Is it too late for me to start?

[u/Neo_novica]

I know this is probably such a silly question but it's been on my mind recently - I'm 20 at the moment, and I was in a vet training class while in highschool, but had to drop out a few months in due to severe chronic health issues that I've now mostly got under control, so the thought of my career has been coming up in my head a lot again

I barely passed highschool due to my health, and I had to take an extra year to finish because of it, and I'm regretting not forcing myself to finish that vet prep class, because now I don't even know where to begin with getting started - finishing up physical therapy will probably leave me at 21 years old before I'm able to seriously do any schooling or such, is that too old and would my gap year in highschool make me a bad candidate for trying to get started?? where would I even begin to figure out how?? I've wanted to be a vet since I was a little kid and I'm nervous that now I won't ever be able to due to my health issues in highschool

[u/symphonyofflutes]

So, not sure where you are based but I started vet school at 21 and knew of people in their 30-40s while at uni. So it's never too late to start.

However, with regards to your health issues - the clincial jobs are physically, mentally and emotionally demanding and you will have to do clinical work as part of the course. If you are concerned that they may impact you during the course then it may be worth reaching out to some university course leads to get more information as to whether you think it is something you would manage and would still want to do. In my uni we all had to fill in and get our GP to fill in an occupational health form to ensure the uni could meet any requirements we might have, and even then I remember a talk ahead of rotations where a lecturer touched on the demands of the course from that point on with regards to chronic illnesses. That being said, many of those who did have chronic illnesses were absolutely fine.

As to where to start now if everything is under control, still go reach out to an admissions board at the universities. They're best places to tell you what requirements they'd like to meet and help give you a more tailored idea of what your first steps would be. But it is definitely possibly to start at 21 and health issues in high school didn't stop members of my cohort so I don't see why they should immediately disqualify you too.

[u/VETgirl_77]

I started college at 24 and Vet School at 29. I went to a two year community college transferred to University and then then Vet School. It's never too late if it's really what you want. High School grades don't matter, college grades and real life experiences do.

[u/letsjustbe-elves]

I went to vet school in the UK and most of my classmates were kids starting at 17 or 18 when I was 23. I had classmates that were in their late 30s early 40s with families already. It was a mixed bag! Not too late at all

[u/PENTlCEDE]

i’m an LVT student, but i started in the veterinary field at 24! i had an art degree but worked in animal care prior so i had SOME experience (also managed a dog daycare for 2 years out of school) and i’m going through school now. a few of my doctors didnt start til their 30s too! never too late!!!!

[u/Persephone81]

Definitely not too late! :)

I suggest meeting with a college counselor to work on an educational plan. Are you wanting to become a technician first, or strictly work towards getting to vet school?

[u/Neo_novica → u/Persephone81]

likely a technician at first !

[u/Comfortable-Hippo516]

Never too late. I started university to be a tech at 34, best decision I ever made

[u/pusheeenicorn]

I started in the field right after I turned 25! I’ve gone to school with people twice my age. If you think it’s what you want, go for it!

[u/xSky888x]

When it comes to "too late" the only defeat, outside of death, is psychological. Aka the only thing saying it's too late is your own mind. There isn't an age restriction on school. Society tells us that we should be in certain places at certain times of our lives but there are so many circumstances that are completely left out of the equation that it isn't fair to uphold those standards. You shouldn't waste your energy worrying about hitting milestones at specific times, instead just enjoy the process. I've seen people talk about becoming vets in their 30s all the way up to their 60s. If you wanna do it, then don't let age hold you back.

[u/BroughtMyPartyPants]

I had someone in my graduating class in her 50’s give up her career and go to vet school. Never too late.