Week 10 - Earning While Learning

The Financial Challenge of Vet School

Veterinary school is an exciting path, but it’s also an expensive one. Tuition, fees, and living expenses for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program can easily exceed $200,000 over four years. Not surprisingly, many new veterinarians graduate with six-figure student loan debt. In fact, the average vet school borrower owes around $180,000 upon graduation. While scholarships and grants do exist, they only cover a fraction of costs for most students. Federal student loans will often make up the difference, but loans have to be paid back with interest, leaving new vets with hefty monthly payments.

Given these stakes, you might be wondering: Is there a way to reduce how much I need to borrow? One answer is to boost your income while in vet school. Earning extra money as a student (whether through part-time jobs, summer work, or side gigs) can help pay for living expenses so you can borrow less and graduate with less debt. But working during vet school isn’t a simple decision. You’ll need to balance any job against a demanding academic schedule. In this post, we’ll explore whether you should work during vet school and how to do it successfully, with plenty of ideas for earning money on your own terms.

Should You Work During Veterinary School?

Choosing whether to work while in vet school is a personal decision that depends on your situation. Vet programs are rigorous and time-consuming. Essentially a full-time job by themselves. In fact, some advisors note that vet students typically cannot work more than 5–10 hours per week during the school year, and even that can be challenging. Your top priority must be academics. Keeping your grades up is crucial, both for staying in the program and for future opportunities like internships or residencies. No extra income is worth jeopardizing your chance of becoming a veterinarian. If you’re struggling academically or barely keeping up, pause on the idea of a job. Focus on your studies and well-being first.

However, if you’re managing your course load well and have good time-management skills, a small part-time job can be both feasible and beneficial. Many vet students do find ways to earn extra money, especially in later years once they’ve adjusted to the school schedule. It requires discipline and careful planning, but it is possible to work and still excel academically, plenty of students have done so. In making your decision, honestly assess your capacity: Can you spare, say, 5–10 hours a week without your grades or health suffering? Are you good at setting boundaries and sticking to a schedule? If yes, you might be a good candidate for working during school.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself a few key questions:

• Will a job help my future career? For example, working in a veterinary clinic or research lab could build relevant experience and contacts. A part-time role might even lead to a full-time job after graduation.

• Does the work align with my interests? You might discover a passion for a certain field through a student job. On the other hand, a non-vet job might simply be a way to earn money. which is fine if it doesn’t derail your veterinary goals.

• Is the job student-friendly? Ideal student jobs are flexible or low-stress. Can you study during downtime on the job (for instance, working a front desk, or scanning IDs at the campus library during quiet hours)? Jobs that allow some multitasking with schoolwork are golden.

• Can I leverage any special skills? If you have a prior degree, technical skill, or certification, you might earn more than minimum wage. For example, if you’re a licensed vet tech entering vet school, you could work relief shifts at an animal hospital for a higher hourly rate. Or if you have IT or writing skills, you might find freelance gigs that pay better than typical student jobs.

• Could I work remotely or on my own schedule? Consider if there are work-from-home opportunities you can do on evenings or weekends, or gigs where you are your own boss. Such roles can be easier to fit around studying.

If you do decide to work, remember that your health and wellness come first. Vet school can be intense and stressful; adding a job means you’ll need to be extra mindful of burnout. Be sure to get enough sleep, maintain healthy habits, and not overload yourself. Many students start with a very limited schedule and adjust as needed. It’s all about finding the right balance. When done thoughtfully, working a bit during vet school can pay off, by reducing debt and even enhancing your education, but it’s not the right choice for everyone.

Benefits of Working During Vet School (Beyond the Paycheck)

It’s clear that earning money is the primary motive for working as a vet student. Even a small income can offset some living costs. Over the first three years of vet school, a part-time job like that could potentially let you borrow $10,000–$15,000 less in loans. Meanwhile, a full-time summer job can provide an even bigger boost, working 40 hours per week for 3 months at $15/hour could earn on the order of $5,000 (net) by the end of summer, which you could save toward the next year’s expenses.

But aside from the dollars and cents, a job can offer valuable benefits that enrich your vet school experience:

• Real-world experience: A part-time position in a veterinary or research setting can deepen your skills. You’ll apply what you’re learning in class to actual cases or projects. Even non-veterinary jobs can teach communication, teamwork, and time management. All useful traits for a veterinarian.

• Career exploration and networking: Working can help clarify your career interests. Maybe you thought you wanted to go into private practice, but after assisting in a lab, you find a love for research. Or you take a kennel attendant job and gain mentors in the clinic who later help you find a full-time position. Each job can expand your professional network in the veterinary industry.

• Resume building: Employers appreciate candidates who are well-rounded. Having work experience during school, even if unrelated to vet med, shows you have a strong work ethic and can handle responsibility. It signals that you can balance multiple commitments, which is often seen as a positive. In fact, some veterinary employers specifically look for students who have demonstrated they can maintain a work-life balance and still succeed academically.

