Vet Experience

[justjeff316]

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I have a quick questions for all of you who want to answer. I am trying to get a job as a vet-tech to at least get my foot in the door. I want to go back to school next Spring at the local Community College, transfer and apply to the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign for their Veterinary Medicine College. But here's the question, I need some ideas for getting my animal experience. I have been training dogs for about 20 years. I've worked at two different animal hospitals, but that was close to 15 years ago. I've wanted to be a vet for EVER. But I got pretty crappy grades all the way through high school. Now, I'm saying, the hell with it. I'm going to be a vet no matter what my age is. I need some ideas for animal experience. Anyone got any ideas??? I am done rambling.

Jeff

 

[Truth74]

Hey there, Jeff.

Are you in the Champaign-Urbana area? It can be very rough in this area to get a foot in the door at a vet clinic. Trust me, I know. Your previous experience may be helpful getting to the door, but getting through it is a different story. It isn't very non-trad friendly. I would recommend volunteering at the county shelter and local rescues. The rescues and people working at the rescues would know better where there may be openings. Off the beaten path is usually more older student friendly.

For small animal, there are several breed specific rescues along with the Champaign County Humane Society. However, The humane society has a deal with the Pre-vet club to have wet labs ( read, jumping through numerous hoops most people with jobs don't have time for...right about... here). You may be able to get on as a vet assistant, if you have day time hours available.

For large animal, there are equine rescues, dairies, and stables that could use consistent help. Those LA places would gladly let you come in on vet visit day.

If your grades weren't so great in high school, I hope you are planning on taking a study skills course or two to start out. with a great gpa.
I would recommend going in to speak with an advisor at the undergrad college you plan to transfer to and the college of veterinary medicine before you take a class at the cc. I say this to spare you the time and money of taking a class that won't transfer to the U of I.

Hope this helps some. If you want specifics, send me a pm.

 

[Pennvet]

Getting experience is easy.

Go to the clinic.

Say you will work very cheap.

Be likeable, don't be annoying.

Follow these steps and anyone will hire you.

 

[BrumleyVet]

Getting a job as a Vet-Tech without technical training is probably not going to happen. If you go for a Vet Assistant position, you will most likely get on-the-job training. Start by saying that you are willing to start at the bottom and work up. Non-profit clinics and shelters would be a great place to start. They are usualy more willing to train someone with the right attitude but without experience. Good luck.

 

[twelvetigers]

The vet tech vs. vet assistant thing has 100% to do with what state you are in, I think. In Oklahoma, there is no problem whatsoever with getting hired as a 'vet tech' no matter what experience you have. There usually isn't even a distinction - there's the vet, the manager, and vet techs. Maybe a kennel assistant. In other states, you have to be a licensed or registered vet tech to do any of the job duties a tech would usually do, so then you'd be a vet assistant instead. I'm guessing that some states are somewhere in between these two extremes.

Pennvet isn't too far off, though I don't think he should make it sound so simple. Visit the clinics in person. Dress nice. Bring a resume. Be friendly, make it clear that you're very interested. If you need to, start by volunteering at a local clinic, and if you do a good job they may hire you (or, in my case, I decided I really didn't want to work at the clinic after all!) And, the number one thing: be persistent. Don't bug the crap out of them, but come as close as you possibly can. 😀 It took me basically six months of looking and pestering to get anywhere, and it still had a lot more to do with luck than anything. Of course, I live in a vet school town, so I'd assume that it's much harder here than elsewhere.

And also, consider your other options. Shelters, rescues, laboratories, etc. Truth gave some good advice!

Last, but not least, good luck. 🙂