Need advice! Please help!

[Rei614]

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Hello all! Well I'm new here and am really enjoying reading everyones opions and experiences!

The advice I need is about starting out. I'm currently an accountant but have decided to go back to school. What now?

Since I already have a degree will I need to retake classes for the prereqs for vet school? Do I need to get another degree in Biology?

I'm completely motivated and ready for all of this, I just feel kind of stuck. I don't know how to get started in the right direction. Please help!

 

[DVMorBust]

If you have already taken the prereqs, you won't need to retake them unless you're applying to a school that doesn't count prereqs past a certain date. Any prereqs you have NOT taken, you will need to take before vet school. You don't need to get another degree, but I would highly recommend becoming a 2nd degree-seeking student, even if you won't finish, because it's much easier to get the classes. Plus, if you don't make it your first try, there's a built in backup for a year to finish with a biology degree.

What kind of animal experience do you have? Vet experience? For applications, the only things that count for vet experience are work with a veterinarian(shadowing, etc.) or a PhD (research in biomed. science), and vet experience is the most important type of experience to have. Aside from showing the adcoms you know what you're getting into, it really helps you make sure it's the life for you.

 

[Rei614]

Well I live in Columbia, MO (where the MU Vet School is located) and thought about taking in my transcript so I can talk to someone about what would they accept and what else I'd still need to take. Is that ok?

As far as shadowing a vet, how do I document that as proof? Do I just call up a vet (preferably my own) and ask if they need assistance and allow shadowing?

 

[DVMorBust]

Well I live in Columbia, MO (where the MU Vet School is located) and thought about taking in my transcript so I can talk to someone about what would they accept and what else I'd still need to take. Is that ok?

Definitely! Having a vet school in your town is a great resource, and should be used.

As far as shadowing a vet, how do I document that as proof? Do I just call up a vet (preferably my own) and ask if they need assistance and allow shadowing?

There's no specific documentation method...or at least there wasn't on last year's application. On the application, there's a place for contact information, but it's optional. It seems to be on the honor system a bit, but aso keep in mind that one (or more) of your letters of rec need to be from veterinarians, so that in and of itself will tell them a lot re: your experience.

As far as how to go about it - that's definitely a good way to start. I started with my dog's vet, then my old horse vet - and didn't need to go further than that. If your vet doesn't have time/insurance/etc., be sure to ask them if they know of any other vets who might be able to provide a shadowing opportunity.

What's your work situation like? Would it be feasible to get a part time job in a clinic? It seems to be the most popular choice for gaining veterinary experience, but isn't by any means the only way to do it - and shadowing is still extremely important so you learn what the vet does, not just what the techs and assistants do.

 

[RazorDoc2010]

Well I live in Columbia, MO (where the MU Vet School is located) and thought about taking in my transcript so I can talk to someone about what would they accept and what else I'd still need to take. Is that ok?

As far as shadowing a vet, how do I document that as proof? Do I just call up a vet (preferably my own) and ask if they need assistance and allow shadowing?

The people you'll want to talk to are Kathy Seay or Doug Tindall. Both can help you get the academic part situated, as well as let you know some of the ins-and-outs of applying.

 

[RazorDoc2010]

Kathy & Doug could also get you a tour of the vet hospital if you were interested. Either they or an ambassador (possibly me?) could show you around. Here are their emails if that helps:

Kathy Seay
[email protected]
(573) 884-6435

Doug Tindall
[email protected]
(573) 882-4397

 

[Rei614]

Oh my! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! I will be in contact with them as soon as I get my transcripts.

 

[Caninerepro]

One other thought, and what I did. A one year classwork-MS.
http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/bms/planB.htm

I already had an MBA, but did have to go back and take a few higher level undergrad classes like Orgo/Biochem and Genetics

 

[cowgirl in MO]

Rei614, I'm a non-trad who was accepted at Missouri as an IS applicant, so feel free to PM me if you have any questions about what I went through as far as getting experience and applying.

 

[K9VET2B]

I don’t know if this helps, but it might make you feel better. My undergrad was MIS (computers & business). I worked as an executive for a few years and hated it. I always wanted the vet career so I went for it. I quit my nice paying job to work in a zoo then kennel and then finally a tech position, all while retaking every science to meet the pre recs. I got in as an alternate and have not looked back. For people in our position, it is important to be prepared for if it doesn’t work out first time around, but if you keep at it, I promise it will. Good luck!

It seems like everyone has covered the basics. Get experience and I might add, take a semester of very heavy classes. I think taking a full load of organic 2, physic 2, biochem, genetics all while working full time showed I could do the work. I think this was my key.