I need some help

[KBanks]

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So my name is Katie and I already have a BA in a subject that has nothing to do with vet anything, but I'm looking for a career change and I've wanted to be a Vet since I was a kid. So I've been researching a bunch and so far I'm looking into UGA and Florida...possibly Alabama. Anyway, since I already have a BA I don't want to go back and get another one especially since these school do not require one, so I figured I'd get my associates in biology instead. I'm having a problem though, I can't find biochemistry...I've been searching community colleges in GA and I've been looking into Perimeter College. However, from what I can tell, they don't offer biochemistry. Do any of y'all have any suggestions about where to find biochem at a community college? Is an associates even appropriate for vet school? Thanks in advance for the help 🙂

 

[mikewazowski]

As far as what I know, you don't even need a degree in bio or animal sciences to get into vet school. All you need to make sure is to have all the pre-requisite courses under your belt before you apply/before you start vet school.
Look at their pre-requisites, then match course descriptions with theirs and what you have already took for your BA. Then, just take the ones you are missing.
If you can't find classes to take physically at a campus near you, taking online classes could be an option. For online course option, just make sure if the pre-requisite requires a lab that goes along with a course, make sure the lab is at a physical campus that you are actually present to do the lab.

Hope this helps.

 

[LetItSnow]

I think biochem is most often considered an upper level course, and isn't offered by most CCs. You might hunt around for CCs that have an agreement with a state college/university to offer a four-year degree. That's how I managed to get biochem and genetics and a few other courses at a local CC.

If you can't find one doing that, you may just have to do it at the nearest university, college, etc.

You do not need a specific degree for vet school. Most schools don't technically require an undergraduate degree at all (though a few do). As long as you take the pre-requisite courses that should be sufficient since you already have a BA. That said, you'd want to check UGA/Florida/Alabama requirements specifically.

 

[KBanks]

As far as what I know, you don't even need a degree in bio or animal sciences to get into vet school. All you need to make sure is to have all the pre-requisite courses under your belt before you apply/before you start vet school.
Look at their pre-requisites, then match course descriptions with theirs and what you have already took for your BA. Then, just take the ones you are missing.
If you can't find classes to take physically at a campus near you, taking online classes could be an option. For online course option, just make sure if the pre-requisite requires a lab that goes along with a course, make sure the lab is at a physical campus that you are actually present to do the lab.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for your response. That is pretty much what I've been doing I'm just having trouble finding biochem. Every other class is offered at Perimeter College except for biochem. I'll keep looking though and check out the online options because lab isn't required for biochem.

 

[KBanks]

I think biochem is most often considered an upper level course, and isn't offered by most CCs. You might hunt around for CCs that have an agreement with a state college/university to offer a four-year degree. That's how I managed to get biochem and genetics and a few other courses at a local CC.

If you can't find one doing that, you may just have to do it at the nearest university, college, etc.

You do not need a specific degree for vet school. Most schools don't technically require an undergraduate degree at all (though a few do). As long as you take the pre-requisite courses that should be sufficient since you already have a BA. That said, you'd want to check UGA/Florida/Alabama requirements specifically.

I've checked UGA and Florida's requirements specifically and the only reason I'm pursuing the associates is because I won't be eligible for financial aid if I'm not working towards a degree. But thank you for that suggestion, that was VERY helpful!

 

[BlauzahFaye]

Thank you for your response. That is pretty much what I've been doing I'm just having trouble finding biochem. Every other class is offered at Perimeter College except for biochem. I'll keep looking though and check out the online options because lab isn't required for biochem.

UNE has an online Biochem option that all the US schools take (or at least the ones I applied to). I also have a BA and I completed an official postbacc program to do my prerequisites (15 classes, I believe). I live in SoCal and all the lower division science courses are impacted- so a postbacc program was my only option. There are lots of postbacc programs scattered throughout the US- might be worth looking into instead of taking the courses at a CC. You'll still have to take a lot of the classes at a 4-year university because there are so many upper division prerequisites. You can PM me if you want more specific info.

