Interested in becming a Vet...

[medtechv79]

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Hi All,

I'm interested in becoming a vet. Can anyone give me any tips on applying?
Here are some stats for me:
I graduated from college about 3 yrs ago with BS in psychology I'm right now getting my certification as a medical technologist (went thru a hospital pgm) now I've decided I don't want to do that for the rest of my life and am looking in to becoming a vet. I've heard its hard to get in to vet schools.
I have taken most of the pre-vet/med requirements:
1 yrs biology (zoology, cell, population genetics)
1 yrs inorganic chem
1 yrs organic chem
1 yrs calculus

the only thing I need to take is 1 yrs physics...is that a definite requirement? also I didn't do to well in orgo...(got a D!) so I plan to retake that as well.....
My GPA is below a 3.0 but is there any chance for me to apply to vet school? I'm not applying right away....I obviously have some pre vet work to do but any suggestions would be helpful!!
also, what about animal experience? do I need to work at an animal hospital? does working in a hospital lab count or does it solely have to be research?
thanks for all yer help guys!

 

[CoffeeCrazy]

I got in to vet school with <3.0 GPA. I think that's really rare, though.

Physics is a definite requirement, and any grade below a C or C- on a required course doesn't count. You should look in to doing a post-bac program and taking extra classes to boost your GPA.

While working at a vet clinic isn't "required" per say, the pool of applicants for vet school is extremely competitive. People in my incoming vet class have worked with all kinds of animals - exotics, marine mammals, etc. The more diverse your experiences, the better your chances. You really need to prove to the admissions committee that you're dedicated to the veterinary profession before they even interview you. Good luck!

 

[medtechv79]

Thanks for your advice. I've been talking to admissions counselors and I will definitely retake orgo, and do good in physics and biochem.
Question tho: Right now I'm taking a intense hosp based program for med. technology. I know I can't get college credit. But I do get a transcript at the end of this program and I take a national certifying test. Would this help in my application at all? I know it might count for work experience....but I am getting a pretty good foundation in the sciences (I'm learning micro, parasitology, viruses, chem, hematology etc.) So should I also send in the transcript from my program to the vet school I'm applying to? Thanks for all yer help!

 

[CoffeeCrazy]

I don't know anything about med. tech. - what is it, exactly?

I've worked for the last two years in breast cancer research as a research technician. Not exactly related to veterinary medicine... but I wrote about my interest in research and how I've discovered I work better with patients than cells. Also got a recommendation from my boss about how thorough and detail oriented I am, how much I care about the animals I work with, etc. and how he knows my heart lies with vet med. So if you can twist things to explain how med tech supports your interest in veterinary medicine (plus it's good to show that you follow through with things and don't drop out mid-program) - then sure, send in the transcript! Especially if your grades are good. 🙂