Hello! First time poster! I graduated in 2013 with a BS in science (biology major, chem and equine studies minor). Good grades (honestly can't recall GPA stats, will have to contact my college to look at my transcripts again).
I had planned to get the ball rolling much earlier, but as is life, I got sidetracked with things like buying and paying off a car, etc. I have worked in a small animal clinic for 5 years, I work every day off at my college equestrian team's barn, probably another 8 hours a week cleaning stalls/helping out.
Here is the dilemma, I have an opportunity to take a job with a board certified equine surgeon/ large animal clinic. This opportunity popped up just through inquiring about a job shadow. I spent the last two days shadowing the clinic. It's a great facility, I just had not planned on leaving my current job as I have the hours/time off/pay that I am able to stay financially stable on, x-mas/b-day bonuses, etc. I have been really starting to plan and think about my career path and options.
I plan to apply to vet school next year pending taking the GRE. I also and considering PT school as I also have a big interest in that field, but I have not had any experience in it. Should I keep my current small animal tech job and continue to find other veterinarians to shadow, as well as shadow under some physical therapists? Or, should I take on this large animal job and try to make it work?
My goals for my career path have changed from more large animal/equine toward k9 sport medicine and rehab recently started training and competing in multiple dog sports, and may start instructing my own classes as well) I also love equine/k9 chiropractic and structured conditioning. After shadowing at the equine vet, I worry a little about my own physical health, I am fit and active, but I have had both of my ACLs replaced and have some back problems, hence my increasing interest in physical therapy work.
The longer I have worked as a vet tech, the more I have enjoyed working with people. I always struggle with big decisions and am wondering what may be most beneficial, a job with a board certified surgeon, or the freedom to go shadow any/all of my interests. I finally feel stable in my personal life and job and have found a spark of motivation to start making things happen!
Thoughts? Thanks!
I had planned to get the ball rolling much earlier, but as is life, I got sidetracked with things like buying and paying off a car, etc. I have worked in a small animal clinic for 5 years, I work every day off at my college equestrian team's barn, probably another 8 hours a week cleaning stalls/helping out.
Here is the dilemma, I have an opportunity to take a job with a board certified equine surgeon/ large animal clinic. This opportunity popped up just through inquiring about a job shadow. I spent the last two days shadowing the clinic. It's a great facility, I just had not planned on leaving my current job as I have the hours/time off/pay that I am able to stay financially stable on, x-mas/b-day bonuses, etc. I have been really starting to plan and think about my career path and options.
I plan to apply to vet school next year pending taking the GRE. I also and considering PT school as I also have a big interest in that field, but I have not had any experience in it. Should I keep my current small animal tech job and continue to find other veterinarians to shadow, as well as shadow under some physical therapists? Or, should I take on this large animal job and try to make it work?
My goals for my career path have changed from more large animal/equine toward k9 sport medicine and rehab recently started training and competing in multiple dog sports, and may start instructing my own classes as well) I also love equine/k9 chiropractic and structured conditioning. After shadowing at the equine vet, I worry a little about my own physical health, I am fit and active, but I have had both of my ACLs replaced and have some back problems, hence my increasing interest in physical therapy work.
The longer I have worked as a vet tech, the more I have enjoyed working with people. I always struggle with big decisions and am wondering what may be most beneficial, a job with a board certified surgeon, or the freedom to go shadow any/all of my interests. I finally feel stable in my personal life and job and have found a spark of motivation to start making things happen!
Thoughts? Thanks!
