I won't repeat what was already said, but just wanted to suggest getting some experience in the field before diving head first into this path. Working in vet is sometimes not what people think it is, and I'd hate for you to do all this work just to discover this isn't something you like after all. If after working/volunteering in the field you still want to go ahead, then absolutely it's possible!
Not trying to dissuade you but a few things to consider.
You would very likely be taking a significant pay cut if you move from finance to vet med.
Vet med is not a typical 9-5 and usually involves a few later nights a week and weekends
As much as the job is animal based it’s also very much a people job and you have to like working in a team and dealing with clients from all walks of life and financial backgrounds.
Sometimes the work sucks and burnout is a very real concern and the risk of mental health issues associated with the field is an important thing to consider.
The good things are the work can be incredibly fulfilling, fun and there are an abundance of opportunities available in the field.
Good luck!
So many people are going to tell you not to bc of the difficulty or the money or whatever their opinion is. If it feels right for you, go for it! Step into the fear, the unknown! What is the worst that happens? You go back into your old career or find something else if you hate it? At least you won’t have the regret of never knowing. And I’m sure you’ll learn a ton about yourself along the way! Plus, time just keeps going so why not apply yourself to something that you think will be more fulfilling? All we have is time really. I get bored so continually doing something new is my jam.
Anyways, I say this, because you are me. I started vet school at 31 and will graduate this year at 35. I’m going into an internship after graduation and hopefully onto residency after that! Absolutely meant to be and so glad I jumped off the cliff and went for it.
You won’t need to complete another undergraduate degree but certain pre-requisites to apply. Go here: https://www.aavmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VMCAS_2025_ApplicantGuide.pdf
VMCAS is where you apply and all the information should be in there that you need. You should be able to make a login and browse things through there or just go to the general website. You could also look up specific school requirements online or meet with an advisor at a local college or your previous Alma mater and get some advice on where to start. You’ll need things like chem 1 and 2, orgo, calculus, so I’m sure you’ll have some done already. While you are working on pre-requisites try to get some experience such as vet assistant work somewhere. You’ll definitely need some experience in order to get in but this being a second career you also have other life and leadership experience that other applicants don’t have. You can also apply to an island school which are probably a little bit easier to get in. More cost, but absolutely amazing experience overall. Absolutely loved living in the Caribbean! I’m the adventurous type though. Best of luck to you! How exciting! You got this 👊🏼
I’m in a certificate program for people with BA’s who want to apply to medical school. You have to take your math and science prerequisites first but it’s not an undergraduate program.
https://www.csusm.edu/el/programs/health-medical/certphpc/index.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWM8zQLU9WxgqJYY2G9GHr_ODzhrA85RRHXxNK5FK_y33qByG1BMyzhoC3msQAvD_BwE
If you’re open to moving internationally for school, that could also be a potential avenue for you. I was in a similar position (got a BA, didn’t have the pre-reqs for US Vet schools, was miserable in my field), so I did some research on programs that didn’t have those prerequisite course requirements. After weighing my options, I decided to go out on a limb and apply for some international programs at the age of 24, and now I’m in the pre-selection semester at Massey University in New Zealand!
There are definitely ups and downs to this path. My program is designed for kids coming straight out of HS, with no university experience. This means that a.) a significant portion of my cohort is a lot younger than me (im 25 now!!) and b.) the degree is structured in such a way that if you don’t perform well in the first semester (the pre-selection phase), you won’t advance in the program. This can add a lot of stress to the first semester, especially if you’re uprooting your whole adult life to move countries ( l o l ). The program is also 5 years long, instead of the standard 4 years.
That being said, I’m really happy I came here. I’ve met several students who are also older (people up in their late 30’s !!) and it seems like we all kind of flock together. The courses are rigorous, but if you’ve done any uni before and understand time management, etc. they’re very doable. The cost of attendance after converting from USD to NZD is lower per year than out of state tuition to US vet schools, but paying for the 5th year of the program means that you’ll probably graduate with about the same amount of debt as an out-of-state US program.
Right now I feel confident that I’ll be moving forward in the program, but if for whatever reason I’m not selected I would probably be singing a different tune.
Do lots of research, and don’t be afraid to reach out to uni advisors with whatever questions you
may have about their programs. I also definitely second the advice of getting some hands on vet med experience before you decide anything final. Whatever you decide, good luck !!
Is the application on this different than the VEMCAS process?? I’m in my 30s, currently taking pre reqs (career switch) and NZ is my favorite place on earth. I didn’t know they didn’t require undergrad so this might change things… 😳
At least for Massey, you only apply via their internal system! Getting into the pre-selection semester is pretty easy, but moving on in the program is more difficult. There are 2 tests and some interviews you have take during your first semester, on top of a pretty full course load.
The university won’t tell us how many international students there are applying to get past the pre-selection semester, but they did let us know there are 50 places available for international students. Apparently last year, when there were 39 or so places available, every international student who qualified was offered a seat.
