Ed Carlson is a Certified Veterinary Technician and holds a Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in nutrition. Ed is the Director of Veterinary Nursing Education at Vet Bloom and serves as the current president of both NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) and the MVTA (Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association). On this episode, Ed shares his journey as a veterinary technician and we discuss how the role of the veterinary technician or nurse has changed over time and the path to becoming a credentialed veterinary technician.

Topics discussed in this episode

00:00- Introduction

1:45 – Veterinary Technician vs Veterinary Nurse vs Veterinary Assistant

7:50- The role of the Veterinary Technician/Nurse and how it’s changed over time.

15:45- Ed shares his journey as a veterinary technician

21:50 – The path to becoming a credentialed veterinary technician or nurse

23:58- Veterinary Technician credentialing terminology by state and the veterinary health care team.

29:54- Veterinary Technician Specialties

40:57- Ed’s current role as Director of Veterinary Nursing education at VetBloom

47:33 – Ed describes the mission of NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) and discusses the Veterinary Nurse Initiative.

Resources mentioned in this episode

AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)

• Main site - https://www.avma.org/
• AVMA CVTEA Accredited Veterinary Technology Programs

AAVSB (American Association of Veterinary State Boards)

• Main Website - https://www.aavsb.org/
• VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam)

NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America)

• Main Website - https://www.navta.net/
• NAVTA Veterinary Technician Specialties
• Veterinary Nurse Initiative

Ethos Veterinary Health

• Main Website- https://www.ethosvet.com/

VetBloom – Online Veterinary Courses/Continuing Education

• Website - https://vetbloom.com/

Subscribe to The Academic Veterinarian by visiting our website here or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Podbean and others)

Contact The Academic Veterinarian with your comments, questions, and suggestions by emailing theacademicvet@gmail.com

Leslie Blanchette is a teacher and Chair of the Animal Science Department at Bristol County Agricultural High School, located in the state of Massachusetts. Ms. Blanchette shares her path to becoming a vocational education high school teacher and discusses licensure requirements for the profession. We also discuss the rewards of teaching at the high school level, what sets vocational schools apart from more traditional high schools and the challenges a new or experienced teacher may face in this career.

Topics discussed in this episode

0:00- Leslie Blanchette shares her journey to becoming an animal science high school teacher

5:08- Steps to pursuing a teaching career in vocational/agricultural education

10:34- Teaching licensure requirements

19:03- Teaching salary expectations and teacher contracts

21:14- Ms. Blanchette shares how she developed a passion for teaching

22:53- The challenges and rewards of teaching

26:23 – The student experience at Bristol County Agricultural High School

37:11- Information for prospective students

Resources mentioned in this episode

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

https://www.doe.mass.edu/

Vocational and Technical Education Licensure Requirements (Massachusetts)

https://www.doe.mass.edu/licensure/voctech/

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)

https://www.mtel.nesinc.com/

Overview of the Tests

http://www.mtel.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/MA_SG_about_91.asp

Vocational Technical Literacy Skills test

http://www.mtel.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/MA091_TestPage.html

Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators

https://www.mava.us/

Bristol County Agricultural High School (Bristol Aggie)

https://bristolaggie.org/

National FFA

https://www.ffa.org/

Dr. Gretchen Delcambre is Director of DVM Admissions at Colorado State University. She shares her journey to becoming a veterinarian and how she found her calling within the veterinary profession. She describes Colorado State’s holistic approach to reviewing DVM applications and what the admissions committee is looking for in standout candidates. We also discuss the top reasons why candidates may be declined admission to the DVM program and how to improve your application when reapplying. Ever wonder what to expect during an MMI (Multiple Mini-Interview)? Have a listen, we discuss that too and much more!

Topics discussed in this episode

0:00- Dr. Delcambre shares her journey to becoming a veterinarian

7:06 – Dr. Delcambre discusses her veterinary school experience and graduate studies.

