Are there any vets out there I need to talk about collage?

Question

Hi, I need to talk to a vet about what it takes to be a vet. I am still in high school and am looking for a path in life. I really love animals. Is this really hard like remembering all the stuff about animals and the medication for them all? Is there a way I can start studying for it now, like a book I can read to learn? What classes do I have to take and what would be best to do right now? Should I ask about a volunteer job or something? Please help I would really appreciate it. I want to make a difference in animals lives. Thank you for helping me I am really grateful.

Answer 1

you would go to undergrad first then to vet school.  For undergrad it doensn;t really matter were you go, as long as you meet the vet school prerequisites.  I would recommend a degree such as animal science or something related to biology.  The more courses you take in undergrad related to things like anatomy, physiology, immunology, embryology ect... the more it will help you in vet school.  Alot of vet schools want diversity so they will take some people who did a nonscience degree like history or something as long as prerequs were filled, but a bio background will be most useful knowlege wise.  I think University of Kentucky has a good animal science or equine science dept.  Once at undergrad, find an advisor who can help guide you through the prevet process.  Also look to join clubs that shows you are interested such as prevet club and other animal related clubs that may be arround.  Hold leadership positions in these clubs.  Vet schools also like to see research experience.  So get involved with some undergrad research project.  The vet schools will require that you have time working for a vet (paid or unpaid).  Try to work with as many species as possible. IF you are  interested in food animals or equine work that is in your favor, vet schools want more large animal people right now.  The summer before your senior year of undergrad you would take the GRE, then fall of senior year you apply to vet school.  

That being said there are some vet schools that accept peope with very good records into programs right out of highschool.  Basically you do your undergrad work and if you maintain a certain GPA you are automatically into the vet school . I know that Purdue and U.of Illinois have these programs.  I would investigate others.

Vet school is hard.  I thought that undergrad was very easy.  But vet school is really hard, but it is fun to learn all the interesting info about animals.

check out the following websites for more vet school info:

avma.org (check the education section)

aavmc.org

if you want to do some reading i would suggest starting with books aimed at vet techs.  They are easier to understand and not as complicated.  Some good ones include:'

Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians - McCurnin

Clinical Anatomy & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians - Colville

you can probally find used books fairly cheap on amazon.com

Or just read books on pets and vet care that you can find at your library.  The stuff will be basic in books found at libraries but you have to start somewhere.  

Good luck.

Answer 2

Bel-Rea Institute, located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in beautiful Colorado, is one of the largets vet tech schools in the United States. bel-rea.com

A vet is a doctor. You can get a degree as a vet assistant too. You can volunteer to work at the local animal shelter.

Answer 3

i would guess that you would need good enough grades to get to a college with alot of people majoring to become vets.