 

[AE373]

UNE has an online Biochem option that all the US schools take (or at least the ones I applied to). I also have a BA and I completed an official postbacc program to do my prerequisites (15 classes, I believe). I live in SoCal and all the lower division science courses are impacted- so a postbacc program was my only option. There are lots of postbacc programs scattered throughout the US- might be worth looking into instead of taking the courses at a CC. You'll still have to take a lot of the classes at a 4-year university because there are so many upper division prerequisites. You can PM me if you want more specific info.

Perimeter definitely does not offer Biochem... As was previously stated it's an upper level course, so you won't find it there. The UNE course really is an excellent option if that's the only class that you can't find at Perimeter. You may want to double check microbiology and make sure that it is acceptable if offered there... It's another course that is typically upper division and may not be offered or one that schools prefer be taken at a 4 yr institution... Have you looked into GSU or Tech? If you pursue an AA through a 4 yr university, those upper level sciences would be available to you "as electives" but you wouldn't need all the excess courses for a BS

 

[KBanks]

Perimeter definitely does not offer Biochem... As was previously stated it's an upper level course, so you won't find it there. The UNE course really is an excellent option if that's the only class that you can't find at Perimeter. You may want to double check microbiology and make sure that it is acceptable if offered there... It's another course that is typically upper division and may not be offered or one that schools prefer be taken at a 4 yr institution... Have you looked into GSU or Tech? If you pursue an AA through a 4 yr university, those upper level sciences would be available to you "as electives" but you wouldn't need all the excess courses for a BS

Oh I hadn't thought about that! I never saw AA as an option on the university websites. I'll definitely look into that.

 

[AE373]

Also, since you said perimeter college, I def just assumed you live in the ATL area, haha... But it could work for any 4 yr... You get the point haha... Feel free to PM me...

 

[KBanks]

Also, since you said perimeter college, I def just assumed you live in the ATL area, haha... But it could work for any 4 yr... You get the point haha... Feel free to PM me...

It's ok, I do live in the ATL area 🙂

 

[dyachei]

It's ok, I do live in the ATL area 🙂

Emory also definitely offers biochem but I'm not sure on their policies regarding post bac courses.

 

[KBanks]

Emory also definitely offers biochem but I'm not sure on their policies regarding post bac courses.

Unfortunately post baccalaureate students are not eligible for financial aid 🙁 So I have to find an AA in biology offered at a University.

 

[dyachei]

Unfortunately post baccalaureate students are not eligible for financial aid 🙁 So I have to find an AA in biology offered at a University.

You can take 1-2 courses without financial aid. Heck you may even be able to find a suitable biochem course if that's the only one you can't get at your community college

 

[remi4301]

I would recommend looking into taking biochemistry at Georgia State. You can apply as a post-bacc, non-degree seeking. Tuition isn't horrible there. I think you can even enroll as "degree seeking" but not actually end up getting another degree. So you could still get financial aid maybe?

 

[DVMDream]

Also, a few people have made a slight mention to this but no one has really outright said it. You might want to look into the schools that you are applying to and check their requirements as far as where to take upper level courses. Some vet schools could care less other vet schools require that all upper level courses be taken at a university and not a community college. So be sure to look into that carefully, because it would be horrible to take an upper level course at a community college only to find out that the school won't accept that and have to take it again at a university.

 

[KBanks]

You can take 1-2 courses without financial aid. Heck you may even be able to find a suitable biochem course if that's the only one you can't get at your community college

I was told that cc is looked down upon. The cc offers the other courses listed on the prerequisites for UGA Vet School as advanced Biology. The courses they use as examples are microbiology, genetics, and a few others and they are all offered at the CC. Now I'm just afraid that it's looked down upon during the application process and that the classes would not be at a high enough level like the ones at a Uni would be. I just want to make sure I get this done right...seeing that this would be my second go around for a career.

 

[KBanks]

Also, a few people have made a slight mention to this but no one has really outright said it. You might want to look into the schools that you are applying to and check their requirements as far as where to take upper level courses. Some vet schools could care less other vet schools require that all upper level courses be taken at a university and not a community college. So be sure to look into that carefully, because it would be horrible to take an upper level course at a community college only to find out that the school won't accept that and have to take it again at a university.

Do you know where exactly I could find that information or will I just have to call and ask?

