Veterinary Technician

[mininik]

Some of you might remember the thread I started a few weeks ago looking for suggestions on finding a career with horses. Well, thanks your replies and lots of research I have decided to go on to college and sign up for a veterinary technician program! Although I'd love to work with a large animal practice, I have also decided to broaden my horizon a bit to include the possibility of working with all critters great AND small. I am so excited and just had to share.

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Now, if any of you vet techs "out there" would like to offer any more opininos, advice or suggestions that'd be great.

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[Secret22]

Your my idol lol

: I wish to choose something to do with animals ie. horses too!

Hope alls well for you in the future!!

Best Luck

Charlie

 

[mininik]

Aw, Charlie! You can do it, too!

: So far from what I've learned researching vet techs are in demand and the job description, average pay and benefits sound very enjoyable (for the most part). It's definitely something you could consider doing yourself when you're older.

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[user 488]

Good for you Nikki! You will be great at it too! I can't imagine my life without working with animals in one way or another!

Carol

 

[Happy Valley]

How Wonderful! I was a vet-tech for a few years before I decided to teach. It is very rewarding work, and you get to see so many wonderful things. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

 

[DunPainted]

:aktion033: Hooray for You :aktion033:

This is a timely thread! Began working for my veterinarian friend's office (she had to start-up on her own, as her partner up and retired, no notice). Ohhhh, it's so much fun....animals and computers. That said, I mentioned to hubby that my intentions are to find a vet tech program (I'm 47 and finally know "what I want to do when I grow up!")

What a joy to work with people who love their animals, no matter the circumstance. Dr. Marsha is a down-to-earth, gentle soul. She has numberous dairy herds to maintain, so the clientele is diverse!

Well, you go to it....and enjoy the process! How fun it is to have such a wonderful goal that has such positive affects on people/animals' lives. All the best!

Cindy

 

[mininik]

Thank you soo much barnbum, Carol and Stacye!

Cindy - Thank you and Hooray for you, too! There are around 100 vet tech programs offered in the USA. For more information I've found this website to be fantastic: http://www.navta.net/

 

[runamuk]

Some of you might remember the thread I started a few weeks ago looking for suggestions on finding a career with horses. Well, thanks your replies and lots of research I have decided to go on to college and sign up for a veterinary technician program! Although I'd love to work with a large animal practice, I have also decided to broaden my horizon a bit to include the possibility of working with all critters great AND small. I am so excited and just had to share.

:

Now, if any of you vet techs "out there" would like to offer any more opininos, advice or suggestions that'd be great.

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This is not meant to sound super negative but more of a truth to the career......yeehaw 7.00 an hour

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: I looked into this years ago and my sister even started taking classes until she discovered the VERY low pay rate for this position........a couple bucks an hour over minimum is not unusual.....I am sure someone will come flame me or tell me how wrong I am BUT most the vet techs I know do it because they enjoy it not because they make good money.....back in my day it was faster to just go to work for a vet as a receptionist or assistant and get the "tech" part hands on....the schooling was a very expensive route to a not so great paying job......

all that said .IF this is what you think you would be happiest doing regardless of pay then YAY go for it

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[mininik]

No flames here! I have also read several former or soon-to-be-quitting vet techs b*tching about the long hours they've spent "just cleaning up" or only being "receptionists in scrubs" and how thankless their job can be. I am pretty sure, however, that the average pay for a licensed, certified or registered vet tech is generally more than $7. an hour although it does vary by location, experience and specialty. I've seen many LVTs, CVTs and RVTs post that they are making at least $10. an hour up to over $20. an hour, plus benefits (paid vacations, health insurance, 401K, etc.). And although it is possible in some states to work your way up to being a vet tech without going through an accredited program, I would much rather go to school and learn a set curriculum. Either way, I do understand this won't be a career that I'll make a fortune at but then I am someone who wants to live aboard on a boat and within my means. I like that I'll have many options for employment from small, large and mixed animal practices to zoos, humane societies, research labs, etc. without the serious obligations of being a veterinarian.

BTW, below is a link to what the US Dept. of Labor has to say about vet techs:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos183.htm

 

[MagicTheMini]

I agree, what a timely thread! This is also my chosen career path! Since we have now called upon all the vet techs I have a question for you...I have the option of a two-year or a four-year program. Which would be the better option? I read somewhere that the extra schooling bring a higher starting pay, but it is extra schooling. I don't want to hijack the tread, but anyone have any thoughts? Thanks! Lindsey

 

[Sterling]

Good for you for having made such a decision. I know with all the rescues, abandoned and sick/injured critters, this world could always use a hand at taking care of these little angels big and small. I hope the best for you ...congratulations and good luck!

