What do I need to become an ornithologist OR an avian vet?

Question

(high school classes, university majors, work experience, etc.)

Thanks.

Answer 1

I work as an ornithologist and majored in zoology. While in school I took ornithology courses and did some field studies with birds.  Also became an avid birdwatcher and started participating in local bird walks with Audubon and started attending bird festivals in different states.    After earning my degree I started working seasonal jobs with birds with various universities, government agencies, non-profits, museums, etc.  I did this for 7 years and 16 states and 3 countries later, I settled down to a permanent full time ornithologist position with a non-profit organization where I have been employed for the last 2 1/2 years.

If, on the other hand, you want to go the veterinarian route, you need to, basically, take pre-med classes in college, then go to a vet school with a specialization in birds specifically. A vet is as well trained, if not as respected or well paid, as any human doctor.

In either case, to begin with you want to concentrate as much as possible on life sciences, but also keep in mind that "core science" courses such as chemistry will also be very important.

Originally I wanted to become a vet and worked as a veterinary technician for many years before discovering my real passion....birds.

Check out this website for seasonal jobs with birds:

http://www.osnabirds.org/on/ornjobs.htm

Answer 2

Go graduate from high school then go to vet college they will tell you what you need to sign up for to become one, here you will only get answers from people who have no clue to the answers to your questions. Or go to a vet's office and ask the REAL PEOPLE WHO KNOW WHAT IT TAKES to become one.