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Becoming a veterinarian?
- Thread starter BobbyHill
- Start date
Susan
Go Ahead, Make My Day!
Shiari - I tried, but I can't rep you right now as I have to spread it around a bit more first! I've been a certified veterinary technician for as long as you have been alive (Florida hasn't gone to licensing vet techs...yet, and I hope they never do). Your description of the job is perfect! Too many people start out thinking that all we do is play with the puppies and kittens. They also don't realize just how much a vet tech actually does in the day-to-day running of an animal hospital. In human medicine, they have all the various different kinds of nurses, lab techs, x-ray techs, anesthesiologists, dental hygienists, etc, etc, etc. We are all of that rolled into one.
KJUN is correct about the amount of time and schooling it takes to become an actual veterinarian. There are fewer vet colleges in the country so you have students from multiple states all vying for the few positions available each year. Competition is tough to even be considered as a vet student by one of those colleges!
Salary is going to vary quite a bit depending upon where you live. All I can tell you is what I'm currently making. And remember, I graduated and became certified in 1983 and have been working at my current position for just about 11 years (anniversary is the 26th of this month, and is when I hope to get another raise). My current pay is $15/hour and my average work week is around 38 hours. My boss pays for most of my uniforms and for most of my continuing education. I get 2 weeks paid vacation and 40 hours of paid sick/personal days per year (I never use those so get an additional 40 hours pay each year). I get veterinary services and supplies at cost, and there are staff rewards from some of the veterinary supply manufacturers. I have access to medical insurance through a group, but since hubby is an insurance agent, we get it cheaper on our own. There is no retirement plan/401K/whatever, but I did work for one hospital that actually put about $20,000 into an IRS for me.
I have heel spurs on both ankles from all the years I've spent on tile floors which cause me pain every time I stand and walk, I have a permanently damaged knuckle on my right index finger from a cat bite, scars on my nose from a dog bite, the skin on my hands is currently severely dry, cracked, very painful and sometimes bleeding from the constant hand washing and is compounded right now due to the winter. I consider myself extremely lucky to be blessed with the back of an ox as most of the techs I work with have back problems from lifting and wrestling large dogs. I have been feeling the aches and pains of being just about 50 years old every time I have to get up off the floor, which is about 50 times each day. I am known to take 3 ibuprofen AND 2 excedrin all at once to deal with the migraines I get from inhaling disinfectants, anesthetic gases, formalin, etc compounded by eye strain from attempting to get enough blood from a 5 pound chihuahua to run a CBC, full serum chemistry, thyroid panel and ACTH stimulation test (and then from a grossly obese cat and a third time from a 20 year old dehydrated cat), hours looking at a computer screen, then a microscope, then the fine print of the insert of some medication to see if it is okay for nursing or pregnant dogs (only to find that they have not made any of those studies). I start at 8AM, get 1/2 hour for lunch, and stop at 5PM+, except on Tues when I go to 7PM+. I also work every Saturday from 8-1 and I am off on Sundays and Mondays. I am scheduled off on Wed, but work from 8 to about noon doing the ordering and inventory that I am unable to get done the rest of the time because of all the other tech duties. And I have to tell the rest of the staff to not bother me on Wed so I can get that other work done, otherwise I end up drawing blood, taking x-rays, etc because of various reasons I shouldn't go into here... (I love my job, I love my job, I love my job...)
KJUN is correct about the amount of time and schooling it takes to become an actual veterinarian. There are fewer vet colleges in the country so you have students from multiple states all vying for the few positions available each year. Competition is tough to even be considered as a vet student by one of those colleges!
Salary is going to vary quite a bit depending upon where you live. All I can tell you is what I'm currently making. And remember, I graduated and became certified in 1983 and have been working at my current position for just about 11 years (anniversary is the 26th of this month, and is when I hope to get another raise). My current pay is $15/hour and my average work week is around 38 hours. My boss pays for most of my uniforms and for most of my continuing education. I get 2 weeks paid vacation and 40 hours of paid sick/personal days per year (I never use those so get an additional 40 hours pay each year). I get veterinary services and supplies at cost, and there are staff rewards from some of the veterinary supply manufacturers. I have access to medical insurance through a group, but since hubby is an insurance agent, we get it cheaper on our own. There is no retirement plan/401K/whatever, but I did work for one hospital that actually put about $20,000 into an IRS for me.