12:15 – DVM/PhD and other combined programs offered by veterinary schools

15:12- Dr. Delcambre’s role as Director of DVM Admissions at Colorado State University

18:58 – The application process at Colorado State University

25:38 – Animal-related experiences and letters of recommendation

29:16 – The supplemental application at Colorado State University

32:50 – The VMCAS personal essay/statement

34:34- The vet school interview and MMIs (Multiple Mini-Interview)

39:58 – CSU application statistics and residency rules and application timeline

45:52 – Reapplying to vet school and tips on how to improve your chances

49:25 – Top reasons vet school applicants are denied admission

57:07 – Final thoughts

Resources mentioned in this episode

Colorado State University

• College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
• CSU DVM Program
• CSU DVM Application Website
• Email: dvmadmission@colostate.edu

AAVMC (Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges):

• Main site - https://www.aavmc.org/
• Admissions requirements
• What to Know before you apply
• Letters of Recommendation
• VMCAS Application Website

Subscribe to The Academic Veterinarian by visiting our website here or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Podbean and others)

Contact The Academic Veterinarian with your comments, questions, and suggestions by emailing theacademicvet@gmail.com

Dr. Deborah Thomson is Founder and President of One Health Lessons with a mission to inspire every child and adult on the planet to value One Health. Dr. Thomson shares her experience as a primary school teacher before transitioning to a career as a veterinarian. She is also a science policy advisor, an award-winning public speaker and musician. Her One Health lessons have been taught all over the world and are being translated into over 75 languages! One Health Lessons offers opportunities for global citizens and students to become involved through the Internship Program and the Lesson Leader Program.

Topics discussed in this episode

1:05- Dr. Thomson shares her background as

9:25 – Dr. Thomson describes the One Health concept and the vision and mission of One Health Lessons.

12:42 – OneHealthLessons.com

24:44- One Health Lessons Internship Program

27:50 – Dr. Thomson describes the Lesson Leader Program and how to become involved.

31:29 – Dr. Thomson discusses her upcoming book on science communication.

34:09 – Final thoughts.

Resources mentioned in this episode

One Health Lessons with Dr. Deborah Thomson:

Website: http://www.onehealthlessons.com/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDaNyTpLiE-i-YMVutCDTTQ

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahthomsondvm/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onehealthlessons/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OneHealthLesson

Subscribe to The Academic Veterinarian by visiting our website here or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Podbean and others)

Contact The Academic Veterinarian with your comments, questions, and suggestions by emailing theacademicvet@gmail.com

From math major to veterinarian! Dr. Jenifer Chatfield shares her career path to becoming a veterinarian, her undergraduate experience and advice on finding and pursuing one’s passion in the field of veterinary medicine. Dr. Jen discusses pursuing veterinary specialties and demystifies the difference between a veterinary internship and residency. We discuss the veterinarian’s role as a public health advocate and the admissions process at the University of Florida.

Topics discussed in this episode

1:15- Dr. Jen shares her path to becoming a veterinarian and her undergraduate experience.

36:38 – Transitioning from vet school to a career in veterinary medicine

42:25 – Dr. Jen shares her path to becoming a Diplomate of two AVMA-Recognized Veterinary Specialties and explains the difference between a veterinary internship and residency.

55:00- A veterinarian’s role in public health.

1:01:05- Dr. Jen describes her role with the University of Florida admissions process and

1:08:17 – Dr. Jen’s final thoughts and her view on veterinary school debt and the veterinary profession.

Resources mentioned in this episode

Dr. Jenifer Chatfield

• Website: https://drjenthevet.com/
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLfk_XRidfkoqnBQRAF9E8g
• Podcasts:
• Chats with the Chatfields: https://www.chatfieldshow.com/
• Vet Candy : https://www.petliferadio.com/vetcandy.html

AVMA’s American Board of Veterinary Specialties

• Website: https://www.avma.org/education/veterinary-specialties

VIRMP – Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program

• Website: https://www.virmp.org/

Subscribe to The Academic Veterinarian by visiting our website here or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Podbean and others)

Contact The Academic Veterinarian with your comments, questions, and suggestions by emailing theacademicvet@gmail.com

Katelyn Cotnoir and Stepfanie George are both veterinary students at the University of Missouri. They share their experiences and insights on applying to vet school and discuss GRE preparation, animal-related experiences, tips on writing the personal essay prompts and how they prepared for the vet school interview. The discussion continues to include their current vet school experience, vet school “survival tips”, and future goals.

