Thinking about diving in

[Absynth]

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Hey guys, so i'm thinking about following my dream and enrolling in a pre-vet program.

But i have some questions.

What types of surgeries do vets do? Can you get away with just doing basic surgery like spaying and neutering? I'm not so sure i would enjoy extremely complicated surgery.

People say that you should always have a plan B just in case you can't get in to vet school, what are some other careers you could have with a DVM degree? What if you don't get into vet school? Did you just waste 4 years of your life getting a DVM that is just going to go to waste?

Does it take a full 8 years or longer?

 

[Zusie]

Pre-Vet doesn't give you a DVM degree. You are working on a Bachelor's Degree in a subject (Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Professional Studies, etc.) when you are doing the courses to get into vet school. You can even do non-science majors, just make sure you take all the science classes you need along the way. In fact, you don't even have to have the bachelor's to get into vet school - you just need the required courses/hours on your transcript. Chose something that can be applied to other careers if necessary.

Undergrad+Vet School in the US is generally 8 years. Some people shave a year or two off of undergrad and can get it done in 6 or 7, but veterinary school is always 4 years. Some people that don't do undergrad full time can take longer to get the requirements. Vet School is full time - they advise to not have a job while you are in school. There are some people who do part-time things like working a the research park, ICU tech, lab tech, necropsy, etc. for a little extra money, though.

You can chose how to use your DVM degree after you get out - the thing is if you go general practice you'll have to find someone who's willing to hire an associate that doesn't like surgery. And you have to do a few during the veterinary program (the number varies depending on which school that you go to). But plenty of people pursue pathology. Some people study further and become internists. Some people do only spays and neuters all day every day. Some people take public health jobs. It's variable.

 

[Absynth]

Pre-Vet doesn't give you a DVM degree. You are working on a Bachelor's Degree in a subject (Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Professional Studies, etc.) when you are doing the courses to get into vet school. You can even do non-science majors, just make sure you take all the science classes you need along the way. In fact, you don't even have to have the bachelor's to get into vet school - you just need the required courses/hours on your transcript. Chose something that can be applied to other careers if necessary.

Oops, my mistake! I'm new to all of this. Thanks for the info!!

 

[Absynth]

Do you think 24 is too old to just be getting started?

 

[PetPony]

Do you think 24 is too old to just be getting started?

No. And don't let the senior citizens of the forum hear this..

 

[shortnsweet]

Do you think 24 is too old to just be getting started?

Never too old. You just need to be aware you probably won't have an actual DVM for at least 8-10years when all is said and done 🙂

 

[Absynth]

Also, do you have to be smarter than the average person to actually make it? I'm pretty smart but not 'gifted'. I'm very introverted, not very driven unless i really want something. I have anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADD, depression. I'm feeling a little discouraged, thinking i wouldn't being to make it through school and actually do the job=/.

 

[Absynth]

No. And don't let the senior citizens of the forum hear this..

Lol.

 

[Zusie]

Well, you kind of get a taste of what it's like doing the undergrad requirements. If you can't cut that, I would probably rethink it.

 

[wldlfstdnt]

I would definitely see how you feel in undergrad like Zusie says. Also you want to volunteer and shadow and see how you like and handle that.

 

[PppermintTwist]

Also, do you have to be smarter than the average person to actually make it? I'm pretty smart but not 'gifted'. I'm very introverted, not very driven unless i really want something. I have anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADD, depression. I'm feeling a little discouraged, thinking i wouldn't being to make it through school and actually do the job=/.

A lot of people have something to overcome in life. These things do not have to stop you from succeeding.

Call your local vets and see if you can shadow for a day if you have never had any veterinary experience. How do you feel about euthanasia? It can be a very hard job, and very taxing on your emotions. I think that its rewarding too though, and worth the hard work.

How would you feel about being a veterinary technician? We can't do surgery, but we do get to monitor anesthesia, take radiographs, do nursing care, place IV catheters, draw blood, etc. That is a two year associates program, an internship, and a national exam at the end to become licensed.

It has a lot of the same stressors, less appreciation, and less pay. But lots of rewards and a lot less school debt! Maybe that's something you should consider if you want to work in the field but have no interest in surgery, or dont want the stress of having to make diagnosis, etc. Im not sure if its what you'd want but I'd encourage you to look it up and compare.

You can always go on from the tech program and continue your education if you decide that you really want to be a veterinarian. Some people on here may argue that it will add to your time in undergrad but it doesnt have to. Start taking pre-reqs in tech school some of them are required for tech school anyways, and then you could always just finish the pre-reqs afterwards. Like someone said before, you dont actually have to have your bachelors degree to apply to vet school. If you want to finish your bachelors it might add a year or so.

