Author: noliver

Part-Time and Online Student

Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).

I finished my Veterinary Medicine studies in 2021 and worked for a few months in a small animal clinic as a veterinarian. I was doing mainly spaying and neutering surgeries, wound treatment, and other treatment for stray animals or housed animals.

All my patients were cats and dogs and only in rare cases were some exotic animals that we referred to other specialized veterinarians.

How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?

I wanted to change my career path and pivot away from small animal practice. Client interactions within our small animal clinic were growing increasingly frustrating, and I was looking for a new environment and change within my career. I always loved livestock animals even before starting my studies in Veterinary Medicine. The University in my city did not offer any Master’s Degree and the tuition cost for their newly opened Veterinary Medicine department is very high for me or other people I know. However, I came across the advertisement for the University of Illinois online Master of Veterinary Science with a simple search online during a busy day at work. Making this career change and starting the Master of Veterinary Science degree in my opinion was the best decision I ever made in my studies. The program fits all my needs. With the flexibility of choosing every class, I love to learn more and that will help me in the future. With the program being online, I also have the benefit of the reduced to zero cost of moving to a different country, paying extra costs for rent living, etc.

What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?

The program is not just a set of courses; you are calling the shots as a future professional in a challenging industry. Everything is available to fit your needs, and the staff is always readily available each semester to discuss which courses best suit your interests and goals, as well as assist in any setback or problem I have faced related to the program.

In my opinion, the individual with the most knowledge and ability to think critically is the person set to overcome every challenge easily within the industry. This program will set me up to do just that! Some job positions in Cyprus where I live, specifically need to have in-depth knowledge in subjects only available in this: biosecurity, managing a farm in the best cost-effective way possible, and One Health (which is very important for the veterinarians working in the EU).  

Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you. How was the content useful?

It is difficult to separate a specific course from the others, as it is not the course alone that is important but what goals and skills you want to develop more through the course. For example, I loved the biosecurity classes because I found it’s better to take preventative measures than try to fix everything when the “storm” comes. Also, as a new veterinarian with limited experience in livestock farms, I had the best result possible when visiting farms, from the guidance of our teachers.  The main takeaways from the courses that I have found most useful are limiting the cost of diagnosis/test and implementing small changes to see the biggest impact on the health of the animals and the sustainability of a farm.

The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career. What’s next for you?

I have a few ideas on what I want to do next and every day new opportunities open up. I applied to job openings for Veterinarians working in the Veterinary Service of the government here (to do the same things I am learning in the MVS program). Also, because of the growing popularity of Veterinary studies in my country, I may apply to work as a staff member or apply for PhD at a University in my city.

What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?

When choosing the program, you are not only making the best decision in your career, but you also get to know many professors who are at the top in their industry who teach you how you make the best decision in any situation (small animal or farm system).  Through the program, you can get the best ideas on how to reach any goals you have for your future career.

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Part-Time and Online Student

Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).

I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Alfred University in May 2022. During my academics, I pursued a minor in chemistry and concentrated my studies in the field of pre-veterinary medicine. I am currently working as a veterinary assistant at a small animal hospital called Erie Canal Animal Hospital and its sister hospital Apple Country Veterinary Hospital.

How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?

I came across the MVS program last fall when I was searching for programs that would allow me to continue my education, involved something I was passionate about, and could complete prior to vet school, which I hope to be accepted into one for Fall of 2024.

What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?

The MVS program sparked my interest as I am able to complete my degree completely online and at my own pace! I was able to plan my courses ahead of time so I could complete the degree in a year and be able to finish in time to hopefully start vet school. Also, the program’s emphasis on livestock stood out to me as someone who wants to pursue large animal medicine.

Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you? How was the content useful?

My favorite course so far was VCM509 Biology of Veterinary Pathogens. This course sparked my interest as I knew it would be a beneficial curriculum for someone wanting to go to vet school. Beyond that, the Problem-Based Learning approach taught me how to work through real case studies and was not only fun but great at teaching the information.

The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career? What’s next for you?

