Kevin - are there any breeders near you that you can make friends with? Volunteer to help clean and take care of snakes/rodents for this person and learn a little. You can play with snakes and then back off if time gets short, like during exams. Then you can get into your own program when the time is right.
Good luck.
I do appreciate this post. Thanks John.
Country Born Exotics
Soon to be specializing in: Desert Ghost, Clown, Banana, Hypo, Pied, and Spotnose Combos
If you do not like the advice coming from someone who has been in your chosen field for many years, then so be it. But do not get offended when you put out a question online and you do not get what you want to hear. My post was simply concerning time. 12 hour shifts, which is what most RNs work, take their toll. Your background is honestly of little importance on that matter. If you doubt me, look at the tons of evidence based research on how nursing schedules affect the lives of nurses.
Mine, and I am sure everyone else's concern here really is not so much for you as for the animals. I think starting with 4 is a great idea, vs the 16 or so you listed before.
Just do not be surprised at responses you get from people who do not know you personally when you ask them for input.