I have heel spurs on both ankles from all the years I've spent on tile floors which cause me pain every time I stand and walk, I have a permanently damaged knuckle on my right index finger from a cat bite, scars on my nose from a dog bite, the skin on my hands is currently severely dry, cracked, very painful and sometimes bleeding from the constant hand washing and is compounded right now due to the winter. I consider myself extremely lucky to be blessed with the back of an ox as most of the techs I work with have back problems from lifting and wrestling large dogs. I have been feeling the aches and pains of being just about 50 years old every time I have to get up off the floor, which is about 50 times each day. I am known to take 3 ibuprofen AND 2 excedrin all at once to deal with the migraines I get from inhaling disinfectants, anesthetic gases, formalin, etc compounded by eye strain from attempting to get enough blood from a 5 pound chihuahua to run a CBC, full serum chemistry, thyroid panel and ACTH stimulation test (and then from a grossly obese cat and a third time from a 20 year old dehydrated cat), hours looking at a computer screen, then a microscope, then the fine print of the insert of some medication to see if it is okay for nursing or pregnant dogs (only to find that they have not made any of those studies). I start at 8AM, get 1/2 hour for lunch, and stop at 5PM+, except on Tues when I go to 7PM+. I also work every Saturday from 8-1 and I am off on Sundays and Mondays. I am scheduled off on Wed, but work from 8 to about noon doing the ordering and inventory that I am unable to get done the rest of the time because of all the other tech duties. And I have to tell the rest of the staff to not bother me on Wed so I can get that other work done, otherwise I end up drawing blood, taking x-rays, etc because of various reasons I shouldn't go into here... (I love my job, I love my job, I love my job...)
Shiari
Blutterer
Ah yes... the litany of the vet tech "I love my job. I love the clients. I love my job. I love the clients... must... not... kill... clients..."
And hand models we will certainly never be.
I would like the ask the universe why cat scratches are almost always perfectly placed to make you look suicidal. *eyes the scars crossing her wrists* And lunches? What are those but a half hour or hour where you're still working only not getting paid.
I love my job... I love my job....
And hand models we will certainly never be.
I would like the ask the universe why cat scratches are almost always perfectly placed to make you look suicidal. *eyes the scars crossing her wrists* And lunches? What are those but a half hour or hour where you're still working only not getting paid.
I love my job... I love my job....
Elusive
Totally irrelevent.
I'm pretty undecided on what I want to be when I grow up . I want to work with animals, definately. I just dont know what I should do, I'm turning 15 this month and my parents know the owner of this one pet store we frequent a lot, and he said he'd let me work there for like 4 hours a week or something like that. I think that will be a great experience, but I dont just know yet.
Can anyone shed some light on this subject? What are some good jobs that works with animals. I dont have a weak stomache, but I really dislike the thought of performing surgery on an animal. I'd be afriad of making a mistake, and making it worst.
. I want to work with animals, definately. I just dont know what I should do, I'm turning 15 this month and my parents know the owner of this one pet store we frequent a lot, and he said he'd let me work there for like 4 hours a week or something like that. I think that will be a great experience, but I dont just know yet.Can anyone shed some light on this subject? What are some good jobs that works with animals. I dont have a weak stomache, but I really dislike the thought of performing surgery on an animal. I'd be afriad of making a mistake, and making it worst.
Shiari
Blutterer
Well... Vet techs do not do surgery, but do get to do lots of others things that can severely injure an animal if you mess up...
You can start off working in the kennel of a veterinary hospital for a while, or other boarding facility.
There's also dog trainers and dog walkers and pet sitters.
There's management positions at pet stores, veterinary hospitals, shelters, etc.
You can start off working in the kennel of a veterinary hospital for a while, or other boarding facility.
There's also dog trainers and dog walkers and pet sitters.
There's management positions at pet stores, veterinary hospitals, shelters, etc.
Susan
Go Ahead, Make My Day!
I want to know how these lovely furry critters can always find the places where even the tiniest of scratches are going to hurt the most...the inside of the upper arm (I really hate weiner dogs with nails longer than a cat's), under a fingernail or on the cuticle, that tender spot on your neck just under your larynx, inside your upper thigh and across your abdomen (psycho large dogs that alligator roll when you try to trim their nails)...I love my job, I love my job, I keep my gun NOT readily accessible while I'm working, I love my job...
danielle
New member
Cats are the worst ever. I vet teched for a few years and 100 to 1 if you are getting bit it is by a nasty cat and be prepared for nasty infections from their bites. I know my friend is almost done with his vet degree and he will be specializing in exotics and it took him more than eight years of school and he is still interning maybe states vary, but it's a long road.
Cornsnake124
Country boy gone wild
I am thinking about being a vet, but a large animal one. It would take 8 years. You don't have to do inturn. (Maybe for PHD i'm not sure) Oh, and if you do become a vet, although I HATE them (Go Hawks!!!), Iowa State is said to be the best veterinary school in the country.
Hypancistrus
New member
No, but it's a hard job and it really sucks to pay $80,000 or more for one or in this case several college degrees only to realize you hate your job still.
I went to Virginia Tech in Fall of '99 KNOWING I was going to be a vet, come Hell or high water! My very first class was an 80 person Introduction to Animal & Poultry Science class and my professor stood up and said "How many of you plan to go on to vet school after undergrad?"
About 75 people of the 80 in the room raised their hands. He smiled and said "There will be space for about 5 of you. Good luck."
