Hello to all on this board. I am neither a Pre-Vet nor a Vet student, but a lady who has been accepted to Parkland's Veterinary Technology program. This is my second acceptance, and I am happy and honored to be one of the 36 students accepted to this program yearly. They work closely with University of Illinois' Vet. students. However, as I read some of your postings, I am very conflicted on whether to start this course of study. My heart says "go for it".....I have worked part time as a Vet Assistant for the past 3 years and LOVE the job and (most of) my patients😍. There is no better feeling in the world than seeing a sick or injured pet be nursed back to health, and to be part of what made this happen. I also volunteer as an assistant zookeeper, and at a local no-kill animal shelter. Yes I love working with animals......it is where my heart truly is. But loving the job doesn't pay the bills or keep a roof over your head! Certified Vet Techs don't make squat, yet do all that human nurses do and so much more that they don't---radiography, anesthesia, dental. The Tech I work with makes a princely $17 an hour, after being certified for 16 years, with no insurance or benefits😱! A human nurse would be making $50+, with great benefits/insurance. The fact is that, at least in IL, the industry is without regulation. Vets can and do hire totally untrained people to get "on-the-job" training and do much of what Techs have busted their asses to get the education and certification to do. They then pay them little over minimum wage To be clear, I do NOT want to do human nursing.........turned down a position at OSF College of Nursing a couple years ago. The only good thing about that job would have been the money, and that ain't how I roll😀. Pets are so much more appreciative patients. I guess I would like some input on what you folks think of all this....I don't want to make a mistake that I will later regret, either way. My heart says "yes", but my mind says "hell no!" Thanks for any words of wisdom anyone can offer me.
Greetings to all Veterinary students from someone who is undecided
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I'm not really sure what kind of responses you're looking for here, as none of us can make this decision for you. It sounds like you've already considered the important parts. There's not much more we can contribute.
I don't know what your financial situation is. If money is an issue, then take that into consideration. It sounds like you probably live in an area where aspiring pre-vets, vet techs, and vet students are a dime a dozen, which means you don't have a whole lot of pull in negotiating a better salary for yourself. Since you have experience in the field, you know what to expect. You know that working in this field is satisfying to you. You also know what your salary will likely be. Is it worth it to you?
For me personally, I know I would not be happy being a tech for the rest of my career, but that stems from a lot more than just the money. I know it's a hard decision, but there's really no more advice to give. Ultimately, it comes down to what you personally are comfortable with.
I don't know what your financial situation is. If money is an issue, then take that into consideration. It sounds like you probably live in an area where aspiring pre-vets, vet techs, and vet students are a dime a dozen, which means you don't have a whole lot of pull in negotiating a better salary for yourself. Since you have experience in the field, you know what to expect. You know that working in this field is satisfying to you. You also know what your salary will likely be. Is it worth it to you?
For me personally, I know I would not be happy being a tech for the rest of my career, but that stems from a lot more than just the money. I know it's a hard decision, but there's really no more advice to give. Ultimately, it comes down to what you personally are comfortable with.
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We're really not the people to be asking for advice about the financial feasibility of a career, as many of us are willingly taking on $200-300k of debt in an over-saturated, underpaid market of veterinarians. It's safe to say that we're pretty big fans of "follow your heart." 😉
Still, I would like to address your comment about vets hiring people without certification and giving them on-the-job training. You're right: there is no regulation in vet medicine about this sort of thing like there is in human medicine. And so anyone getting certified as a vet tech should be aware that they will be competing against people willing to get paid minimum wage to do the things that vet techs were certified to do. It's a gamble, getting certification. I think it certainly makes you a more competitive applicant; in fact, I've seen a few instances where clinics put out hiring ads asking specifically for certified LVTs, so certification is clearly valuable to some vets. But you have to be aware as well that certification is no guarantee of a position in a field that doesn't have the strict regulations of human medicine.
Don't know if that affects your decision at all, but you did seem a bit bothered by it.
Still, I would like to address your comment about vets hiring people without certification and giving them on-the-job training. You're right: there is no regulation in vet medicine about this sort of thing like there is in human medicine. And so anyone getting certified as a vet tech should be aware that they will be competing against people willing to get paid minimum wage to do the things that vet techs were certified to do. It's a gamble, getting certification. I think it certainly makes you a more competitive applicant; in fact, I've seen a few instances where clinics put out hiring ads asking specifically for certified LVTs, so certification is clearly valuable to some vets. But you have to be aware as well that certification is no guarantee of a position in a field that doesn't have the strict regulations of human medicine.
Don't know if that affects your decision at all, but you did seem a bit bothered by it.
