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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
   
Location: Florida | I was in my 4th year of college when I shadowed a vet. Went ahead and got my biology degree but didn't even apply to vet school. I hated dealing with the people. No thanks, new career plan forming.
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Hungarian Midget Woman
 
Location: Midwest | Make sure you work in a clinic. I also planned on becoming a vet until I saw the realities of the profession.
Personally, I would advise against getting a biology degree unless you are going to pursue your Phd.... JMHO
Finding jobs with an animal science degree is also quite difficult, unless you are willing to move.
If you do decide to pursue a BS in biology, know that you will likely need grad school to move above a tech level. Med tech programs are a good option, but you will have wonky hours. Feel free to PM me. I am a cytogenetic technologist.
Research can be interesting, but finding a job is competitive, and right now, even more so as NIH funding has been cut in recent years.
I guess what I am saying is that before deciding on any particular program, research the jobs and salaries that you would qualify for with that degree. I wish someone had given me that advice when I was in college. I like my job and field, but I got lucky.... most places are not as flexible as my employer. | |
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 Veteran
Posts: 239
| I would suggest going to your equine (if you're interested in equine practice) vet and offering to volunteer, not ask for a job. Many practices just can't afford to take on someone with little experience and pay them......not doubting you at all - just telling you how it is. When I was a kid thinking about going to vet school I volunteered - did everything for free - and that will give you a very good idea of how the life is. The only time I got paid for working at a vet clinic before I graduated was in the summer between 3rd and 4th year vet school, but our province subsidizes some of the costs to the clinic as well.
One thing about it is if you don't have your pre-reqs yet, you have a lot of time, and a lot of those pre-reqs should be transferable to other degrees should you change your mind.
The other thing to consider is that with your DVM you aren't limited to private practice only. I was in a mixed animal practice for 2 years (and I don't believe I am crazy, as somebody mentioned above, LOL), equine specialist for 8 months and am now working for the government. I love it as I get my weekends and evenings off, which means I get to devote time to my own ponies.
There are jobs with feed companies, pharmaceutical companies, other specialities, consultation, military even.
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions as well - some stuff may vary between the States and up here in the great white north but should be able to give you a general idea - good luck!  | |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Thanks for the ideas and advice. I don't mind volunteering either. :)
What would be an ideal bachelor's degree to get before pursuing vet school that could easily transfer to another vocation? I thought Biology would be the easiest to transfer whether to vet school, a medical degree such as technology or something else, teaching biology or in pharmaceuticals or something?
I can see myself possibly going into a human medical field as well if becoming a vet doesn't work out because pharamceuticals, bone structure, the way things work fascinate me and I love to learn about it and understand it. I'm very interested in your opinions. I have my heart kind of set on becoming a vet, but I'm also keeping my mind open as I know things don't always work out as planned. | |
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