I am wanting to go back to school in animal care?

Question

I am wanting to go back to college. I want to work with animals. I want to pick the degree that is right for me. I waited until i was older to go back to college. I am now 41 and i am kind of hessitant to go back. I was interrested in going back for vet assistant . But i want to also learn more about animal behavior branch out into different fields. Am i too old to go back and do this if not how can i get started?

Answer 1

You are not too old- I helped my best freind start her career as an animal care technician at age 49. The animal science field is diverse, and there is a niche for you. You can become a vet tech, a laboratory animal specialist, a zoo assistant, a research assistant, an educator, a volunteer coordinator, a nutrition specialist- the possibilities are endless.

If you want to research other fields, I woudl recommend two things right away:

1) Check out the AALAS web site; and look at their links, and especially job profiles, which are as diverse as you can imagine

2) Do a search on schools with good animal science programs. Even if you do not want to move, you will still get an idea for what is out there. Some really good ones I know of:

Purdue University
University of British Columbia
Rutgers
Delaware Valley College (my alma mater)
Louisiana State

After yuo do a little research, you'll have a better idea of what appeals to you, and you can start planning your strategy. Maybe a few course at the community college in biology, chemistry, anatomy? then switch to a LVT program? Internship or volunteer work with a local resource? Business skills? Are you interested in research? People in research are always looking for animal caretakers and technicians.

I would be happy to discuss this more with you off-line. My best friend studied with me for 3 years, then won a prize as animal worker of the year for the New England region. It was wonderful to help her along! I may be able to hook you up with soemone who can get you leads.

Answer 2

You are never too old to go back to school! If you want to be a vet assistant you just have to go find a vet that is looking for help you really do not need a degree. If you want to be a Veterinary Technician then you do need a degree. Most of the programs take two years to complete , but there are a few four year B.S programs out there as well. It would not be a bad idea just to try working or volunteering at a vet hospital just to get some experience and see if this is what you truly want. Good luck with everything!!

Answer 3

Hey! You are never to old to go back to school! You can however take college classes nowadays over the internet. Or for that matter home study courses. I was taking a vetranarian course at home for over a year. Now it was about 13 years ago. The only reason i had stopped at the time was my life just simply put got in the way. But up till i quit, i was making straight A's and was studing and taking the tests at my own pace. Whereas my hubby takes classes online and has nightly deadlines. GO for it i say. Don't let any1 or anything stop your dreams!

Answer 4

u r never too old, but i would suggest u get a job with a vet and see if they can help u with ur quest. i had a gf that got a job as an assistant, no hs diploma, and she was making $15p.h. starting salary. they had her taking tests and classes all the time to better herself. unfortunately she got pg and had to drop out. when i wanted to b a vet, u had to take 4 yrs of latin, that did me in. see if u can't get the job 1st.good luck

Answer 5

Moorpark College is excellent, it's even cited on the San Diego Zoo employment page, but it's very rigorous. I'm going to go there myself.

Answer 6

YOU ARE NEVER TO OLD TO DO WHAT YOU WANT GO FOR IT!!!!! CALL YOU COLLEGE AND YOUR ZOO IN AROUND YOUR HOME. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!:-)