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I would like to add to this (not really talking to you pirate, just adding to it). I understand the frustration of there being people who can "train on the job" and thus get the same job as those who "worked their butt off in school to get the education." But, I was one of those who "trained on the job" and after 7 years of being a vet tech who was simply "trained on the job" I had many vets tell me that they would gladly hire me over some of the certified or licensed techs that they have worked with/hired. I have also worked with many, many techs both those that are certified and those that "trained on the job" and I can tell you that I have seen good and bad in both. The last job that I was at had a certified vet tech who: mislabeled an x-ray which caused a LOT of trouble, gave wrong medications, filled prescriptions incorrectly at times, was often not focusing and not restraining animals well, etc. This clinic also had a lot of vet tech students (those in school) who were well, we'll just say I have seen brighter crayons. Of course there were some brilliant people there as well... a vet tech student who I would easily trust my own pet's to and many other "on the job trained" techs that were just wonderful.
I get that it is hard to go to school for two years and "work your butt off" just to have some "on the job trained" person there competing for work, but the bottom line is that you DON'T have to go to school either. The difference in pay between the certified tech and the "trained on the job" tech is NOT that big of a difference (I had this discussion with our office manager as I was thinking about getting certified at one point). Also, it may just be the places that I worked at, but I was given extensive training in prescriptions, anesthesia, dentals, etc, etc for my "on the job training". The vets expected us to learn certain things so that we could be knowledgeable for the clients.
So, while it may be frustrating to see people getting "on the job training" just remember that some of these people make excellent vet techs and that you have that exact same option too. They should not be looked down upon because they chose to not go to school.
I am not really sure what your post is asking, but only you can tell if the cost of school is worth it for you. Also, you might want to look into that no benefits thing, maybe it is only an IL thing but where I was from and where I worked, if you were at least a part-time employee you could get benefits.
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I've worked as a vet assistant for....going on 7 years now, geez....and there is nothing that the licensed tech can do that I can't (except give euthanasia solution...). However, one of the places I worked at wouldn't let non licensed techs intubate or collect cystocentesis samples. Then, a different clinic had me (an unlicensed assistant) neutering cats. It really just depends on where you get hired. The pay difference between licensed and not licensed is not big enough IMO. That being said, I know some specialty clinics in my area prefer to hire licensed techs because the procedures performed there are a lot more intense than you would see at a typical day practice (they are expected to place central lines, draw arterial blood for blood gas levels, and lots of other cool things). Those places also tend to pay better. Also, I don't know if your situation would allow for this, but emergency clinics in my area start at $15 for an unlicensed tech, so if you would be willing to work overnight hours, you can make a livable salary. Like everyone else has said, it is ultimately up to you and I wish you the best with whichever you decide. Congrats on getting accepted to the program BTW 🙂
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What you can do certified vs. not also depends a lot on your state. I think I've heard NY pretty much limits most things to certified techs only and I think VA has stronger regulations also. There are also definitely other states that restrict certain things to certified techs only. Just something to keep in mind if you ever want to relocate.
https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Documents/scope_vet_assistant_duties.pdf is a brief overview.
https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Documents/scope_vet_assistant_duties.pdf is a brief overview.
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VA definitely does, or at least did. Unlicensed techs couldn't even draw blood at the clinic I worked at (which I think was bull****, but it was a VCA hospital so it stuck to the rulebook pretty closely).
Thanks everyone for your replies. DVMDream, I did not mean to put down any folks who are on-the-job trained. I worked with 2 who were trained by an old-school vet (also my vet for 23 years) , each of whom had 20+ years as assistants, and they were wonderful, skilled employees whom I would trust with my pets' lives. Heck, maybe even my own life! I totally agree that just because you have a piece of paper this does not necessarily make you a good vet tech or assistant. Experience counts, I have seen this in action.
Crystalight33, where in TN are you located? I have been to Memphis a few times and loved it there.....
Crystalight33, where in TN are you located? I have been to Memphis a few times and loved it there.....
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Techs can neuter cats?! I thought only licensed DVMs could do that... Wow!
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Legally, techs should NOT be neutering cats. Realistically, it's up to the DVMs in the clinic, though they (not the tech, I believe) can get in bigggg trouble if they are caught.
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I'm originally from Memphis area, but I've lived in Nashville area for 6 years. I personally like Nashville better, but Memphis has some awesome barbecue lol.
👍👍 agreed!! I was very apprehensive about techs performing surgery (other than a dental) on an animal. The vets at the clinic explained that as long as it was done under the supervision of a doctor, we were allowed to do it.... That's what they told me, plus the doctor was right there during the one neuter that I did watching every move and making sure I didn't mess up. And if anything had happened, it would be the doctors license on the line. There is no way that I would put my license on the line like that as a vet!!! My biggest fear is that I'll end up at a practice like that right out of school because the market is so bad....
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I'm an assistant in IL and I do many "tech jobs," but the certified techs make a lot more money than I do. Also, in IL, remember it's not without regulation. Only licensed techs can run anesthesia, which makes them infinitely more valuable.