: :aktion033:

 

[Hosscrazy]

Congratulations on your decision, Nikki - I think it's so exciting for you!! When do you start classes and do you have prequalification exams (like a GRE) that you have to take first?

Good luck - you're going to do great!!!

Liz R.

 

[mininik]

Gee, thanks Liz and Sterling!

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Sterling - I'll have some prequalification exams for sure and will likely also have to take a few classes before I can submit an application into a vet tech program. I hope to start in the fall.

Lindsey - I hope someone answers your question as I'd sure like to know, too!

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[mininik]

runamuk: I'm not sure where you were getting your data, but I just did a quick search found several possible places of employment paying more than $7./hour including the one below:

Veterinary Technicians - ___ ____ Animal Care and Services has F/T& P/T positions for RVTs in their new, state-of-the-art Animal Care Center. Salary $37,585.60 - $45,679.60 + benefits for F/T. This position will be responsible for providing paraprofessional medical care & tx to shelter &/or client-owned animals. Some duties inc: checking & monitoring animals' health, rendering first aid & emergency tx, butt'ting in surgery, maintaining medical supplies, caring, cleaning & feeding animals, performing euthanasia, etc. Some weekends, holidays, rotating shifts & respond to emergency animal services during off- duty hrs. May be required to lift up to 100#...

Of course, being a vet tech isn't the only thing one can do. There were also several positions for Shelter Manager, Animal Care Manager (this listing offered a min. salary of over $40K a year), etc. that would apply to someone who's gone through an accredited college vet tech program.

 

[Whitestar]

I have been a tech for the past 3 years in a clinic, the hardest job I have ever done not because of the work, but my boss was a very hard person to work for. Didnt make a lot of money. However, I did enjoy the job & also found out that most vets prefer to hire someone that has worked in a vet clinic over someone that has gone to a school, they feel that the every day exposure is much better learning than a classroom/lab. Furthermore you will get paid if you are on the job training. In some states you can earn a degree while working under a Vet, you simply learn the skills & take the tests with your Dr Signing off on the skills.

I have recently been hired as a manager of a large vet clinic/boarding/animal shelter. They have had managers in the past, but none with previous vet experience, I am really excited about this new path. There are courses out there such as those through the American Boarding Kennel Assoc ( there is a fee) , & other companies such as Hills/Science Diet offer courses ( at no charge) through their education programs to become a certified Nutrition Expert. If you havent had an experience working in a vets office ( it is a lot different that having animals at home, no matter how big or small your farm is & it is alot differnt having a vet work for you!!!) then I would suggest that you try working there to see if it is something you really want to do. Most techs do end up cleaning alot & doing receptionist duties & anything else needed. But I really love my job a lot

by the way, I dont know of any techs or shelter managers that make the kind of money that is quoted. Frankly, most shelters are non profit & cant afford to pay that type of money & the most I ever heard a full tech make was $15 a hour & she lived in California & had 18 years experience, so I would suggest you contact a clinic in the area that you want to settle to see what the pay schedule is to see if it is anything like what you hope.

 

[tigeresss]

Oh oh oh this is a fabulous thread for me! Firstly, congrats on making a choice on what you want to be. I too am planning on going to college for the two year Vet Tech program...atleast I think I will haha. I've never heard of the four year program. I've heard mixed things about being a vet tech...apparently a large majority of them quit before six years because it's such a physically and mentally stressful job. The job is in high demand but from what I've heard from vet techs across BC is that it really depends on where you are. Many of the vet techs do not have any bennefits and aren't paid all that well (this is BC,Canada I'm talking about) however I have had a few people tell me they get good pay, enough to live a normal life on, as well as full benefits. Although the majority said the first one that they get meger pay and little or no benefits. So I suppose it depends on what area you go to and then what clinic you go to.

However, going through that program opens up many, many doors for you so that's always a bonus. I've been told that the two best schools for this program in all of Canada are right here in Western Canada...the first is Thompson Rivers University, in Kamploops BC and the other is Olds College in Olds, Alberta, Canada. Although I did have quite a few people tell me that they found the Thompson Rivers Uni program a lot better...then again I did have one person tell me they much preferred the Olds program.

Oh also wanted to add that atleast for the schools I looked into before you are accepted into this program you have to have worked in a vet office or volunteered in one for quite some time. As well as you have to have quite a lot of animal related volunteer work under your belt.