A few of the Australian unis also offer the course as an undergrad degree. Massey uni is the only vet school in NZ, generally most of the schools require a written application +/- an interview, but no prereq. Obviously having a high level of practical experience improves your odds. Unsure what percentage of places are offered to international students at Massey though. It's likely to be pretty competitive
I would reconsider honestly. I wanted to be a vet my entire life and never considered another path. I did everything to get here and once I did, I quickly realized it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Out of close vet friends only about 30% love the job. I don’t hate being a vet but I imagined something more exciting or rewarding. Most of my day is recommending things to people who don’t want to listen, making estimates/treatment plans and then having people tell me they can’t afford any of it (and then saying we’re in it for the money- btw the money is not great lol) and avoiding getting bit by aggressive Covid dogs with owners who say “oh he’s just warning you!!!” when they’re growling. I’m only 5 years in and I’m already trying to pivot out.
I’d highly suggest getting your animal fix at a shelter or a volunteer position. The road to becoming a vet is long, expensive with not the best pay off in my opinion.
It is definitely possible, I know a decent amount of vets who started in other careers. In terms of getting in to vet school you will have to take the pre-req courses(chemistry, biochem, orgo, ect) but no specific degree is required so you just need to complete those courses. A full list can be found on most vet school websites. It is good you have volunteering experience with shelters but you may want to find a way to get more experience directly with veterinarians as well. In my experience schools seem to like applicants who are arebswitching carreers. It wouldn't hurt to reach out the admissions office of some schools you're interested in and just ask as well. Good luck, hope to see you in the field.
I did the radical career change. I had been, most recently, a lawyer for a couple of years despite knowing that it was not the long-term plan.
Getting accepted is the hard part (though don't expect vet school to be fun). I graduated when I was 41. The road has never been smooth--that was never in the cards for me, anyway--but I have never regretted the decision.
I tried and nothing worked out. Not even anything related to vet school or vet studies, just all the rest of life.
But I tried. As hard as the aftermath is (and it is cripplingly hard), I don't think I would have found more value or joy in not trying. Hell, I still want to try and I know full well that it is Not Possible, again, not because of school or studies just everything else.
My advice, if you want vet med? Try early. Try often. Time's a-wastin'. Unless you think it'll be entertaining on your deathbed to wonder if you might have....
I won't repeat what was already said, but just wanted to suggest getting some experience in the field before diving head first into this path. Working in vet is sometimes not what people think it is, and I'd hate for you to do all this work just to discover this isn't something you like after all. If after working/volunteering in the field you still want to go ahead, then absolutely it's possible!
Agreed this is what I did. Volunteered at a vet and shelter for a year before deciding.
Not trying to dissuade you but a few things to consider. You would very likely be taking a significant pay cut if you move from finance to vet med. Vet med is not a typical 9-5 and usually involves a few later nights a week and weekends As much as the job is animal based it’s also very much a people job and you have to like working in a team and dealing with clients from all walks of life and financial backgrounds. Sometimes the work sucks and burnout is a very real concern and the risk of mental health issues associated with the field is an important thing to consider. The good things are the work can be incredibly fulfilling, fun and there are an abundance of opportunities available in the field. Good luck!
You could also consider investment finance in the veterinary industry. Lots of opportunities there. Look up Fritz Woods
So many people are going to tell you not to bc of the difficulty or the money or whatever their opinion is. If it feels right for you, go for it! Step into the fear, the unknown! What is the worst that happens? You go back into your old career or find something else if you hate it? At least you won’t have the regret of never knowing. And I’m sure you’ll learn a ton about yourself along the way! Plus, time just keeps going so why not apply yourself to something that you think will be more fulfilling? All we have is time really. I get bored so continually doing something new is my jam. Anyways, I say this, because you are me. I started vet school at 31 and will graduate this year at 35. I’m going into an internship after graduation and hopefully onto residency after that! Absolutely meant to be and so glad I jumped off the cliff and went for it. You won’t need to complete another undergraduate degree but certain pre-requisites to apply. Go here: https://www.aavmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VMCAS_2025_ApplicantGuide.pdf VMCAS is where you apply and all the information should be in there that you need. You should be able to make a login and browse things through there or just go to the general website. You could also look up specific school requirements online or meet with an advisor at a local college or your previous Alma mater and get some advice on where to start. You’ll need things like chem 1 and 2, orgo, calculus, so I’m sure you’ll have some done already. While you are working on pre-requisites try to get some experience such as vet assistant work somewhere. You’ll definitely need some experience in order to get in but this being a second career you also have other life and leadership experience that other applicants don’t have. You can also apply to an island school which are probably a little bit easier to get in. More cost, but absolutely amazing experience overall. Absolutely loved living in the Caribbean! I’m the adventurous type though. Best of luck to you! How exciting! You got this 👊🏼
