Looking Into The Possibilities.......

[Iain]

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I have recently found myself looking into the possibilities of becoming a vet. I have always been involved with animals - we trained numerous charity dogs as a family when I was younger, but my real interest is horses. I have ridden all my life, and although I did not ride much during High School and College (I was big into aviation, and wanted to be a pilot) after graduating (18 months ago) I have got back into it in a major way, and am thoroughly enjoying it. I work really well with horses, and I think they enjoy my company as much as I enjoy theirs.

My academic record is quite good - I graduated college at the age of 19, however this was over in the UK (I am a US green card holder, moved here when I was 11). My college marks were alright, but nothing special. I also studied business and have none of the requirements. I know there will be quite a few courses I have to take, and it varies with what school you want to attend - but what is a good starting point for a list? I am quite confident if I put my head down, and do not overload myself gaining 3.5-4.0 will not be a problem. Will having a foreign degree make gaining getting accepted to Veterinary school more difficult. How long will it take me to fulfill these requirements.

When they say they want experience working with animals - are they looking for clinical experience, with vets or just to ensure that you have a good understanding of animal behavior. I used to be a member of Pony Club, Hunts, and more recently polo clubs - do these count?

What are some good places to look into taking a post-bacc course, that will not only prepare me, but also does not break the bank? Any school with a polo club will be preferred.

Thanks for your insight!

 

[BatDog]

I
When they say they want experience working with animals - are they looking for clinical experience, with vets or just to ensure that you have a good understanding of animal behavior. I used to be a member of Pony Club, Hunts, and more recently polo clubs - do these count?

What are some good places to look into taking a post-bacc course, that will not only prepare me, but also does not break the bank? Any school with a polo club will be preferred.

With regard to what types of experience that counts, it seems that actual hands-on clinical experience with a vet, a zoo, or an SPCA or animal shelter, etc, is what vet schools are looking for. Perhaps research w/ animals qualifies too. When i was younger i exercised race horses and worked on the farm on a full-time basis performing a miriad of tasks that ranged from feeding, tending to leg injuries, grooming, riding, assisting the vet and accupuncturist, etc. Although, I plan to use this experience, I'm also volunteering at the SPCA, and perhaps the zoo. I guess the main thing is to ensure you truly understand what being a vet entails.

In response to your question about where to go for pre-requ's where you'll have access to the polo club; have you looked into Cal Poly San Luis Obispo? I know they have a farm on campus. One of my relatives attended Cal Poly SLO and boarded her horses on-campus while she attended school (this was in the late-1980's/early 90's, though). I thought they had a polo program, but I can't be certain. With all of the budget butbacks, it's hard to say what the schools have anymore.

BD

 

[Iain]

Thanks for your reply. If someone could touch on classes I need to take, and where I can attend, as well as any other things I need to do I would appreciate it.

 

[DrRae]

Hey there,
In general you will need at least all of your core classes (approx. 12-15 hrs humanities/arts/social sciences, basic maths etc...), 2 english classes, 1 year general biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry, 1 year of physics, microbiology, biochemistry, calculus, and statistics. Some schools require genetics or animal science classes also. Check out http://aavmc.org/ for more information. Good luck.
DrRae

 

[BatDog]

Hey there,
In general you will need at least all of your core classes (approx. 12-15 hrs humanities/arts/social sciences, basic maths etc...), 2 english classes, 1 year general biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry, 1 year of physics, microbiology, biochemistry, calculus, and statistics. Some schools require genetics or animal science classes also. Check out http://aavmc.org/ for more information. Good luck.
DrRae

It's a good idea to check with each vet school you're interested in applying to --there's some variation from school to school. I've noted that some schools don't require a full year of physics or o-chem. Although I've only researched a few vet schools, I've yet to find a vet school with specific mathematics requirements. However, in order to meet the pre-requisites for physics, you'll apparently need a firm grasp of trig or pre-calculus.

BD