I deffinetly don't think they would get paid $7.00 an hour...atleast deffinetly not here in BC as our minimum wage is $8.00 per hour.

 

[wcr]

I tend to side with Runamuk on this one. I will tell you my experience.

I went to school to be a vet tech. 2 years, state licensed the whole 9 yards. I worked in so Calif. where the pay scale was a lot higher than out of the big city. People are willing to spend the money on their furry children. It was a career for me and I only worked in the best hospitals. I was nursing supervisor for a 3 story animal hosp. with boarded doctors in specialties, Icu, 5 surgery suites. I started my own consulting business going in and reorganizing and training staff and inventory control. I opened and ran an emergency clinic backed by 20 local vets to handle their night emergencies. As I said, a career. For me to move out of So. Calif. and try to find a job in the country, I would be making a few dollars above minimum wage.

Now for realistic side of things. I spent 2 years of my life in school for a job, that while in Ca. paid very good but wouldn't give me a livable wage if I left there. I went into nursing and the differences are obvious. Vet techs are not organized as a group to get the benefits that nurses have and this is the major downfall. I have to be licensed to work in a hospital, Vet techs don't. It is more cost effective for a vet to start out with a kennel person and work them into a tech type job through experience. New grads expect higher pay and should get it but many vets don't want to pay for it. Sorry but this is a reality.

Nurses have what is called reciprocity. I can go to any state and be licensed because I took a national state board.. Vet techs don't have this so need to test in every state they want to practice in. And what about the long run? Where do you expect to be in 10, 15, 20 years? I stayed in about 10 years and realized it was a deadend job. I have had carpal tunnel surgery from holding off veins, also 2 catarract surgeries from holding animals too close to the xray tube.

The job you described making all that money? Well, the saying goes if it sounds too good to be true. it probably is. The best paying jobs with benefits are usually with shelters and the majority of that work is vaccinating and euthanizing healthy animals.

I don't want to tell you what to do but as grim as this post sounds, it is the reality of the situation. You need to know what you are willing to spend 2 years of your life going to school for.

 

[mininik]

Good lord, where to start? I guess by saying that I didn't just "make up" those job descriptions. There are acutally many more listed as available with pay in the high twenties to mid forties per year and most are plus benefits. Several more offer sign on bonuses and some will even help with your relocation. I've been checking into potential jobs across the country and honestly, relocating and having to take a test again in a new state doesn't scare me. I've also noticed that the great majority of those jobs will only hire LVTs, RVTs, or CVTs (who have to have actual experience working for a vet in order to get into the programs) and the pay is upped with experience, specialty, etc. (I don't intend to work for a podunk operation.)

Whitestar - I will definitely look into the Nutrition Expert certification. I think I'll see what the ABKA has to say as I don't know that I can learn anything from a company like Hills/Science Diet with what they sell as "nutritious!" Oh, and good luck with your new job!

 

[runamuk]

Well if you can find a tech postition paying that much jump on it......I just know that many of the techs I have known didn't make much..............and definately not in the 20.00 hr range that those salaries would indicate................

I also know in our area and MSW (masters of social work) although reqired to get social worker jobs...which they can never fill advertise wages from 20,000 to 26,000 commonly.......who would spend all the money for the 4 yr degree to make that kind of money

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I worked in barns for years making low wages but enjoyed the work immensly.....so my opinion is if it is work you will enjoy even at very low pay then go for it..........

 

[CharmedMinis]

Well having worked for 2 different vets..............

be very very careful who you choose to work for.

I loved both of my jobs, and both vets were wonderful.............but horrible to work for!!!

You can be doing everything right, but bad moods, frustration, etc..........will get taken out on you.

It also seems that most vets think their techs/assistants can read their minds and know what's needed of them before it's asked of them. To some extent this can be true, but vets tend to forget to guide their techs a lot of the time.

My current vet included, he gets frustrated and pushy with the techs if an x-ray plate isn't exactly where he wants it...........yet he didn't tell the tech where he wanted it

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Women vets seem to be a little better and/or easier to deal with, IMHO

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I hate to say this, but every male vet I have ever known, seems to carry somewhat of a god complex, at least that's what my Mother calls it :bgrin

I love my vet, I've known him since I was 8 years old, I know how to deal with his moods, and sometimes it's tough, he even gets pushy with me and I'm a paying client. But he's an excellent vet and has a great sense of humor, but I would never ever work for him!