<p>Animals are a lifelong passion of mine. I'd love to work as a vet, but I'm quite squeamish about some things (blood, mostly). Does anyone have experience with this? Is it possible to get over it? I'm scared to go for pre-vet and then find out that I'm wrong...</p>
<p>I am looking forward to going into a pre-vet program at CSU (if I get in) in a couple of years, so from what I have researched so far is that pre-vet is just an emphasis-it is not a major. So I do not see a reason for why you are scared to find out whether pre-vet is right or wrong for you? If you do not like it, and you have a major in Animal Science, Animal Biology, Biology, or a different Biology/Science-based major-those majors are very science oriented so you will have no problems finding a different career choice to pursue if pre-vet does not work out for you. If you have a completely different major that has nothing to do with science/animals, you can still take the required courses to get into vet school-so you can have a backup plan for pursuing a different career with your major/you SHOULD take advantage of being able to have a back-up plan.
Also, I do not know how “squeamish” you are-but if you are the type of person who faints at the sight of blood, then I don’t know how to advise you because I have not experienced squeamishness to that level. However, if you have worked with vets before or have overcome your squeamishness (even if it takes a long time for you) on occasions, I don’t think your squeamishness will be a problem. I think a lot of people are squeamish about blood, and I consider it a natural reaction.
Sorry if you think this is weird-but since I was considering going into pre-vet, I decided to see how badly I would handle watching a vet perform a cesarean section on cow. I was all O_______O when I saw how easily he got the calf out and I couldn’t watch at first when the camera focused on him stitching up the wound. But after awhile, I thought it was super fascinating, and it’s actually NOT as bloody as I thought it would be. And it was super easy stitching up the cut so I was all O.o say whaaaat?
So er, bottom line is-see how squeamish you are, consider whether or not you will be able to overcome your squeamishness through experience/repeated exposure to whatever you cannot stand, and whether or not you would be willing to put in time and effort to see whether or not your love for animals can get you over your squeeeam hurdle. You should go talk to a local veterinarian and ask them questions if you have any concerns regarding going into pre-vet programs-they will be the best ones to answer your questions honestly.
Good luck!</p>
<p>Oftentimes, squeamishness goes away with increased exposure. The first surgery I watched (on a dog) was particularly gruesome, and I had to step out of the operating room multiple times to get some air. After a few more procedures, though, I was fine for the entire surgery.</p>
<p>Unless you are /TERRIFIED/ of blood to the point of freezing up when you see it, I would say that squeamishness shouldn’t be a huge deal. It really comes down to your willpower. You sometimes have to force yourself to keep looking.</p>
<p>Skyrocket also took a good route; watch procedural videos, and get accustomed to the idea of blood and open flesh. You can even start by watching TV dramas that show blood and wounds, like Grey’s Anatomy or CSI. :)</p>
<p>If you have any doubts about being a vet or you would prefer to leave your options open, major in something you genuinely love, and take the required pre-vet courses.</p>