• Structure and wellness: Interestingly, a job’s routine can add structure to your week. Some students find that working a few hours keeps them more disciplined with time, you can’t procrastinate too much if you know you have a shift tomorrow morning. Additionally, time at work might give your brain a break from the constant study grind. And when you do earn a little income, you can afford the occasional treat or activity, which is great for mental health.

When to Work: Summer vs. Semester

Timing is an important consideration. When is it best to work, if at all? Here’s how vet students often approach it:

• During the Academic Year: Working while classes are in session means juggling job duties with lectures, labs, studying, and exams. For this reason, any semester job usually must be part-time and low-hour. Many vet schools recommend keeping work hours to a minimum during semesters. The advantage of a year-round part-time job is a steady trickle of income that can continuously help with bills. It may also be easier to hold onto a job long-term. If you choose to work during the semester, look for flexibility. You may need to scale down hours during midterms or take a week off for finals, and a supportive boss or a university position will understand that. Some on-campus jobs, like library assistant or gym front-desk attendant, might even let you study during quiet periods, which is a huge plus. Keep your course load in mind, for example, first year of vet school can be especially tough as you adjust, so you might wait until second year to start a job once you’re confident in your routine.

• During Summer and Breaks: School breaks are prime time for vet students to work full-time or nearly full-time. The summer between academic years is an ideal window to earn money and possibly gain veterinary experience too. Without classes competing for your hours, you can take on a 40-hour/week job or multiple gigs. Many students work as veterinary assistants in clinics, take paid research fellowships, or do other internships over the summer. Others seek any decent-paying job to build up savings. Earning a few thousand dollars over the summer can help pay your living expenses for a good portion of the next school year. Pro tip: If you need experience for your resume, try to find paid opportunities rather than unpaid internships whenever possible, you might be surprised that some employers will pay vet students for summer help. Winter break and spring break, to a lesser extent can also be used for short-term gigs or extra shifts if you have a regular part-time job. Just be careful not to overwork yourself during breaks, you’ll also need some rest and recuperation time to be ready for the next semester.

Many vet students use a combination of these strategies. The goal is to maximize earnings during less intense periods and protect your study time when classes are in session. And remember, by the time you reach fourth year (clinical rotations), you will likely find it impractical to work given the full-time clinical schedule. So plan your working strategy mainly for years 1–3 of vet school.

Traditional Part-Time Jobs for Vet Students

When it comes to jobs, vet students have many of the same options as other college students, plus a few that take advantage of your animal and science expertise. Here are some popular part-time jobs and side gigs vet students pursue:

• Veterinary Clinic Assistant: Working at a local animal clinic or hospital is a natural choice. Positions range from kennel attendant to veterinary assistant or receptionist. These roles might pay modestly, but you gain hands-on experience with animals and clients. Working in a clinic can reinforce your clinical skills and help you confirm, or refocus your career interests. If you already have a vet tech background, you could even work as a technician on weekends. Just ensure the clinic is willing to accommodate your class schedule.

• On-Campus Jobs: Universities often have part-time jobs tailored to students. In a vet school setting, you might find work in the teaching hospital (e.g. as an animal caretaker or front desk staff), in a research lab washing glassware or assisting with simple tasks, or even as a tutor or TA for undergraduate courses. Don’t overlook other campus jobs like working at the library, recreation center, or administrative offices; these can be low-stress and conveniently located. A bonus: campus employers usually understand student obligations and may offer flexible hours.

• Animal Care and Husbandry: Outside of clinics, there are other animal-related jobs. Some students work at local stables, farms, or ranches helping with horse care or livestock feeding. Others might pet-sit or dog-walk for faculty and community members. If wildlife or zoo medicine interests you, you might volunteer or work part-time at a wildlife rehab center or zoo in roles like cleaning enclosures or feeding animals. These jobs often pay little or are volunteer, but if paid, they can build niche experience.

• Service and Retail Jobs: Many vet students pick up traditional student jobs like serving at a restaurant, barista at a coffee shop, or retail sales. These jobs typically offer evening or weekend shifts that might fit your schedule. They might not be veterinary-related, but work is work, you’ll earn money and practice customer service skills. One somewhat unique option is working as a home health aide or caregiver; compassionate people may find this rewarding, and the hours can sometimes be flexible. Just be cautious not to commit to too many hours in high-pressure service jobs, as they can be tiring after a day of classes.

• Research Assistant: If you have an interest in research, look for paid positions in university research labs. Professors sometimes hire students part-time to help with laboratory work, data entry, or animal care related to research projects. These jobs can be a win-win: they often pay an hourly wage, teach you about scientific research, and might even lead to a published paper or a great reference for the future. Some vet students work on research during the year for a few hours weekly, or intensively in the summer on a grant. If your school has an established “work-study” program, see if any lab or department positions qualify for work-study funding too.

• Student Representative for Vet Companies: A coveted gig in vet school is becoming a “student rep” or ambassador for a veterinary company. Many large companies have campus ambassador programs. In these roles, you might organize lunch-and-learn events, distribute promotional materials, or act as a liaison between the company and your classmates. These positions also look great on a resume and get you insider connections at the company. The catch is that student rep jobs are limited in number and can be competitive. Keep an eye out for announcements, usually early in the school year, and apply with a strong résumé and cover letter highlighting any leadership or club involvement you have.

