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!

 

[norky]

You already have your undergrad so, you will just have to get any pre-reqs that you require for admissions. If you go that route you are looking at probably 5 years of school (1 year= pre-reqs, 4 years= DVM). After 5 years of school you will only be 37-38 years old so , you still have a good 20+ working years ahead of you. Thats a long time to be stuck in a career that you don't enjoy. There are currently 3 people in my class that are 35-45 years old. If it is what you really want, I say go for it!!🙂

 

[Electrophile]

There are also several people in my class who are in their 30s, so you can certainly do it (I turn 25 next week myself). In fact, I think that extra age and maturity is a big help. A colleague of my faculty adviser from grad school finally finished her PhD in zoology when she was in her mid 50s and now she's in her mid 70s and is one of the leaders in her field. So absolutely, it can be done. 😀

 

[Emio]

AND you won't have to put up with clients assuming you know nothing just because you're the "young vet." you'll just have to practice your BS'ing skills 😉

i don't really advocate BS'ing in the medical field.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

You should check out the Non-Traditional forum....you'll find a lot of great advice in there.

-t

 

[sofficat]

how old is too old? when you are on your death bed (and even then....) life is too short to avoid what you love.

 

[AuburnPreVet]

Don't think of yourself as "behind" -- more likely you will be "ahead" ... bringing more life experience to the table than the rest of us. In our class we've got a few that are >30 ... one is probably closer to mid 40's. In the 2010 class they've got someone in their mid 50's.

 

[JIKJen124]

I think we have classmate in his 50s...

 

[theunraveler]

u know ur too old when ur struggling for breath when u walk a few steps, the traffic police bans u from driving becoz u cant c the pedestrians and finally when the undertaker is taking height/width measurements for u... 😀

 

[McVillesMom]

You are definitely not too old! I just started vet school at 34. I decided to go back in 2002, and it took me 4 years to get my prereqs done, only because I had to work full time and could only take one class at a time. I think there are real advantages to being a non-traditional student.

 

[Beagingese]

There are several "older" people (it's all relative isn't it?) in my class. Former CPA, former marketing/advertising, former graphic designer, former legal aide and they all bring something great to the class. But the oldest person in our class is 41 I think and there are 4-6 ladies in that 35-40 range and they're all awesome. Go for it!!!

 

[Red Dobie]

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!

Not too old, at all. Plenty of folks decide they want to attend Veterinary School later in life. If you have the passion and the patience, go for it! Good luck!