Career Insight: Becoming a Vet Tech or Veterinary Assistant

Are you considering a career in veterinary technology or animal care? This is a fantastic decision, especially in an era where the importance of animal welfare is more recognized than ever. With over 23 years of experience as a Certified Veterinary Technician, here are some insights and advice to guide you through your research and decision-making process.

Choosing Between Vet Tech and Vet Assistant

Deciding between becoming a veterinary technician or a vet assistant can be quite challenging, but there are a few tips that can help make your choice easier. If your options are strictly between the two roles, then becoming a technician might be the better choice. Technicians have a broader scope of responsibilities and can perform a wider range of tasks within a veterinary clinic. However, it's worth considering whether becoming a vet (veterinarian) is part of your long-term career goals.

As a technician, you can offer more comprehensive care to animals, but if your ultimate goal is to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), then pursuing that path would be the best avenue. I would recommend considering if a DVM degree is something you're truly passionate about and willing to invest the time and resources into achieving.

Academic and Practical Considerations

To maximize your chances of success, it's crucial to excel academically. Admission into veterinary school is extremely competitive, often even more challenging than getting into medical school. Actively seeking volunteer opportunities at animal shelters or rescue organizations will also significantly strengthen your application. These experiences can provide valuable practical skills and demonstrate your dedication to the profession.

Emotional and Practical Challenges

Becoming a vet tech or assistant is a profoundly rewarding career, but it also comes with its share of challenges. It’s essential to be emotionally prepared for the realities of the job. Animals, especially those that are neglected or abused, often come through the doors. Being a vet tech or assistant means you might feel helpless in such situations, unable to intervene directly. This can be emotionally taxing, making it a career that requires both a strong heart and a resilient spirit.

Economically, you should anticipate earning a starvation wage. The pay might not meet your expectations, which is a common concern for prospective veterinary professionals. Additionally, you may find that your work hours are flexible, with the expectation that you will stay late when necessary. This can make achieving a healthy work-life balance quite challenging.

Interacting with the public can be another challenge. Despite the importance of your role, people can sometimes be rude to vet staff. You will be expected to support clients through sometimes difficult and emotional situations. Patients may also reach out with concerns they feel are urgent, even if they are outside of your ability to diagnose or treat.

Essential Skills and Responsibilities

As a vet tech, you'll need to develop several practical skills to ensure you can perform your duties confidently and competently. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Math Skills: Understanding proportions for dosing medications, calculating fluid rates, and other mathematical tasks is crucial. For instance, if a medication comes in 250 mg capsules and you only need 100 mg, you must be able to make the calculation accurately without affecting the animal's health. Bandaging Techniques: Learning to apply cohesive bandages, like Vetwrap, is vital to ensure that the bandage is not too loose to fall off or too tight to constrict circulation. Understanding the importance of proper bandaging can mean the difference between a well-cared-for animal and one that is at risk. IV Fluid Management: Monitoring and adjusting IV fluid rates is another critical responsibility. These rates can change as the animal shifts position, so continuous monitoring is necessary.

It's important to embrace learning while still in school. Don't be afraid of asking questions or making mistakes; they are opportunities for growth. Always strive to practice and hone your skills, as they will directly impact the quality of care you provide to animals.

Choosing the Right Workplace

Lastly, when choosing a job, consider aligning with the veterinary professional’s philosophy and practices. Each veterinarian has their own way of approaching animal care, and it's important to find a workplace where you can share similar views. While a good starting salary may be disappointing, remember that a dedicated and competent veterinary technician is invaluable.

With time and performance, you will likely receive rewards such as travel to educational seminars, generous time off, and respect from your colleagues and clients. By committing yourself to the role and consistently delivering high-quality care, you can establish yourself as an asset to the team.

Good luck as you embark on this rewarding career journey!