Have you already done any college? Or have you been in the work force?

🙂

 

[Absynth]

A lot of people have something to overcome in life. These things do not have to stop you from succeeding.

Call your local vets and see if you can shadow for a day if you have never had any veterinary experience. How do you feel about euthanasia? It can be a very hard job, and very taxing on your emotions. I think that its rewarding too though, and worth the hard work.

How would you feel about being a veterinary technician? We can't do surgery, but we do get to monitor anesthesia, take radiographs, do nursing care, place IV catheters, draw blood, etc. That is a two year associates program, an internship, and a national exam at the end to become licensed.

It has a lot of the same stressors, less appreciation, and less pay. But lots of rewards and a lot less school debt! Maybe that's something you should consider if you want to work in the field but have no interest in surgery, or dont want the stress of having to make diagnosis, etc. Im not sure if its what you'd want but I'd encourage you to look it up and compare.

You can always go on from the tech program and continue your education if you decide that you really want to be a veterinarian. Some people on here may argue that it will add to your time in undergrad but it doesnt have to. Start taking pre-reqs in tech school some of them are required for tech school anyways, and then you could always just finish the pre-reqs afterwards. Like someone said before, you dont actually have to have your bachelors degree to apply to vet school. If you want to finish your bachelors it might add a year or so.

Have you already done any college? Or have you been in the work force?

🙂

I don't really think euthanasia would bother me too much, sometimes it just needs to be done.
I've actually read alot about veterinary technicians on the internet and it seems the salary is pretty low. I was going to pursue it until i found that out. I read of vet techs getting paid as low as $10.00 an hour! Is this true?
I also read that many people regret going to school for it because it isn't worth it in the end because the salary is so low.

No, i haven't done any college yet. I'm starting in the fall🙂

 

[orca2011]

I don't really think euthanasia would bother me too much, sometimes it just needs to be done.
I've actually read alot about veterinary technicians on the internet and it seems the salary is pretty low. I was going to pursue it until i found that out. I read of vet techs getting paid as low as $10.00 an hour! Is this true?
I also read that many people regret going to school for it because it isn't worth it in the end because the salary is so low.

No, i haven't done any college yet. I'm starting in the fall🙂

I'm only a veterinary assistant and make $8/hr. I think the techs where I work make maybe $11. It's also a non-profit clinic, so I don't know how much that factors into it, but yes, I'd believe it.

 

[hopefulinva]

I've actually read alot about veterinary technicians on the internet and it seems the salary is pretty low. I was going to pursue it until i found that out. I read of vet techs getting paid as low as $10.00 an hour! Is this true?
I also read that many people regret going to school for it because it isn't worth it in the end because the salary is so low.

Sometimes you gotta just do what you love.

If it's any consolation, I hail from the DC suburbs where cost-of-living can be pretty high, and all the vet techs I know are doing fine. They're not rolling in it, but they are comfortable.

 

[pooter]

The best thing you can do right now is to get some shadowing experience under your belt if you haven't already. Spend some time around different vets and ask them questions. What kind of surgeries do they do? What kind of hours do they work? How did they handle vet school? You'll get a lot of different answers within the profession. Regarding surgeries, for instance, you might get a vet nutritionist who did their one required spay in vet school and hasn't picked up a scalpel since. Or you might get an E-vet who sees blood and guts spewing in the O.R. all the time (mostly kidding: under ideal conditions, guts should not spew.) There are a lot of people who spend a little time in a clinic and realize it's not for them. That's okay, and it's good to figure out before you invest tons of time and energy into the process. And if you go forward, be aware that it is a long road and vet school admissions are very competitive. Basically, you have to really want the destination and be able to tolerate the journey.

 

[cowgirla]

I also read that many people regret going to school for it because it isn't worth it in the end because the salary is so low.

Something to think about-

You also need to consider the debt:salary ratio of a veterinarian. If you aren't taking out loans for undergrad, you will very likely need them for vet school. Average debt is somewhere around $130,000, and could be as high as 300K depending on the school. Average starting salary is often in the 60K range and it has been very difficult for many new grads to find jobs.

Not trying to discourage you, just pointing out that money shouldn't be the deciding factor in choosing vet vs tech.