Edit: Just adding that I get benefits.
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If anything happened, it's the animal's health that's on the line. Granted, a cat neuter has a remarkably low chance of a serious complication, but ...
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Definitely NY, too. Actually, when I moved to Missouri after growing up in NY, it was a shock to learn that people in MO don't consider "vet tech" and "vet assistant" completely separate jobs. In NY, a "vet tech" position implies that they are licensed.
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Of course the animal is not receiving the best care if a tech is doing the procedure instead of a doctor, which is why I really don't want to work in a practice that is run that way when I graduate. I was talking more about the legal side of the issue with regard to state regulations (which are very much more lax in Tennessee than in most of the other states).
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I think what LIS was trying to point out is that we often get caught up in this "legal" side of things when we really should focus on what is important and that is the welfare of the animal in your care. So instead of our first thought being, "Well if anything happens, it will be the vet's license on the line and not my responsibility," instead we should have the frame of mind, "If anything happens, this cat's life is at stake and this will also impact the cat's family."
And I agree with you, I would never work in a practice where techs are allowed to perform cat neuters. At least not while I am the vet on the case.
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I can see where I came off as flippant. Trust me, if anything had happened to that animal, I would have felt like the worst human being on the planet, and if that cat had died....well, I'm not sure I would still be pursuing vet med. The entire situation was very uncomfortable for me, but that was how that particular clinic did things. I apologize for coming off as uncompassionate, that was not my intent at all.
Sorry for the thread hijack! 😳
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I didn't see you coming off as uncompassionate at all. Was just giving a different perspective on the situation and how I interpreted what LIS was saying. 🙂
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I know what you meant. It was my way of saying that there's another reason to question that sort of practice, not just the legal angle. I didn't mean to imply you were callous about the animal's care. I apologize for giving you that impression.
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RinTinTin, I had no idea that in IL, unlicensed techs/assistants cannot run anesthesia.........where would I go to verify the IL state regulations?
There is at least a $5/hour difference in the pay here between licensed/unlicensed, but both are severely underpaid for what they do in either case. I am still turning this all over in my mind. I have til August 5th when the tuition is due to decide 🙂.
There is at least a $5/hour difference in the pay here between licensed/unlicensed, but both are severely underpaid for what they do in either case. I am still turning this all over in my mind. I have til August 5th when the tuition is due to decide 🙂.
I know a licensed tech who was performing, on the side, cat neuters "in her garage" (shudder)........
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But the million dollar question is, is that in line with state policy or is it something the clinic just does on the DL? Just because they're letting trained assistants perform anaesthetic monitoring doesnt mean they are meant to.
I personally encourage you to do the vet tech course. I feel like many others, when they are on the far side of vet school, will feel the same way. There IS a discrepancy between a properly schooled tech and a OTJ trained one, whether people here want to admit it or not - and it often comes down to the whys. Why do we do things, how do things work, as opposed to just being able to do them. If we want to move forward as a profession that is seen as akin to human medicine in our standards and training, we need to let this idea of OTJ trained techs go, and start valuing the great qualifications that are out there, and supporting techs as a profession in their own right with their own set of knowledge, skills, and continuing education. I feel you will have a far more satisfying career with adequate education behind you.
I would also encourage people to check their state licensing guidelines for many things before judging them - here in Aus nurses (techs) are allowed to perform castration under the supervision of a veterinarian. I think you will find many spey/neuter clinics in the states have a similar set up, and the state rules will reflect it - ie, techs may perform surgical procedures that do not involve entering a body cavity. They are also allowed to close wounds, and in the UK, perform simple lump removals. I don't have an issue with an adequately trained tech performing castrates under supervision - its a low risk procedure, they have training in anatomy.
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Well, at the two clinics I have been at we have had CVTs, unlicensed techs, and assistants. The unlicensed techs are paid pretty on par with the CVTs, but are not allowed to run anesthesia, and they have always implied that they are not allowed to by law. Some of these unlicensed techs have even worked in other states and ran anesthesia there. But maybe it's just the clinics I have been at. I didn't mean to misinform anybody.🙄 I know that it is state law that assistants/unlicensed techs aren't supposed to do any sort of radiography/imaging without 'supervision' which our doctors choose to interpret to mean that they know we are doing it. That came up when we were trying to find people to train to run MRI because everybody hates it so much.
Capirinha, competing with non-certified is definitely a concern for me on whether or not to go to tech school. Reading the AVMA notice on " 12% underutilization of veterinary services" , likely until at least 2025 is pretty scary too.........these are my future employers, and if they can barely make it, how are they going to be able to pay for a certified tech? I considered radiography as a possible fall-back, but that market is also flooded with far too many grads and very few jobs, at least here in central IL. Seems like an interesting field, but if there are no jobs, what's the point? Again, thanks to everyone here for your input, you all rock!