I didn't like the odds and transferred out to another major the next year. I don't regret not becoming a vet, but I would strongly reccomend you spend a year or so working in a vet clinic and assisting with everything they will let you asist with before you put out thousands of dollars for 8 or more years of school.
I'm not going on to be a Vet.
My plans were to be a Vet "Tech". I had already stated that in later posts.
And just because the odds are bad doesn't mean you don't fight to finish. I'm sorry, but reading this thread and hearing what everyone has to say is just strengthening my resolve. :shrugs: I believe that if you really want something you'll do whatever is necessary to achieve it. Plain and simple.
My plans were to be a Vet "Tech". I had already stated that in later posts.
And just because the odds are bad doesn't mean you don't fight to finish. I'm sorry, but reading this thread and hearing what everyone has to say is just strengthening my resolve. :shrugs: I believe that if you really want something you'll do whatever is necessary to achieve it. Plain and simple.
NFS07
Stolen
Nicole... how could they be doing the work and NOT getting paid... that doesn't make no sense. Time to find a new practice. Something there isn't adding up.
$10 per hour is a LOT better than minimum wage. There's no way that I would be complaining.
I'm too lazy to try for the actual Vet.
The office is not making enough money so she offered to have her pay check go to paying the other staff members.
Also, as a tech you have to know how to fix EVERYTHING in the office. Or at least you should know how to. We have 3 techs and all three know how to fix 90% of the problems we have.
Blue Apple Herps
aka Matthew, PhD
And just because the odds are bad doesn't mean you don't fight to finish. I'm sorry, but reading this thread and hearing what everyone has to say is just strengthening my resolve. :shrugs: I believe that if you really want something you'll do whatever is necessary to achieve it. Plain and simple.
I think that's great, that it encourages you. BUT, with something as competitive as vet school (or any medical school), one needs to have a back up plan just in case. The harsh reality is that even if you do do whatever is necessary, not everyone will make it.
A good friend of mine recently graduated with a BS in Biology and a perfect 4.0 GPA. He worked as a vet-tech throughout college, has excellent GRE scores, the entire works. And he's only gotten interviews to 2 out 5 vet colleges he applied to. Its cut throat out there.
NFS07
Stolen
We are not telling you to give up. We need more vet techs out there to keep the assts from doing things that the techs should be doing. Just know that its hard. Everyday is hard. You can't call out sick because the drs are counting on you. You can't slack in your job because slacking means you may hurt or kill an animal.
BUT! If you really think that you would be able to handle the hard road then go ahead. Yes its painful, yes its stressful but even as just a vet asst seeing the face of a client who has trusted you with their dieing animal or to have you come back and tell them that something can be done... it makes it worth it. I think at least.
Lotion will become your best friend! Get some great standing shoes and start working on learning how to do your job thorugh all kinds of headaches.
I wish you the best of luck!
BUT! If you really think that you would be able to handle the hard road then go ahead. Yes its painful, yes its stressful but even as just a vet asst seeing the face of a client who has trusted you with their dieing animal or to have you come back and tell them that something can be done... it makes it worth it. I think at least.
Lotion will become your best friend! Get some great standing shoes and start working on learning how to do your job thorugh all kinds of headaches.
I wish you the best of luck!
RobbiesCornField
Bring it on.
I'm going for my BS in Biology as well. If everything goes horribly wrong, and I don't get into vet school, I'll continue my biology schooling and work doing research (preferably in parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America).
Thanks Matthew. And I'm NOT going to be a Vet. I'm trying to become a Vet Tech. I'm trying to find a local college that offers the correct courses. But I'm having a hard time finding the right thing. grr...
Susan, $15 per hour is great. My Mom has been an LPN for 28 years and is only making $13 per hour at her current position. Previously though she made over $20. Location is a factor. From my Mom's experience I had a pretty good idea as to what expect from working ANY medical profession, whether it be with people or animals.
Susan, $15 per hour is great. My Mom has been an LPN for 28 years and is only making $13 per hour at her current position. Previously though she made over $20. Location is a factor. From my Mom's experience I had a pretty good idea as to what expect from working ANY medical profession, whether it be with people or animals.
I almost DID move to Cali once. Unfortunately it's way to hot for me and my fiance there. I was raised in Alaska and he's just plain hot blooded, even though he grew up in NC. I actually really like North Carolina though. Been here a year in July.
I hope I don't come across as snobby or anything. There is PLENTY I don't know, but I kind of have a good idea what to expect from this. But it's where I feel I will be best suited. I've been stagnant for a long time until I realized this is what I really wanted to do. And not just because "I love animals". I dunno I'm just rambling... Sorry folks.
I hope I don't come across as snobby or anything. There is PLENTY I don't know, but I kind of have a good idea what to expect from this. But it's where I feel I will be best suited. I've been stagnant for a long time until I realized this is what I really wanted to do. And not just because "I love animals". I dunno I'm just rambling...
Sorry folks.