Veterinary Question Thread

[FantasyVesperia]

Ask anything you might have questions on the field of Veterinary medicine. I met and interviewed Veterinarians for quite sometime. I'm not an expert, but any questions on colleges and classes to take in High school are fine.

[TNKnittel]

Hey there I am a rising high school senior and I'm planning on going into the veterinary field. I was looking at different majors that vet students major in during their undergrad studies. Do you know whether it is better to major in zoology or animal science? I was leaning toward zoology because if I don't get accepted to vet school there is more you can do with the major. Your opinion on the matter?

[FantasyVesperia]

In reality, it doesn't matter what you major in, as long as you complete the prerequisites for Veterinary School, such as Stats, Phyisics, Orgo Chemisty, Gen. Chemistry etc. I heard that it isn't the best idea to major in Animal Science, even though it's good preperation for Vet school, because some don't get into Vet school. People major in Animal Science when they're sure they're going to get into Veterinary School. A Zoology major is really good to get into, because of the job opportunities. Personally, I will be majoring in Microbiology just in case if Vet school doesn't work out lol. Also it's good to see you interested in the Veterinary Field!

[casey1]

Fantasy.....I truly think the best source for students that are interested in veterinary medicine is to refer to the veterinarian school websites. The information they get will be much more accurate than information they can glean elsewhere or second hand information. Especially if students are in college or preparing to schedule classes for freshman year in college, it is vital they get accurate information from the vet colleges or undergrad college advisors to be sure you don't get to the application stage and find out things aren't as it should be. Sure, you can get some information from veterinarians but many of us applied to vet school years ago (about 27 years ago for me!) and, trust me, things have really changed. Questions about what things are like in practice, etc, again are best answered by vets themselves and not through a second hand source. I also think it is important for students with questions take a few minutes to find the answers themselves instead of "just tossing the question" out here and hoping someone will answer it. Take some initiative folks and look it up. Also, be sure the information you get is accurate. Trust me on this one-you will not get spoon feed in undergrad or vet school! My apologies if this sounds harsh!

[FantasyVesperia]

No, no you're fine. It's cool that you have applied to Vet school! Like stated I'm not an expert, and I don't know every corner of undergraduate schools either. Of course, students should look up information and do their own research, but I'm coming from a high school perspective for aspiring students. You're not being harsh, I totally get it. I've just been exposed to Veterinarians in my area, and did internships and interviewed Veterinarians. They gave me excellent advice about high school, and I though it'll be cool to regurgitate that information to worried or positive students on such a rewarding career. The students should do their research first.

[girlycheerleader]

Hey! (: I just wanted your advice on if I should become a vet even though I'm scared of blood/surgery. Should I still go for it? Also, do you think the amount of debt that vet students have after vet school is worth it? I heard it's around 200,000 but they only make around $50,000 +.

[FantasyVesperia]

You'll grow out of it. I was a little scared of blood when I was younger, but as I grew up, I've seen some of the most gross things (e.g. like a cow's uterus fall out during birth) and the fear totally went away. I wouldn't let this hold you back, because they're are SO many careers in Veterinary Medicine than surgery and blood. For your next question, I'm not 100% positive on the amount of debt because it all depends on the school. Trust me, when you become a Vet one day, it'll all be worth it, and all that dept issues will follow but this shouldn't prevent anyone from following their dreams. I knew this one RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician) who couldn't afford Vet school and she decided to become a RVT. My aunt is still paying her loans from college lol. You're fine, There's this called the Student Doctor Network that has veterinary stuff and goodies, you should check that out.

[girlycheerleader]

Thanks so much!! I hope that my fear of blood/surgery goes away by college! (: