Veterinary Technician

[txminipinto]

Envypoodles,

Welcome to the club! Here is some sunshine to your rained out parade. I am one of the vet techs making the quoted salaries. When I graduated from school, my starting pay was $10.00 an hour with benefits. I have never felt like all I did was clean up and answer the phone, my skills have always been utilized. The trick to enjoying this career is finding a practice where you can find a DVM you respect (once you get behind the scenes you'll know what I mean) and that respects you for going to school to get a formal education in veterinary technology.

It's not an easy job, but in the right environment, can be the best job you've ever had. 2yr programs vs 4 yr progams - I haven't seen much difference in either as far as techs fresh out of school. I will tell you the more experience you can get now in a practical setting the easier school will be. A lot of people turn their noses up at RVTs but its no easy walk in the park. You'll go thru classes on canine, feline, equine, and food animal disease, parasitology, radiology, hospital management, anesthesia, surgical assisting, nursing, and much more. You have to know how and why things are done the way they are in practice. You have to be one step ahead of your DVM to anticapate their needs. And you will be expected to step between your DVM or client when an animal gets fractious.

As a RVT (or CVT/LVT), you can be able to specialize in emergency critical care, anesthesia (I'm appling for this in 2007), and more. And you can work anywhere. You are not limited to the state boards you took because you also take a national board. State boards have gone from a veterinary medicine exam to a legal exam on the laws that effect you and veterinary medicine.

Good luck in your studies and feel free to email me for anything! [email protected]

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

Nikki I think it is a wonderful choice for you! There are places out there where you can make the money the key is like others said finding a vet you truly can believe in (having spent many hours behind the scenes at some of the best equine hospitals in So Cal) I can tell you I was privy to plenty some shocked me some I kinda knew already lol and having the right personality to work with clients and othersand your vet of choice- when that can mesh everything will fall into place. I know raven wants to be a vet(she wants to be a trainer to) and already has 2 vets in different parts of the country willing to have her do ride along in the summers as soon as she is old enough. That will be a huge help to her IMO in choosing this field be it as a vet or a tech OK or even a trainer

I am glad you are on the right track if there is one thing I know about you..you will be successful at anything you put your mind to !

 

[mininik]

Thanks for your post, Carin! I knew being a vet tech wasn't going to be easy or "fun" all of the time and of course I don't expect it to be a way to "get rich."

: Even so, I was sure it wasn't all negative and there had to be places out there that would respect you, pay what you're worth and in doing so let you do more than clean-up, file papers and answer phone calls.

: I'll definitely be in touch if I ever have any questions!

(((HUGS))) to you, Lisa! Thanks for believing in me and I wish you and Raven all the best for the future. I'm sure she will make a fine vet, vet tech OR trainer and she is sure to be successful with a MOM like you!

: I can't wait to finally get to meet you both...

 

[txminipinto]

Nikki,

No you won't get rich in this profession, that's for sure. But what I lack in money I make up in enjoying my job to the fullest. Most people don't enjoy their jobs! So, I consider myself lucky. Good luck!

 

[DunPainted]

Maybe I'm simple or don't know much, but I've seen cleaning people do their job with a tremendous sense of pride, dignity and fun.

Seen plenty of executives who are miserable with their jobs.

Finally, at 47 I've finally realized there's one chance to live life. Might as well take pleasure in work, if it brings joy to your heart. Vet techs touch the lives of both humans and animals....and one can choose THEIR PERSPECTIVE no matter the profession.

Currently, I'm being trained as a vet's receptionist.....and being mentored by vet on dairy farm visits. In a small town country vet's practice, the rewards are enormous on so many levels. Looking into a 2 year vet tech program for a "certificate".

Someone mentioned that vets do not look favorably on techs right out of school without extensive field experience. As a farmer, equine owner....guess I'd feel the same.

Once had a "fresh out of vet school" individual come to our place and obviously scared of minis. One weekend, while she was on duty, she frantically called me to "help" with a mini mare/foal.....owners didn't know if the baby was suckling, as they couldn't get near the foal.

When I arrived, no vet. Of course, I scampered inside the barn where it was warm....and see the foal. Unbelievably, the foal had milk all over her muzzle, but the mare wouldn't let them into the stall to check the foal. Finally figured out from the folks that the VET WASN'T COMING.....just another mini owner from the area. :new_shocked:

On Monday, I contacted the owner of the practice and told him his squeeky, tiny little vet they hired is clearly a detriment to their practice. Besides, I'm not fond of running the risk of "practicing without a license".

I applaud HAPPY vet techs. They don't care if they're pooper scoopers, cage cleaners, cattle wranglers for vaccines.....it's all about helping folks and their animals. If they're good at what they do, word gets around and their services will be highly sought after.....then bucks come into play. We all have choices.

:

 

[luvmycritters]

[SIZE=10pt] Hey envypoodles - I dont have any advice per say, to give you - exept good luck to you! Good vets are out there - but good vets that know what their doing are another story.[/SIZE]

Lori

 

[MeadowRidge Farm]

I use to work for a vet, he was one of the nicest equine vets I had ever met. I learned so much. Back then..I dont think vet techs we're even around

: I know quit a few vet techs and no one makes much more then $10.00 a hour doing it. Some have even worked for different vets for next to nothing ..just to get the hours in, for hands on experience. I do alot with my vet,ride alongs, coggins runs, gelding, clinics, but have never had any formal training. My vet has 2 techs working for her, and neither one does any paperwork, answer phones, on occassion they might have to do clean-up

: I am sure you will be good at whatever you decide and the job is rewarding. Corinne

 

[mininik]

DunPainted - Thanks for the kind words and I say go for that certification!

:

Lori - Thank you.

:

Corinne - Are the "vet techs" you know certified, registered or licensed? There is a very big difference between on the job training and going to college for two to four years to take the state and national exams. I'm guessing the people you know who call themselves "vet techs" and make $10./hour or less but have been at it a while were animal lovers who came in and got on the job training or they are "veterinary assistants."

You know, the more I look into this profession, the more I would prefer the care of my pets be entrusted to a person who has taken the time to go to school to become a CVT, LVT or RVT and who may have just graduated rather than some yahoo out of high school given too much responsibility by the vet who "can't afford" better help! Would want a "nurse" who isn't a registered to work on you?!

 

[MeadowRidge Farm]

The vet techs I know are CVT's or LVT's.They have had 2 to 4 yrs of schooling. One I know is working towards her license right now, plus my vet pays a decent wage compared to alot of vets in our area. Not a one of them just came in and started to work as a "vet assistant". I really dont think any well respected vet would just hire any "yahoo out of high school, and give them to much responsibility" because they cant afford better help, afterall---there license is also on the line with doing something like that! In some areas a $10.00 a hour wage, is considered decent, especially your remote areas, not all areas are like California, where wages are higher. You asked if "we would want a nurse to work on us who wasnt registered", answer no, but would you want to take your animals to a CVT that also is a hospital manage...but yet she has to bring her mini dwarf foal to me to have a leg taped, she cant do something this simpe herself??.. so not all animals can be entrusted with there care to someone just because they have initials behind there name. Corinne

 

[kaykay]

you know the saying "do what you love and youll be successful" its very true!!! Heres an example of what it pays in ohio. There are tons of job openings at this site all diff pay levels all two yr degrees but this is one of them (osu)

osu animal tech

 

[tinacvt]

Another very happy with my job vet tech. I'm a CVT in Az and also the Sr tech. Yes the job has days that you wonder why but they are far and few between. I have been in the field 10 yrs and the more exp. you get the more you can demand in pay and get! Good techs are like hens teeth, I have been trying to replace a tech whos husband was transfered and it's hard to find one.

Good luck and have fun! Any ? you can PM me

:

 

[runamuk]

wow am I sorry I tried to make sure you didn't go in starry eyed and dollar signed...

Congratulations on your choice of proffession I hope it is enjoyable and you will make plenty of money....is that more along the lines of what you wanted to hear?

Oh and I am one of those certified nutritionists

: like it means sqwat.....I was certified by multiple companies......again...this did nothing for me except increase my own knowledge for my own animals........

and yes I was essentially one of those lowley vet assistants but I did most of it unpaid or on the farms clock because I enjoyed it and the vet liked my help.......the whole reason I thought about becoming a tech....anyway.......hope you get rich.....

 

[mininik]

Have you been forgetting to take your Prozac, runamuk?

: I think I've said I don't expect to "get rich" being a vet tech about three times now.

: Of course I didn't expect a bunch of positive replies to this thread but then your absolute negativity sure has been a bit crazy!

kaykay - I tried the link but it asked me to sign in? I'll try back later...

Tina - Thanks a lot and I will be in touch!

:

 

[pamk]

Hi. I had to jump in and give my "2 cents"

 


I have been a RVT (registered veterinary technician) for 12 years. I spent 7 in a private practice and the past 5 in an emergency critical care hospital. I went to school for 2 years, took state boards, and am a member of state and national organizations. I LOVE my job...the pay pretty much SUCKS though..the same is true for most DVMs vs. MDs. People that choose an "animal career" usually are not in it totally for the money. I get paid about 17.00 an hour, but that is in the emergency setting. I utilize my skills the MOST here...we have all the cutting edge technolocy, etc. I am currently getting ready to enter into the human medical field (either nursing or x-ray tech.)..just because of better job opportunities and more flexability.

 


Another thing to keep in mind is you have to like working with people too...even in the veterinary profession. Some people think it is just about the animals..and it isn't!

I LOVE the owners/clients and helping them understand what is going on with their pet and eventually (hopefully) making their pet better is the most fullfilling part of my job.

 


If you have any questions, just ask!

 


Good luck and take care, Pam

 

[MiniHGal]

Good luck! And if you like the job...go for it! I know of several vet techs at Davis that LOVE their job...don't know what they get paid, but they do a lot!

I am planning to become an equine vet, and I know for sure that the pay is really peanuts for the amount of work you do and the hours and schooling you have. But hey...I am pretty sure that I can do it and I will enjoy most days, anyway. People--I can work with, and usually pretty well.

Have fun... :bgrin

 

[kaykay]

sorry envy! it works for me?? you can do a web search on osu equine hospital. In general there were different categories (such as animal health tech 24,000.00) to lab technichian (30,000.00 plus) etc etc. But all only required a two year degree or equivilant farm exp and 1 yr of school.

I guess its a matter of perception. To me 30,000.00 per year for a two year degree is very good money. And to me 17.00 per hour is very good money. but I guess depending on where you live maybe its not considered great money?? I know college grads (4 yr degrees) that are coming out only making 8.00 per hour so I think its prettty good

 

[mininik]

kaykay - I'll try that website again but thanks for giving a preview of what's there. I, too, thought that the possibility of making about $10./hour starting and up to $20./hour with experience and/or specialty was pretty good for a two year degree but then I'm not hoping to live in a posh neighborhood!

:

MiniHGal - Best of luck to you, too!

: I had been considering vet school and have to say that I admire the people who can do it. I think maybe if I had started planning for it (financially with great grades, etc.) when I was younger I would have had the passion to follow through.

Pam - Thank you for your input!

I just love hearing from people who have "been there and done that" and who have experienced some of the not-so-positive aspects of this career. I think I have a good grasp on what to expect for compensation and I do like to work with people (especially pet owners). Good luck with your new career. Nursing people is something I know I could never do but thank goodness for people who can!

:

 

[Cronewolf]

: You can study vet tedh in a home study course, had a friend that did that then interned in a local vet clinic.

: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

 

[hairicane]

I have avoided this thread for days now even though I am a certified, CVT with a college degree, passed my boards and the whole bit. Worked in the field for other people approx 17 years or more. I love working with animals and it could be a real nice job but over the years I worked for a lot of real odd/ nasty/ mentally unbalanced vets. So that would be my main thing to tell u to choose carefully who u work for. I do know there are lots of wonderful vets that would be great to work for, mostly I found those paid nothing and its the one with odd personality quirks that pay good. Thats because they HAVE to pay good to get anyone to put up with them,LOL. If I had to go back to school I think I would become an RN. Back when I was making $8 and hour my RN friend with the same amount of schooling was making $24 an hour. That hurts!

And please any vets reading dont think I am putting vets down, I know some wonderful vets and would love to work with any of those. I just happened to get more than my share of the not wonderful to work for ones, lol. Good luck with your future. I think any college and learning /any career/ job skill is a good thing to learn. I have worked in about 10 different types of jobs/careers over the years and it has taken all of them to keep a roof over my head and food on the table for me and the critters. The more things u know how to do the better chance u have of finding a job. I now work for myself using my tech skills on my own animals, ahhhhhh, now thats what Im talking about!

 

[minisaremighty]

choose carefully who u work for.

This has come on this thread before. I think this is important in ANY field. There are lousy people to work for no matter what profession you choose.

:

: Choose the profession you like and you will have to just hope for the best when getting that job. If it isn't a good working situation, there will be others. My only advice would be, if it is NOT a good work position, for goodness sake, make sure to find a better one. I have too many friends who've stayed in bad working situations for YEARS just because they were too afraid to venture out and find something better. :no:

You know MY opinion on your chosen career already

: Good luck Nikki!!! :aktion033: :saludando: And good luck to those others that are starting out in this career!!!!