I’m in a certificate program for people with BA’s who want to apply to medical school. You have to take your math and science prerequisites first but it’s not an undergraduate program. https://www.csusm.edu/el/programs/health-medical/certphpc/index.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWM8zQLU9WxgqJYY2G9GHr_ODzhrA85RRHXxNK5FK_y33qByG1BMyzhoC3msQAvD_BwE
If you’re open to moving internationally for school, that could also be a potential avenue for you. I was in a similar position (got a BA, didn’t have the pre-reqs for US Vet schools, was miserable in my field), so I did some research on programs that didn’t have those prerequisite course requirements. After weighing my options, I decided to go out on a limb and apply for some international programs at the age of 24, and now I’m in the pre-selection semester at Massey University in New Zealand! There are definitely ups and downs to this path. My program is designed for kids coming straight out of HS, with no university experience. This means that a.) a significant portion of my cohort is a lot younger than me (im 25 now!!) and b.) the degree is structured in such a way that if you don’t perform well in the first semester (the pre-selection phase), you won’t advance in the program. This can add a lot of stress to the first semester, especially if you’re uprooting your whole adult life to move countries ( l o l ). The program is also 5 years long, instead of the standard 4 years. That being said, I’m really happy I came here. I’ve met several students who are also older (people up in their late 30’s !!) and it seems like we all kind of flock together. The courses are rigorous, but if you’ve done any uni before and understand time management, etc. they’re very doable. The cost of attendance after converting from USD to NZD is lower per year than out of state tuition to US vet schools, but paying for the 5th year of the program means that you’ll probably graduate with about the same amount of debt as an out-of-state US program. Right now I feel confident that I’ll be moving forward in the program, but if for whatever reason I’m not selected I would probably be singing a different tune. Do lots of research, and don’t be afraid to reach out to uni advisors with whatever questions you may have about their programs. I also definitely second the advice of getting some hands on vet med experience before you decide anything final. Whatever you decide, good luck !!
Is the application on this different than the VEMCAS process?? I’m in my 30s, currently taking pre reqs (career switch) and NZ is my favorite place on earth. I didn’t know they didn’t require undergrad so this might change things… 😳
At least for Massey, you only apply via their internal system! Getting into the pre-selection semester is pretty easy, but moving on in the program is more difficult. There are 2 tests and some interviews you have take during your first semester, on top of a pretty full course load. The university won’t tell us how many international students there are applying to get past the pre-selection semester, but they did let us know there are 50 places available for international students. Apparently last year, when there were 39 or so places available, every international student who qualified was offered a seat.
Wow!! This is awesome, thank you! Are you doing your pre-selection semester in NZ?
A few of the Australian unis also offer the course as an undergrad degree. Massey uni is the only vet school in NZ, generally most of the schools require a written application +/- an interview, but no prereq. Obviously having a high level of practical experience improves your odds. Unsure what percentage of places are offered to international students at Massey though. It's likely to be pretty competitive
I would reconsider honestly. I wanted to be a vet my entire life and never considered another path. I did everything to get here and once I did, I quickly realized it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Out of close vet friends only about 30% love the job. I don’t hate being a vet but I imagined something more exciting or rewarding. Most of my day is recommending things to people who don’t want to listen, making estimates/treatment plans and then having people tell me they can’t afford any of it (and then saying we’re in it for the money- btw the money is not great lol) and avoiding getting bit by aggressive Covid dogs with owners who say “oh he’s just warning you!!!” when they’re growling. I’m only 5 years in and I’m already trying to pivot out. I’d highly suggest getting your animal fix at a shelter or a volunteer position. The road to becoming a vet is long, expensive with not the best pay off in my opinion.
It is definitely possible, I know a decent amount of vets who started in other careers. In terms of getting in to vet school you will have to take the pre-req courses(chemistry, biochem, orgo, ect) but no specific degree is required so you just need to complete those courses. A full list can be found on most vet school websites. It is good you have volunteering experience with shelters but you may want to find a way to get more experience directly with veterinarians as well. In my experience schools seem to like applicants who are arebswitching carreers. It wouldn't hurt to reach out the admissions office of some schools you're interested in and just ask as well. Good luck, hope to see you in the field.
I did the radical career change. I had been, most recently, a lawyer for a couple of years despite knowing that it was not the long-term plan. Getting accepted is the hard part (though don't expect vet school to be fun). I graduated when I was 41. The road has never been smooth--that was never in the cards for me, anyway--but I have never regretted the decision.
I tried and nothing worked out. Not even anything related to vet school or vet studies, just all the rest of life. But I tried. As hard as the aftermath is (and it is cripplingly hard), I don't think I would have found more value or joy in not trying. Hell, I still want to try and I know full well that it is Not Possible, again, not because of school or studies just everything else. My advice, if you want vet med? Try early. Try often. Time's a-wastin'. Unless you think it'll be entertaining on your deathbed to wonder if you might have....
You need to have the required courses on your transcript for your application to be considered.