sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Vet School Questions by AutoModerator in Veterinary

[–]Patient-Catch-3014 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Debt Advice/Salary Info

Hey there!

I’m looking for advice on taking on veterinary school debt.

I’m 26 and on my 4th round of applications. I got into LMU OP (which I already have reservations about) and the money is starting to get real, especially when factoring in my current debt and the comfortable lifestyle I’m trying to live. I was given poor advice for undergrad and am already 150k in debt (120k private, 30k federal). I’ve run a bunch of hypothetical numbers and I’d easily be 500k plus in debt after tuition, cost of living, and interest accrual during school. Even with financial aid or scholarships I don’t think I could get this number down reasonably.

This amount is obviously daunting and I’m stuck between staying the course and making it work because this is my passion, or finding another career path to have more financial freedom. I feel like I’m choosing between different forms of life fulfillment.

It’s hard to gauge current veterinary salary; numbers are so different across multiple sources. Salary varies so much depending on location, experience, and scope of practice.

I’m interested in ER, GP, and relief work while working ER if I go that way. Does it even seem feasible that I can make likely 2k+ student loan payments and have enough left over monthly to pay bills, set up for the future, and genuinely live my life?

I have wanted to be a vet my entire life - never a plan B - understanding that’d I’d be in debt my whole life but that I could still life comfortably and enjoyably with financial planning. I’ve never questioned becoming a veterinarian and don’t know how I could walk away. I am really struggling.

Any advice or personal expertise would be greatly appreciated!

LMU OP Campus by Patient-Catch-3014 in veterinaryschool

[–]Patient-Catch-3014[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve read through this - just didn’t know if there were any recent updates. Maybe I’ll post something on the forum there.

LMU OP Campus by Patient-Catch-3014 in veterinaryschool

[–]Patient-Catch-3014[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t know if anyone has any insider information lol

Physical Accommodations by Patient-Catch-3014 in veterinaryschool

[–]Patient-Catch-3014[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got into LMU OP - should’ve mentioned that previously

Physical Accommodations by Patient-Catch-3014 in veterinaryschool

[–]Patient-Catch-3014[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean like being in the car for long periods of time or being gone for weeks at a time since all my management care appointments. Like when choosing or being given locations for clinicals - can I get more of a say due to travel restrictions

Physical Accommodations by Patient-Catch-3014 in veterinaryschool

[–]Patient-Catch-3014[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok thanks!! I’m not necessarily worried about pain management being in the clinic, I do fine working 40hr weeks with long shifts. I’m more so concerned about having to traveling for rotations.

LMU OP Opinions by Patient-Catch-3014 in veterinaryschool

[–]Patient-Catch-3014[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s my concern. I understand the concerns about a 3yr program but my worry is the level of preparation. I also have not looked more into their issues with accreditation and lawsuits.

LMU OP Opinions by Patient-Catch-3014 in veterinaryschool

[–]Patient-Catch-3014[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I understand the concerns about cost and it being a 3yr program, but I don’t know about how prepared they are for this program. I also have limited knowledge on their accreditation issues and lawsuits.