 

[dyachei]

I was told that cc is looked down upon. The cc offers the other courses listed on the prerequisites for UGA Vet School as advanced Biology. The courses they use as examples are microbiology, genetics, and a few others and they are all offered at the CC. Now I'm just afraid that it's looked down upon during the application process and that the classes would not be at a high enough level like the ones at a Uni would be. I just want to make sure I get this done right...seeing that this would be my second go around for a career.

My main point is still that you can take classes outside a new degree even at another institution if necessary. You don't have to completely change schools because they don't offer 1-2 courses you may need

 

[Jamr0ckin]

Have you looked into Kennesaw State? I know they have a pretty decent science department, and I have a friend who got all her pre-reqs there for vet school. With you being in the ATL area, that should be pretty close to you, and from what I understand, not too expensive.

Good luck in your endeavors, I hope you find a class that fits into your budget and time schedule. If you have any questions about anything, most of us here would be more than happy to help you if we can.

I went to undergrad at Berry, in Rome, GA. So I looked into going to UGA, but ultimately ended up at UTK, as I'm a TN resident. I know several people who got into UTK and got rejected from UGA, so that may be a school you want to look into.

 

[devyn]

I was told that cc is looked down upon. The cc offers the other courses listed on the prerequisites for UGA Vet School as advanced Biology. The courses they use as examples are microbiology, genetics, and a few others and they are all offered at the CC. Now I'm just afraid that it's looked down upon during the application process and that the classes would not be at a high enough level like the ones at a Uni would be. I just want to make sure I get this done right...seeing that this would be my second go around for a career.

Each veterinary college has its own requirements as to whether a course has to be upper level or not. The easiest place to find this would be on the websites of the schools you are looking to apply to under their list of requirements - it is usually listed out pretty clearly there and if not then I would not hesitate to call and ask someone in the admissions department for clarification.

There is no issue with taking prerequisites at a community college as long as upper level courses are not required and most veterinary colleges have no issues with this and it will not impact your chances of getting accepted. If an upper level course is needed then you can easily take one through an extension program at a university without having to apply to a degree program and the fees are usually quite reasonable.

TBH though as a mature student who went back to college to take the prerequisites after already having a bachelors degree before being accepted to veterinary school. It is not necessary to get a full associates degree in order to be accepted into veterinary school and in fact you will end up taking classes that you do not need in order to gain that associates degree. Your best bet is to take as many classes as you can as a non-degree seeking student at a community college in your area for cheaper fees then take any upper level courses needed through an extension program from a university nearby. This will be the most efficient and cost effective way to do it since there is no financial aide available to get prerequisites available.

 

[DVMDream]

Do you know where exactly I could find that information or will I just have to call and ask?

You should be able to find this on each schools website. It should be where they mention their pre-reqs or maybe in their selection process. If not, calling them and asking would not be a bad idea.

 

[KBanks]

Each veterinary college has its own requirements as to whether a course has to be upper level or not. The easiest place to find this would be on the websites of the schools you are looking to apply to under their list of requirements - it is usually listed out pretty clearly there and if not then I would not hesitate to call and ask someone in the admissions department for clarification.

There is no issue with taking prerequisites at a community college as long as upper level courses are not required and most veterinary colleges have no issues with this and it will not impact your chances of getting accepted. If an upper level course is needed then you can easily take one through an extension program at a university without having to apply to a degree program and the fees are usually quite reasonable.

TBH though as a mature student who went back to college to take the prerequisites after already having a bachelors degree before being accepted to veterinary school. It is not necessary to get a full associates degree in order to be accepted into veterinary school and in fact you will end up taking classes that you do not need in order to gain that associates degree. Your best bet is to take as many classes as you can as a non-degree seeking student at a community college in your area for cheaper fees then take any upper level courses needed through an extension program from a university nearby. This will be the most efficient and cost effective way to do it since there is no financial aide available to get prerequisites available.

I'm other really worried about getting an associates degree because it is a two year program and my husband is giving me the last two years of his GI Bill and I can only use this if I am working towards a degree. So two years of free college I'm ok with. I just wanted to make sure my application would have a chance even if I took the classes at a cc.

 

[KBanks]

I meant to say "not worried" the autocorrect on my phone can be annoying.

