Beginning the adventure of vet school can be challenging. Let me give you the best tips to be well equipped for your future endeavors!
I’m not here to tell you about every school book you should buy - that is up to the individual. I’m here to tell you what websites to sign up to, what student associations could be handy, websites, handbooks and clinical sources I find valuable and as a good support along with vet school/newgrad vet life. My recommendations are of course based on my personal opinions.
1. Vet associations
Are you a part of a supporting vet association yet? I am pretty sure every country has some sort of a veterinary association that offers support, seminars and continuing education etc for vets/students. In Norway this would be DNV (which you can even be a part of DNV-S..). We also have something for Norwegian students studying abroad, ANSA. DNV ensures to connect all vets, offer educational seminars and social happenings, as well as giving out a reasonable welcome package with a stethoscope etc. ANSA is good to connect Norwegian students abroad and for social arrangements. Make a quick search to find out if you have something similar in your country!
2. Vet candy
- Is just as candy as it sounds! This website offers lots of free resources for vets and vet students. Podcasts, magazines & blogs, and loads of video content on “student prep”, and “master courses”, not to mention free e-books on things like surgery, dermatology and much more! Maybe you’ll even find my blog interview and podcast in there? Check out the website HERE.
3. Free 3D vet anatomy
Not having access to dead animals at the university at the moment? No problem! You can study muscles and bones in 3D figures for free online! Do a quick google search to find your favorite. Click HERE for an example.
4. VIN
Another place you can also find 3D anatomy is on VIN.com. It is actually FREE for vet students, but can be quite pricy when you’re a vet(!) VIN is an American website used by vets everywhere - you can find useful things like drug calculators, research papers and treatments, Virtual case studies and any help you may need as a vet or a vet student! Click HERE for link.
5. VSA
“Vet success academy” - another membership website where you can find everything you need to thrive in your veterinary career (although this is a paid membership). They offer different packages like turning pro (helping you thrive in your everyday life), performance (holds live sessions where you can connect with others and get support on your journey), and clinical (videos of case studies and surgeries). Have definitely helped me on my journey of becoming the best student/vet I can be! Check out the website HERE.
6. Vet podcasts
Time spent on listening to podcasts is never a waste of time - especially not when they’re spent listening to professionals explaining useful handling and skills for your work/studies. Some of my favorite vet podcasts are: VetX international, Karen Becker, and The vet vault.
7. IVSA
- International veterinary student’s association. The largest veterinary student association in the world! There is a small fee to join. They offer seminars, exchange programs, events, student debates and much more! They’re also looking for ambassadors from time to time, and loads of opportunities and events coming up, so keep your eyes open! Click HERE to see their website.
8. Karen Becker
One of my personal favorites (vets) to learn from, and also titled “The most followed vet in the world” with her facebook page with millions of followers. She’s written a book, she’s on several podcasts, has loads of videos on youtube, and written several articles. Click HERE to check out here linktree.
9. MiniVet guide
What if you had a tiny book about everything you need to know in the clinic, fitting in your pocket? That’s what the “Minivet guide” is! It includes all small animal cases, flowcharts, diagnosis, drugs & treatments and everything you could think of! You may add a few radiology/pathology flashcards to your order as well! Check out the website HERE.
10. IVAPM
International veterinary academy of pain management - also free for students! You even get a certificate to add to your resume, so why not sign up? Be on top of the game when it comes to pain management in pets! Click HERE for the website.
11. VetX international
- Another website to help you thrive in the veterinary profession/as a student! Lots of free resources and a podcast, webinars, groups, articles and more! Make sure to check it out HERE.
12. New grad vet course
“Foreign vets” has made a series of great sources for vets and vet students to help them thrive in their profession! They have created a “newgrad vet course”, as well as a radiology case book, you can find them HERE. They’ve also created a course/book about how to certify as a vet in Australia/New Zealand for anyone interested in that, too.
13. Emergency e-books
D. Brooke has also created some great resources that could come handy one day. This is in the form of cheap e-books packed with info like Toxicology handbook, surgery handbooks and more. Check out her website HERE.