Being a veterinarian is an incredible job that some people set their sights on young. This is the top career picked by tweens, and over 60% of vets say they knew this was a job they would want before they hit 12. Is it really everything that kids dream it is? 

Whether you're 40 and considering going back to school or you're in school trying to pick a career path, there's nothing as awesome as being a veterinarian. These are the top things to know about getting this job and why it's so amazing.

When most people picture a veterinarian, they think about cuddling cute animals and helping their furry friends feel better. Unfortunately, if that's all you picture, you're going to be very disappointed when it's finally time to get this role. Being a veterinarian is incredibly rewarding, but it's also a ton of work. 

This role requires you to think fast under stress, not be squeamish when dealing with animals, and understand the importance of knowing both the owner and the animal. Veterinarians are vital community members and give back in countless ways. It's rough work, but it's one of the most interesting jobs you'll ever find.

Becoming a veterinarian requires ten years of work and studying to make your dreams come true. This means getting a bachelor's degree and then applying for and studying at a vet school. These are long and grueling years of studying anatomy, sciences, diseases, and so much more.

This requires you to work hard and sink a lot of money into debt if you can't afford to pay upfront. The pay in the end is worth it, but this is definitely something to consider.

It's easier to answer what vets don't have to do! In one workday, a veterinarian may have to complete x-rays, fill out prescriptions, treat injuries and illnesses, and still be warm and comforting to the human and their pet at the same time. You won't just be handling friendly puppies and kittens; you'll have elderly animals, mean animals, rodents, exotic pets, and so much more.

This is an incredible amount of stress and exertion that most people can’t handle. 

If you're still in high school, you have the chance to set yourself up for success. Set your goals early, and take extra math, lab, and English courses if possible. When you're picking electives, look at what your local shelter or vet clinic needs. This will give you the on-the-job experience you need to know what you're getting into.

College is important, but this isn't where you're getting your veterinary license. You can go to community college or pick a school that matches your budget instead of stressing about going cross country, as many do for medical school.

Pick a school that has a good physical and biological science course load you can work through. If you're unsure about what to major in, you may go for things like chemistry, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, or even zoology. If you're planning on being a specialist, it's a good place to start.

Veterinary school is for the best of the best! Most vet schools only have a ten percent acceptance rate, which may sound low, but it's put in place to ensure that as many people as possible finish this course from the beginning group.

Veterinary school moves in waves. You'll learn technical information and then will move on to physical details, where you can examine things you've learned. This mix of learning styles is a great way to help every bit of information stick in your mind. If you're still sweating asking how hard it is to get into vet school, just know you can go to an undergraduate school and apply again when you’re ready.

Before you get your license, you'll need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. This is a long test of over 350 questions. Questions are all multiple choice but will go over information ranging from symptoms of rabies to how you can spot pain or anger in any animal.

Multiple states also require veterinarians to stop and pass a state-based exam before they're allowed to be licensed for that state. If you're considering moving somewhere after school, do your research ahead of time! It's not fun showing up and expecting jobs just to find out you have a few more hoops to jump through.

Although this can be one of the most stressful jobs in the world, it's also fantastically rewarding. You can connect with people and animals, give back to your community, and know you're doing important work. It's an awesome role to have.

Author Bio:

Kathryn Goodwin is a compassionate freelance writer with a passion for both writing and animal welfare. Kathryn combines her talents to raise awareness about the needs of animals, promote awareness, and educate the youth. Her heartfelt dedication to the well-being of animals and her ability to use her writing to advocate for their welfare make her a powerful voice for animals in need.