How do I become a veterinarian (please tell me ALL the steps) and have my own clinic?

Question

I just need to know everything I can, I'm in the fith grade but I need to know anything I can. Any books that I could read? Anything! Should I become a vet tech first? I live in Michigan so, do you know any really good (but not too expensive) colleges? Also, I have made another question about specializing so, can I specialize in two things? (farm and house animals including horses) And I live in a VERY small town so I'm going to move to a different town that's very busy, but doesn't have a lot of vet clinics. Does anyone know a place like that in michigan? (preferably not Detroit, Detroit is a scary city)

Best answer gets 10 points. whoever answers most of my questions reasonably, gets it. And please, don't just mess around with me about my questions, being a vet has always been my dream and I just want to help animals because i love them so please don't be a meanie.

Answer 1

You become a vet by going to vet school.  One of the best in Michigan is at MSU.  I've put a link below for the vet school itself.  The school has an annual program called  the "vet-a-visit" program, where you can come to the school, tour their facility, and get all your questions answered.  I urge you to come see it, and see if this is what you really want to do.  You'll have to search the CVM site - it's pretty slow right now, though.

To get into vet school, you have to have outstanding grades.  You'll need to work hard on the core science and math classes, starting now.  Look under the "Student information" tab on the first site for the pre-college prep. information for high school students.  It's not too early for you to start even in 5th grade.

One good thing going for you - the industry will have a shortage of rural, large animal vets soon.  Enough so that they are actually recruiting students who want to have this sort of practice, as most want to treat dogs and cats and other small animals.  If you have what it takes to do this, you may be able to get some help with tuition, and maybe even finding a job afterwards.  But ask about that at vet-a-visit.