 

[Emiloo4]

Something to think about-

You also need to consider the debt:salary ratio of a veterinarian. If you aren't taking out loans for undergrad, you will very likely need them for vet school. Average debt is somewhere around $130,000, and could be as high as 300K depending on the school. Average starting salary is often in the 60K range and it has been very difficult for many new grads to find jobs.

Not trying to discourage you, just pointing out that money shouldn't be the deciding factor in choosing vet vs tech.

👍 You could be doing about the same as a vet tech for the first ten years when you factor in loans. Definitely something many people don't realize when they begin looking at the profession. Think about this part hard! I've been accepted to vet school and it makes me think twice daily!

 

[PppermintTwist]

I don't really think euthanasia would bother me too much, sometimes it just needs to be done.
I've actually read alot about veterinary technicians on the internet and it seems the salary is pretty low. I was going to pursue it until i found that out. I read of vet techs getting paid as low as $10.00 an hour! Is this true?
I also read that many people regret going to school for it because it isn't worth it in the end because the salary is so low.

No, i haven't done any college yet. I'm starting in the fall🙂

My starting salary as a licensed technician without much experience was $10/hr. Now at a referral practice I get $16/hr. Pay will depend on where you are in the country and in your state.

Tech school cost me at $30,000, vet school including undergrad will cost $200,000-$300,000. So if I get into vet school I will most likely be paying so much in student loans that I wont make anymore than I do now...for a while...

There is a very high attrition rate with veterinary technicians. Due to a few factors. Lower pay is one of them. I think the big one is a lack of professional appreciation.

The careers are definitely different though. I'd go for the one that interests you the most.

You are definitely not too old to start! You will want to get good grades while taking a heavy course load. If you want to start with a smaller course load your first semester that is probably fine. If you are not working I'd expect to take 16-18 credits a semester. You can get away with less if you're working. See how that goes and if you feel you'd be able to handle a rigorous vet school curriculum ( 20ish credits a semester...)

 

[PetPony]

Not every college will let you take 20 credits. 18 is the most at my university and you need special permission for more..

 

[moosenanny]

Not every college will let you take 20 credits. 18 is the most at my university and you need special permission for more..

And not every vet school has you taking 20ish credits We take about 30 per quarter - and sometimes more depending on how many electives you choose to take on.

 

[PppermintTwist]

Not every college will let you take 20 credits. 18 is the most at my university and you need special permission for more..

I suggested 16-18 for undergrad to prepare you for the 20+ you will be taking in veterinary school.

 

[PetPony]

Ups, sorry. I was having a long talk with my dad and stepmom (involuntary) and was trying to distract myself. Didn't read close enough..

 

[PppermintTwist]

Ups, sorry. I was having a long talk with my dad and stepmom (involuntary) and was trying to distract myself. Didn't read close enough..

You are right though. The couple schools I've gone to you can only take up to 18 credits. 🙂

 

[yann]

Do you think 24 is too old to just be getting started?

No!! A lot of others have started their work towards getting into vet school in their late 20's, 30's and 40's. You're never too old to live your life as you wish!
I was 24 years old when I started. I'm turning 26 and starting vet school in Edinburgh this year 🙂

Also, I personally recommend you ponder the possibility of majoring in something other than pre vet to give yourself some leeway in case you decide you DON'T want to pursue veterinary medicine anymore. Hey, it has happened. If you're a hard core science person than major in Biology or Chemistry or Physics (or something more complicated than that, I'm a humanities person and have never looked into the varieties of Science majors schools offer), or I personally have had lots of fun majoring in the Social Sciences, which comes useful to you on almost any kind of profession. Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology for starters...or just go with your heart and if you want to major in something like Photography, Music, Fine Arts, that's pretty awesome too. Even with these majors you can still take pre requisite courses to apply to vet school, and you will definitely stand out among all other applicants with pre-med, animal science, biology degrees.

One of our new vets I work with, graduated last year and has been telling me how he should have taken a different path instead of vet school. He's just a year older than me, so I sympathize with him a lot more because if I didn't take the detour I took, I could possibly be unhappy with my choices too. I was a journalist before I changed path into the vet field, and that has been one of my dreams aside from being a vet. It was a fun experience but I didn't get the fulfillment I thought I would get from the job, and after I changed path and started working as a vet assistant, I was like "YES this is what I needed!!" been almost 2 years and I still love what I do. So for me, there is no doubt anymore as whatever else I had planned otherwise had already been done.

I'm assuming you're in high school or just finished 1st year in college....you can always change your majors, but think carefully on this one. Also shadowing vets during the summer would def help you see the real picture.

Good luck!

 

[Absynth]

Thank you all, you've given me alot to think about🙂