On 01/20/09 21:39, Derrick asked the following question:
How many years of college have you taken? How much money did you have to pay for college? If you took the time for college to be a doctor and got your degree, could you still start a veterinarian business? Is there a certain amount of years of college for different types of veterinary practice? Where would be the best college for the veterinary practice, that isn't going to be an arm and a leg to pay, but still gives you a good education? How many years have you been in the veterinary practice? Does it matter where your business is located, in order to affect your salary? Where are you employed or are you self-employed? What type of veterinary practice are you in? Is the salary good for a newcomer? Please answer in at least 24 hours.
Answer #1 On 01/26/09 20:58, ##PRpets-Jessica_3-Jessica (3) from Burmingham, AL##PR answered:
Veterinary School itself is four years but you have to have a four year bachelors degree before you can go to vet school. So eight years total. You go to school for the same amount of time regardless of what you want to do, but you may have to do extensive internships afterwards to specialize.
As for the cost, it is pretty much impossible to graduate without some sort of debt. There are only 22 vet schools in the U.S. so there really aren't any "economy" schools where you can get an education quick and dirty. It costs time and money and I would think seriously about whether or not you really wish to do it before you make the commitment financially.
It does matter to some extent where your business is located. Small rural practices generally do not make as much as city clinics just because of the difference in population. Depending on what you do also can determine the amount of money that comes in. You can be employed or self-employed as a vet. Most new vets start out working for someone else because they do not know have the money to start a practice from nothing. It also helps to work with an established veterinarian to gain practical experience.
As for the money, once again it depends on what you do. And you will be paying back many loans so it isn't always easy starting out. Veterinary medicine is not always glamorous and emergencies are not as often as the vet shows may let on. It is heartbreaking and rewarding all at the same time so really do your homework and make sure to do it because you want to and not because you think it will bring in good money.
