There has been a great debate on the NEED for veterinarians to join the profession. Many people say we need more vets, but this is not true. What we do need is more vets in rural communities - however most vets can't afford to practice in these rural communities. We also have a share of animal welfare organizations working with vets to provide care to the communities in need by offering sterilization and vaccination clinics.
As a veterinary student graduating in 2014 I find it daunting to know that it will be difficult to find a job. I am in a very fortunate situation to have a limited amount school loans and the ability to use my resources and acquaintances to find a job, but many of my classmates are starting from scratch and on top of that they will have over $200,000 in debt.
To think that when the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine opened in 2003, it was the first veterinary school to open in the United States in 20 years. Now it is quite possible that FOUR new veterinary schools may be opened in the next four years, with one opening it's doors in 2014.
The AVMA really needs to do more research as to the shortages in veterinary medicine and take a strong stance in support of current veterinarians.
People considering applying to veterinary school in the future should also do their research and be careful and smart when pursing their future educational goals.
Links:
New Vet School Plans Press On Amid an Industry in Flux
More Bad News for New Vets - Dr. Bern
Tight Job Market Squeezes Large Animal Vets - VIN
3 comments:
That sounds really scary but I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a job because you're so proactive and a great, hardworking student! Can I ask how you managed to keep your loans so low? My parents don't have very much money and I've been admitted to Ross for January, and I'm scared for how I will pay for it! How did you do it?!
Hi Makayla,
Thanks for the compliment. I'm sorry I don't really have a good answer on how to keep your loans low because I am fortunate enough to have a family member who severed in the military and I receive military benefits - i.e. my tuition is waved since I go to a California public school. If I had chosen to go to another school, this would not be the case. I paid for my entire undergraduate education by winning scholarships - (I didn't know about the free education at that time). So that is definately an option though you usually have to keep pretty stellar grades. I would advise to be careful in the loans that you do take, make sure they are fair. Many veterinary grads re-consolidate their loans after school to a 25 year re-payment plan. I hope to do a post on how to pay for veterinary school soon - but it's definitely not for everyone.
We should pay attention to this upcoming column: http://veterinarycommunity.dvm360.com/_New-student-debt-column-in-dvm360-magazine/video/1805241/30809.html
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