Ratio of income to debt for new vets ‘ominous’

A report by the NY Times has revealed stark increases in student debt in the last decade, with median borrowing of $63 000 per year according to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.

This figure has not been met by increasing wages. Starting salaries have in fact fallen by 13% to an average of $45,575, with a lower total population of pets and rising medical costs resulting in too many vets and not enough jobs.

Unfortunately there are no simple solutions: vet schools need to make it obvious that new vets will face higher debt.

Vets agree that the current situation is simply unsustainable, thousands of students paying for more expensive training to do worse paid jobs just simply doesn’t add up.

For the full story visit the NY Times.

Kansans can use their vehicles to show they support pets.

Revenue from a new “I’m Pet Friendly” license plate will be used to reduce the stray animal population. Proceeds from the sale of the plates will support scholarships for Kansas State veterinary students who will work with local animal shelters, particularly in spay/neuter programs.

With a one-time production fee of $45.50 and an annual donation of $50, the new plate can be picked up at county tag offices across the state.

The dean of Kansas State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Ralph Richardson, says the program can help improve the quality of animal health throughout the state.

Read more at KWCH.

What exactly do you need to get into veterinary school?

The Veterinary News Network has posted an interesting summary of what it takes to make it as a vet in the US. Whilst the video is specific to Americans, there are many challenges identified that all potential vets have to overcome.

How does student support at vet schools in the UK compare to support in the US?

There are four vet schools accredited by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) in the UK, and students from America are able to study at the RVC, The Royal Dick, University of Glasgow or University of Dublin with the same fees and a degree that is valid in America, albeit to a different standard than studying at an American vet school.

Different teaching methods and a different atmosphere can contribute to certain issues, however the financial demands and the basic course material remain relatively similar.

There are several key differences however, and you can read them in the full study by Fiona Nouri here.