Ideally vet school! This is my second cycle applying and I hope this program gives me a leg up for admissions and will help me with the curriculum once I get in.

What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?

I cannot say enough great things about all the staff and professors I have had the privilege of working with! Their kindness, understanding, and exemplary mentorship have left an indelible mark on my educational journey.

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Part-Time and Online Student

Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).

I am a consulting Swine Veterinarian and Director of Swine Health for the Fairmont Veterinary Clinic in Fairmont Minnesota. I am a DVM graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and an EVP graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?

It was a personal goal of mine to complete a master’s degree right after I completed the EVP program but life outside of veterinary medicine got in the way. Many years later I received an email from the U of I notifying me that my EVP credits were still available for a master’s degree through the MVS program. I realized that my personal goal was still a possibility even after a nearly 25-year wait! Better late than never!

What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?

The use of technology sets the MVS program apart from the other programs. I could perform my job duties and not have to travel for course work.

Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you? How was the content useful?

Livestock Systems with Dr. Lowe. It was very useful for me to interact with others in the class and see different ways to solve the livestock production issues I see on a daily basis.

The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career? What’s next for you?

Slowing down is the next move for my career. Instead of working 60+ hours a week, I am planning to work half-time (30 hours a week) and I would like to use that time for research projects within our veterinary group.

What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?

You can accomplish your degree goal with this program while holding down a full time-plus career. The technology of this program makes it possible.

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Part-Time and Online Student

Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).

Hello! I am Mallareigh Moser and I am a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s in Animal Science (Spring 2022)! I currently work as a Study Technician at Labcorp Drug Development in Madison, Wisconsin working with non-human primates and canines in drug metabolism studies.

How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?

I found the program a week before my graduation from Iowa State and also, unfortunately, received my last denial to veterinary school at that time as well. The program fits very well with my large animal background and career goals in the future. The cost and convenience of being all online was another factor in my decision.

What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?

I feel that the MVS professors genuinely care about your well-being while also challenging you academically. It also allows you to continue working and gaining valuable experience outside of an academic setting which many other programs can’t say they allow this flexibility.

Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you? How was the content useful?

I had a fantastic experience in the VCM 513- Science of Health Homeostasis (from the certificate program) class. This class not only helped me immensely in my job considering it is in drug metabolism, but also because it really gave me the feeling that we aren’t inferior to veterinary students. It was challenging and rewarding, especially considering the group structure of the course.

The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career? What’s next for you?

I plan to attend veterinary school to become a large animal practitioner! Long term goal, I plan to teach at a veterinary school or work in research/government.

What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?

This program has genuinely made me a better overall person, student, and scientist. Even if you aren’t interested in livestock, please consider the program anyway. There are so many valuable resources and content that is learned as part of this program.

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Part-Time and Online Student

Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).

In 2020, I graduated from Universidad San Francisco de Quito in my home country, Ecuador, with a degree in veterinary medicine. I worked at a small, family-owned dairy farm for 2 years before moving to the United States with the goal to pursue a career in the dairy industry.

How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?

I was looking for a degree related to the food animal industry that would provide me with the tools that are needed to kickstart the career I want and that would complement my veterinary background. 

What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?

The MVS degree is exactly what I wanted: 100% online, flexible, and with a broad industry scope. As a veterinarian who wants to be more than just a clinician, this is the program that will allow me to do more than I previously could.

Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you? How was the content useful?

VCM 568 – Operation of Livestock-Based Food Production Systems I was a fantastic, challenging course that really put me out of my comfort zone and expanded my horizons and understanding of the industry. It has developed my critical thinking skills further and has given me the tools I need to be able to solve problems in real-life situations.

The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career? What’s next for you?

At this point, anything could be next! I started the degree thinking the dairy business would be my end goal, but I’ve discovered that there are more possibilities than I previously thought. Farm manager, consultant, auditor, or even starting my own homestead, I am open to the opportunities that are out there. Dairy and beekeeping industries are two of my main interests.

What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?

The quality of the courses is top-notch and the instructors will always be the best aids to student learning.

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