What qualifies as exemplary veterinary experience?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

psilovethomas

...so now what?
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
1,841
Reaction score
494
I have been working at a small animal hospital since September 2006 as a veterinary assistant. However, I'm lacking experience in other areas. I'm desperately trying to build up some large animal/vet hours, as I only have about 30. How much will this hurt my file review? :scared:
 
Like the answer to most questions... "it depends on the school".

Some schools want diverse experience, some schools want experience in your area of interest. Check with the individual schools.....
 
I think it also depends on how strong the other areas of your application are. If you are 4.0 and 1600, you could probably get in most places with the bare minimum "vet experience" - I think most schools require at least like 100 or something, so you're obviously well over that. If you are more average or low-end as far as the academics go, than yes, you should try to diversify your experience a little, as that will help to balance out the weak numbers and make your app a little more attractive.

You didn't mention if you are working FT or PT, but either way over 3.5 years you've probably got plenty of SA experience. If you have the time (ie, won't be blowing off classes and hurting your grades/GRE, etc.) and can hook up with some good vets in other areas, I would say yeah, get some more diverse experience, it can't hurt and will just give your app a little more flavor.

FYI, I got accepted to Kansas with zero experience in LA, food, equine - and KSU is obviously big in those areas. I had nothing but SA experience, but in several different settings. But, I did get rejected from my other 5 schools, and who knows, maybe if I had a few hours in those other areas it might have made a difference.
 
NCSU is the opposite. The strong emphasis is on at least 3 areas of experience with at least 100 hours in each (min 400 hours total.) Now, that experience can include research, and I believe they are more lenient if you have extensive animal experience in another field (ie I think you might get away with 2 areas like SA and research if your degree in animal sci...at least that is the case for a few of our student who came straight from NCSU undergrad.)

There is a really strong emphasis on diversity here, which includes interests, so that we have a reasonable number of researchers, food animals, equine, zoo med, pub health, etc.
 
Top