Think about jobs that either play to your strengths or fit conveniently into your school life. Sometimes the best opportunities come through networking. Let local vets, professors, or mentors know you’re open to part-time work. You might hear about a weekend kennel job or a professor needing a hand in the lab. Just remember to keep your weekly hours reasonable. Even a small, steady income from one of these jobs can help pay your rent or buy your groceries, which means less you’ll need to borrow in student loans.

Modern Side Hustles and the Gig Economy

Beyond traditional hourly jobs, the modern “gig economy” offers vet students new ways to earn money on your own schedule. Gig economy jobs are typically task-based or freelance roles where you have a lot of control over when and how much you work. This flexibility can be perfect for a busy vet student. Here are some side hustles and freelance ideas to consider:

• Rideshare or Delivery Driver

• Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

• Freelance Services Online: Do you have a marketable skill outside of vet med? Consider freelancing through online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. The possibilities are wide: you could do graphic design, writing or proofreading, data entry, translation, programming, video editing, you name it.

• Content Creation and Online Media: In today’s digital world, even your hobbies can potentially earn money. If you enjoy creative pursuits like photography, art, or even gaming, there are ways to monetize these. For example, you can sell your photos as stock imagery through websites that pay royalties, there is demand for all kinds of images.

• Task-Based Apps: These platforms let you pick up one-off tasks such as assembling furniture, doing yard work, running errands, or cleaning houses. You simply take tasks that fit your availability.

• JobRunner or similar services might have requests for help with events or administrative tasks. Each task pays a set fee. This route isn’t for everyone, but it’s an option if you prefer short bursts of work rather than a regular schedule.

Tips for Balancing Work and Vet School

Once you’ve decided to take on a job or side hustle, how do you ensure you can balance it with the demands of vet school?

• Put Academics First: This cannot be stressed enough. Schedule your work hours after you timetable study blocks, classes, labs, and exam prep. If you have a big exam coming up, don’t hesitate to ask for fewer work hours that week or use vacation time if the job provides it. Remember, repeating a course or extending vet school would cost far more than any part-time earnings

• Choose the Right Kind of Job: Not all jobs are equal in terms of student-friendliness. Ideally, pick a job that complements your student life rather than conflicts with it. If you notice a job is starting to interfere with school, re-evaluate whether it’s the right fit.

• Be Honest and Communicative with Employers: Let any boss or clients know upfront that you are a full-time vet student. Most will respect that and accommodate you – especially if they specifically hired a student.

• Stay Organized and Use Time Wisely: Time management is your best friend. Use a planner or digital calendar to block out class time, study time, and work shifts. Look for small pockets of time to review notes or do readings. If you have a remote gig, learn to compartmentalize: focus on work tasks during your allotted work hours, and focus on school when it’s study time. Keeping a routine can help maintain balance. Also, guard against burnout by scheduling some downtime or social time; you’ll need to recharge to perform well in both arenas.

• Mind Your Health: Working and studying together means less free time, so you must be proactive about self-care. Prioritize sleep, eat regular, healthy meals, and exercise when possible. Pay attention to signs of stress. If you start falling behind in school or feeling overwhelmed, consider cutting back work hours or taking a break. Many students work for a semester or two and then stop when coursework gets tougher, and that’s okay. Your well-being is most important.

• Keep the Big Picture in Mind: You’re working to support your education, not the other way around. Remind yourself that the situation is temporary, in a few years you’ll be a veterinarian with a full salary. The money you earn now is to help you get to that goal with a bit less debt and stress. Celebrate the small victories, like paying your rent from your own earnings or seeing your loan need drop from last semester. And if you can, have some fun with your work, choose gigs you find enjoyable or meaningful. Enjoy interacting with the animals you care for, or the people you meet through your job. These experiences are part of your journey.

At the end of the day, you have to make an informed choice about working during veterinary school. For some, a part-time job or side hustle is a lifeline that eases financial strain, provides experience, and even adds a bit of adventure to the vet school years. For others, focusing 100% on academics and personal well-being might be the better route, and that’s completely valid too. If you do opt to work, go in with a plan: keep your hours reasonable, pick something you enjoy or value, and remain flexible as your academic workload changes. Even a small amount of income can add up over time – potentially letting you graduate with several thousand dollars less in debt than you otherwise would. Considering the average vet graduate’s debt load, every dollar you don’t have to borrow is a win for your future self.

Vet school is certainly a full-time endeavor, but with the right approach, a part-time job can coexist with your studies. Whether it’s walking dogs on Sunday mornings, assisting in a lab between classes, driving for a delivery service on quiet nights, or any of the myriad opportunities out there, you have options to earn extra cash in a way that fits your life. Just be sure your decision is intentional and well-considered. If you find the right balance, working during vet school can not only help pay the bills, but also enrich your education and set you up for success in your veterinary career. Good luck, stay focused, and go make that hustle work for you, your future DVM self will thank you!