veterinarian (10 points best answer)?

Question

im 17 and am getting my high school diploma in october . after that i i want to take a year and a half off to work full time . so im looking to start college in august of 09 , my question is what is the process of becoming a veterinarian? how much schooling? is it a good job money wise?

Answer 1

I totally wanted to be a vet when I was your age too, so maybe I can answer this question from experience. I worked at a vet hospital for three years in high school and volunteered at the local humane society. When I went off to college (usually there's a pre-vet major), I found out that I would be taking two-three hour science lab courses each week. I soon found out that veterinary medicine was not for me because I love animals, but hate science.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind - and this is not to deter you from following your dream, but just so you know all the information up front. First, as many others have commented, it is very difficult to get into vet school - and grades are not the entire reason for being admitted. The vet school in my state only has a 10 percent acceptance rate - 800 people applied last year and only 80 made it in.

I think you can only apply to vet school so many times AND if you don't make it in, you need a backup plan - you can't be a practicing veterinarian without going to vet school - it's malpractice. So, as long as you have an alternative career that you might pursue with your degree, you should be okay.

I also think it takes a few years before being a vet really pays off - after paying for all your education, etc. - and beginning vets don't make all that much. The other thing is that because the field is so heavily populated, it might be difficult to find a job even after you graduate from vet school.

Assuming you graduate from college in four years, it's eight years post-high school education. If you're really interested in learning more about veterinary medicine, ask about job shadowing a vet at your local animal hospital.

Answer 2

You must first obtain a college degree (preferably a Bachelor of Science degree in a related field such as Animal Husbandry). You probably should have at least a 3.8 GPA. This may sound alittle high, but believe it or not it is easier to get into Medical School than it is into Veterinanrian School! Note, before you start college, you should find out what the entrance requirements and recommendations of each Vet school that you are interested in attending. Not all college curriculums are acceptable to certain Vet schools.

Then you must apply to a vet school. There are not too many vet schools here in the United States. For example, I think there is only one vet school here in California, that would be UC Davis in Sacramento. This is another reason why there is stiff competition in getting into a vet school.

If you are planning to take a year or so off, then I would recommend that you find a job that deals with animals. Even voluteer in a vet's office. This will not only give you a chance to see first hand what some vet's do, but will also help you decide if that's really what you want to do. This experience will give you a possible contact and/or recommendation from the vet themselves when you apply to vet school.

As for the $$$. This is very dependent on your vet practice. Is your practice a large or small practice? Do you treat large or small animals (cat vs horse)? Do you treat domestic or exotic animals (cat vs lion)? Do you treat marine animals? Do you work for a zoo, aquarium, wild life preserve, or ??? I've known vets who can make a 6 figure income. Most of the vets I know are not in it for the money, but rather the love of job.

Study smart and soon your dream will become a reality!

Answer 3

Take the undesirable kitty to the animal medical institution 4 a verify up. Take pictures of her first as information. tell ur neighbor to pay the invoice and u gained't turn him in. yet when he refuses to pay u can document a grievance with ur city poliece dpt and he can do time. each and every now and then like some months to a year for harming domistic animals. And he probb is awear of that. The jerkk...sturdy lukk

Answer 4

I have a cousin who is in college 2 be a Vet. I know this:
It is difficult to find a school in the U.S. that will train you to be a vet. (she had 2 go 2 New Zealand!) and It is considerably expensive.

Answer 5

You can get good info at:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos076.htm