of us ( 33 year olds) on the forum.

Truth?? Born in '74 ! Me too ! Heck yes to us !!!!!