 

[devyn]

I'm other really worried about getting an associates degree because it is a two year program and my husband is giving me the last two years of his GI Bill and I can only use this if I am working towards a degree. So two years of free college I'm ok with. I just wanted to make sure my application would have a chance even if I took the classes at a cc.

Yes most of the classes should be just fine - just make sure to check out the veterinary colleges that you are applying to for their prerequisites and see if any require upper level classes. You might need to take one or two courses from a university through an extension program and pay out of pocket, but really that is no big deal especially since you are getting the rest paid for. 🙂

 

[KBanks]

Yes most of the classes should be just fine - just make sure to check out the veterinary colleges that you are applying to for their prerequisites and see if any require upper level classes. You might need to take one or two courses from a university through an extension program and pay out of pocket, but really that is no big deal especially since you are getting the rest paid for. 🙂

Thank you! Someone also mentioned finding an associates program offered at a University then the upper level classes would be available as an elective and I think I'll look into that as well.

 

[Crystalight33]

Working towards a degree doesn't mean you must earn said degree. I had a music degree when I decided to go back to fulfill pre-reqs for vet school. I took gen bio and gen chem at a community college and then went to a 4 year university to finish the rest of my pre-reqs. In hindsight, I should have taken physics at the community college as well to save money, but it all worked out in the end. At the 4 year university, I was enrolled as a second degree seeking student, but I never intended to graduate with a second bachelors degree. I only took the courses I needed for pre-reqs and "dropped-out" when I was accepted to vet school. I don't know if that would work in your situation, but it is an option that worked for me.

 

[ChittyBang]

Every time I see the title of this thread in my SDN newsfeed I think, "Yes. Yes, I do." 😛

 

[KBanks]

Working towards a degree doesn't mean you must earn said degree. I had a music degree when I decided to go back to fulfill pre-reqs for vet school. I took gen bio and gen chem at a community college and then went to a 4 year university to finish the rest of my pre-reqs. In hindsight, I should have taken physics at the community college as well to save money, but it all worked out in the end. At the 4 year university, I was enrolled as a second degree seeking student, but I never intended to graduate with a second bachelors degree. I only took the courses I needed for pre-reqs and "dropped-out" when I was accepted to vet school. I don't know if that would work in your situation, but it is an option that worked for me.

I've also considered this approach, but I was concerned that it would be frowned upon because I didn't finish the degree. How long did it take you to finish the prerequisites?

 

[KBanks]

I've also considered this approach, but I was concerned that it would be frowned upon because I didn't finish the degree. How long did it take you to finish the prerequisites?

Oh and what kind of degree were you "seeking"? Did you enroll as a BA/BS student or an AA student?

 

[Crystalight33]

I was enrolled as seeking a BS in agriculture. It took me three years but only because the first year I was a part time student while continuing to work full time. I switched to being a student full time the second and third year. I also had pretty much every single pre-req to take, and I ran into problems with not being able to take organic chemistry until I finished gen chem and then I couldn't take biochemistry until after organic, so all that took a little longer than I hoped.

As far as it being looked down on for not finishing, that never came up in any of my interviews. I was asked why I switched from music to vet med, but I really think that if you already have a BA, it doesn't matter how you fulfill your pre-reqs. That was my experience anyway.

 

[KBanks]

I was enrolled as seeking a BS in agriculture. It took me three years but only because the first year I was a part time student while continuing to work full time. I switched to being a student full time the second and third year. I also had pretty much every single pre-req to take, and I ran into problems with not being able to take organic chemistry until I finished gen chem and then I couldn't take biochemistry until after organic, so all that took a little longer than I hoped.

As far as it being looked down on for not finishing, that never came up in any of my interviews. I was asked why I switched from music to vet med, but I really think that if you already have a BA, it doesn't matter how you fulfill your pre-reqs. That was my experience anyway.

Thank you for sharing your experience, it was very helpful. I think I'm going to go this rout as well. I don't want to go for an Associates and then not get everything I need to get done, done. I've talked to the admissions and financial aid at Georgia State and they said that this was definitely a good option and the only problems I might run into are prerequisites for certain classes like chemistry and such. Other than that I should be golden so I am going to apply to Georgia State University and Kennesaw University 🙂