Topics discussed in this episode

1:15- Students share their path to a career in veterinary medicine

2:45 – Preparing for vet school during your undergraduate years

6:40- Helpful undergraduate courses for vet school, beyond the required prerequisites

9:17- Student factors that influenced their vet school choice

14:12- GRE preparation

18:29 – Letters of recommendation

22:20- Animal-related experience

26:30- Writing the personal essay questions

33:17- The vet school interview experience and tips for preparing

42:23- The vet school experience and school/life balance

50:01- The MPH (Master’s in Public Health) dual degree program

54:04- Students share their future plans

Resources mentioned in this episode

AAVMC (Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges):

• Main site - https://www.aavmc.org/
• Admissions requirements
• What to Know before you apply
• Letters of Recommendation

ETS GRE Preparation- https://www.ets.org/gre

Magoosh Test Preparation - https://magoosh.com/

The Student Doctor Network - https://www.studentdoctor.net/profession/veterinary/

• The Student Doctor Network Interview Feedback

Subscribe to The Academic Veterinarian by visiting our website here or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Podbean and others)

Contact The Academic Veterinarian with your comments, questions, and suggestions by emailing theacademicvet@gmail.com

Dr. Gillian Fraser is Assistant Professor and Chair of the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program at Becker College. She joins me to discuss the components of the veterinary school application, how to be a standout applicant, choosing the right school for you, and using the AAVMC’s Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) to submit your vet school application.

Topics discussed in this episode

1:15- Vet School admissions by the numbers

7:10- Qualifying and standing out as a veterinary school applicant

10:40- Components of the VMCAS application

11:22- What courses should I take: vet school pre-requisites

13:17- What’s a competitive G.P.A.?

14:48 – GRE requirements and preparation

17:48- Keeping track of required animal-related experiences

21:35- Show them the real you: writing your personal essay

23:13- The VMCAS application cycle

25:50- Letters of recommendation (Tip: ask early!)

30:14- Supplemental application materials

32:00- Tips on choosing the right school for you

34:00- The vet school interview

Resources mentioned in this episode

VIN Foundation Vet School Bound:

• Main site- https://vetschoolbound.org/applysmarter/
• Vet School by the numbers: https://vetschoolbound.org/what-are-my-chances-of-getting-into-veterinary-school/
• Choosing a vet school: https://vetschoolbound.org/vet-school-information-maps-videos/

AAVMC (Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges):

• Main site - https://www.aavmc.org/
• Admissions requirements
• What to Know before you apply
• Letters of Recommendation
• AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association):
• Veterinary specialties: https://www.avma.org/education/veterinary-specialties

Subscribe to The Academic Veterinarian by visiting our website here or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Podbean and others)

Contact The Academic Veterinarian with your comments, questions, and suggestions by emailing theacademicvet@gmail.com

Dr. Gillian Fraser is Assistant Professor and Chair of the pre-veterinary medicine program at Becker College. She joins me to discuss her path to becoming a veterinarian, the various opportunities offered by the profession, and how to best prepare for a career in the field.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

2:15- Dr. Fraser shares her path to becoming a veterinarian

4:50- What undergraduate majors to consider before attending veterinary school

6:20- Should I take a “gap year” before applying to veterinary school?

10:50- Not just private practice, career opportunities for veterinarians

18:38- Educational requirements

21:30- The cost of a veterinary education

23:54 – “Show me the money”, salary expectations for an early career veterinarian

25:33- Personal qualities for a successful career as a veterinarian

31:16- Challenges of the veterinary profession

34:50- The rewards of being a veterinarian

39:00- Final tips and advice to prepare for a career as a veterinarian

Resources mentioned in this episode

VIN Foundation Vet School Bound:

• Main site: https://vetschoolbound.org/applysmarter/
• Pre-requisites: https://vetschoolbound.org/what-prerequisites-do-i-need-for-veterinary-school/
• Vet School Cost: https://vetschoolbound.org/how-much-will-my-veterinary-education-cost/

AAVMC (Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges):

Main site: https://www.aavmc.org/

AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) Economic Reports and Statistics:

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics