veterinarian or vet tech?

[bayarea15]

hi everyone. i am brand new to this site, but looking for advice from fellow people who aspire to work in veterinary med.

i am in my late 20's, and have wanted to be a veterinarian for the past few years. i have always loved animals, and science.

i live in california, and my school of choice would be uc davis. i believe it would take me about 3 years to complete the pre-reqs. i am horrible at math, and i am not sure if i would be able to complete the chemistry portion of the pre-reqs with acceptable grades--most people earn a 3.5+ for davis.

i also have very mortified of taking on 200k+++ in loans for school.

if i was accepted, i believe i would approx be around the age of 36-37 when i graduate DVM.

i am wondering, if i should instead focus on a degree in veterinary technology, and become a technician instead. the pro's: wouldn't be 200k in debt, wouldn't be 36+ when i graduate, work with animals, lots of opportunities. cons: won't know if i ever could have gotten admitted to school/earned my DVM, salary rate much lower, and wouldn't have such an impact with animals (wouldn't be able to diagnose, or advise owners as much.)

my interests include small animals, and wildlife, and zoo medicine.

any suggestions/advice is appreciated

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[bbeventer]

Besides your love for animals have you ever explored your interest in the field? Have you ever shadowed a veterinarian or worked in a vet clinic?

There are other ways to work with animals without being a vet or even being a tech to do so.

It concerns me that you are already making excuses about future grades which might hint that a career in vet med may not be for you, but there are many other ways to work with animals and have an impact.

 

[Dsmoody23]

Wait.

Did you just call me old?

 

[breenie]

It's easier to tell people what to do when they haven't already been thoughtful, like you have. Many people don't consider the debt load, end salary, time commitment, etc. Those people are easy to advise and direct a little bit.

But it sounds like you've put some thought and research into this already. I can't tell you what the right choice for you is. You're older and concerned about the time investment, and everyone is worried about the debt. I don't know your personal situation, and so it's hard to offer useful guidance.

I'm sure folks will chime in with some thoughts, but I really think in your situation it boils down to what you think will fit you best. Some non-traditional students may be able to offer some advice as to how they made the decision.

I guess the only useful thing I can offer... maybe try taking some of the math and chemistry at a local community college near you? It's not as big of a money investment as going to a university, and you can dip your toe in the water and see if you can handle those courses now. You can also do your first semester or two part time so you're not sacrificing a lot if it doesn't work out. Also, most vet schools accept low level pre-reqs from community college, so it won't look bad if you do decide to pursue a DVM.

Hope that helps and maybe someone else can offer some better insight for you. Good luck!

 

[nyanko]

The two jobs are very different positions. Have you worked or shadowed at a veterinary clinic before?

 

[Cypress]

I would take some time to shadow some vets and vet techs. They are very different jobs and are worth exploring to see which is the best fit for you. You don't want to take the time to earn your degree as a tech if that it ends up being a job you don't actually enjoy. Same is true for getting your DVM - make sure its a job you would actually enjoy doing.

My personal take on both positions based on my own experiences and preferences....

I currently work as an assistant with no technical training (all on the job training) - I do the same thing everyday and I get bored - I love working with animals and the people but as a life long career - I decided that it was not a long term position for me - I wanted room for growth and career development. There are some growth opportunities for techs but not many.

I chose to pursue my DVM because of the growth opportunities it would offer - I will have debt when I graduate but I will have the ability to pay off my loans - as a tech the annual salary was just not going to be enough to warrant the additional educational costs. I enjoy working with animals but I also like the idea of having a career that opens doors and can be expanded upon. If I get a DVM I don't have to be a private practice dog/cat vet, there are TONS of other opportunities.

We did have a pre vet student volunteer/shadow at our clinic and she changed her career path because she wanted more hands on time with the pets. Her experience told her that techs do most of the hands on work and our vet spends alot of time writing in charts and talking on the phone (this is true - however he does surgeries, exams, and does help with alot of hands on stuff as well - so I didn't really agree with her - but her experience shadowing changed her career choice based on her personal observations and opinions - she is now pursuing a degree in vet tech instead of DVM)

As for your age - I am a returning student so I will also be older (34) when I finally graduate (hopefully 2016!!). I had to complete an additional 3 years of pre reqs before being able to apply and I am now earing an intensive 1 year Masters in Biology. When I sat down and looked at how old I would be when I was done I was discouraged - but a good friend of mine said - you can either be 30 years old and graduating or be 40 years old wondering why you didn't at least try. So here I am 4 years later - hoping third times the charm. And I don't regret the money, time, effort, stress, one bit - I have grown TONS in the last few years and have learned more than I ever thought possible. I have better career opportunities even if I don't get into vet school because of the additional education I have undertaken.

One last comment
I disagree that if you are feeling nervous about your grades this means you might not be cut out for this curriculum. If you had told me 5 years ago that I would have successfully navigated the courses I have taken recently I would have laughed in your face - I failed Algebra my first year in undergrad (10 years ago) and almost failed chemistry in high school - so history doesn't show what you are really capable of - maturity does TONS for your study habits and having a dream makes up the rest. Its always worth giving it a go if its what you really want....

First step - shadow, volunteer, shadow, volunteer! See if you actually like the job before embarking upon either path.

Good luck with whatever you decide!!

 

[CatPartay]

I would take some time to shadow some vets and vet techs. They are very different jobs and are worth exploring to see which is the best fit for you. You don't want to take the time to earn your degree as a tech if that it ends up being a job you don't actually enjoy. Same is true for getting your DVM - make sure its a job you would actually enjoy doing.

My personal take on both positions based on my own experiences and preferences....

I currently work as an assistant with no technical training (all on the job training) - I do the same thing everyday and I get bored - I love working with animals and the people but as a life long career - I decided that it was not a long term position for me - I wanted room for growth and career development. There are some growth opportunities for techs but not many.

I chose to pursue my DVM because of the growth opportunities it would offer - I will have debt when I graduate but I will have the ability to pay off my loans - as a tech the annual salary was just not going to be enough to warrant the additional educational costs. I enjoy working with animals but I also like the idea of having a career that opens doors and can be expanded upon. If I get a DVM I don't have to be a private practice dog/cat vet, there are TONS of other opportunities.

We did have a pre vet student volunteer/shadow at our clinic and she changed her career path because she wanted more hands on time with the pets. Her experience told her that techs do most of the hands on work and our vet spends alot of time writing in charts and talking on the phone (this is true - however he does surgeries, exams, and does help with alot of hands on stuff as well - so I didn't really agree with her - but her experience shadowing changed her career choice based on her personal observations and opinions - she is now pursuing a degree in vet tech instead of DVM)

As for your age - I am a returning student so I will also be older (34) when I finally graduate (hopefully 2016!!). I had to complete an additional 3 years of pre reqs before being able to apply and I am now earing an intensive 1 year Masters in Biology. When I sat down and looked at how old I would be when I was done I was discouraged - but a good friend of mine said - you can either be 30 years old and graduating or be 40 years old wondering why you didn't at least try. So here I am 4 years later - hoping third times the charm. And I don't regret the money, time, effort, stress, one bit - I have grown TONS in the last few years and have learned more than I ever thought possible. I have better career opportunities even if I don't get into vet school because of the additional education I have undertaken.

One last comment
I disagree that if you are feeling nervous about your grades this means you might not be cut out for this curriculum. If you had told me 5 years ago that I would have successfully navigated the courses I have taken recently I would have laughed in your face - I failed Algebra my first year in undergrad (10 years ago) and almost failed chemistry in high school - so history doesn't show what you are really capable of - maturity does TONS for your study habits and having a dream makes up the rest. Its always worth giving it a go if its what you really want....

First step - shadow, volunteer, shadow, volunteer! See if you actually like the job before embarking upon either path.

Good luck with whatever you decide!!

Well said!
I have to agree.. I took 8 years off of school, went back for interior design, while I loved it, my final project was to create and design a commercial type property, so what did I do? An animal hospital! It was at that point I realized that I needed to at least try to make my dreams of becoming a DVM a reality because I will always wonder. So.. I went back again did all my pre-reqs in 2 years and now I am starting Ross in May. Oh yea I will be 32 when I start so I will be about 36 when I finally graduate. But like the previous poster said you can be 40 and a vet living your dream or 40 and doing something you hate.
Good luck to you!

 

[bayarea15]

wow, thanks for all the responses! and so quickly!!

well, yes i have shadowed veterinarians before, however, only small animal veterinarians. i have no idea about the perspective of veterinary care in regards to food animal, or equine, aside from google searches, and youtube videos, and a few trips to uc davis.

i currently am employed at a veterinary hospital private practice. i took the position in hopes of getting more animal experience, as well as seeing more behind the scenes of the veterinary profession. i love being around the animals, and i love the atmosphere, it is definitely the place for me. in regards to shadowing veterinary technicians, i have also done that, and i find that the technicians do have more hands on care with the animals, such as when doing x-rays, nurse appointments, nail clippings, restraint, vaccines, etc.

i am not sure if i would find the career as a technician in private practice challenging enough, and i in no way mean this to be mean or rude, it's just personally, i would prefer to try to interpret an xray, as opposed to positioning a patient for one, because i would like to use thinking skills to determine what is wrong, etc.

i am glad to hear there are more people my age !!! i am not married, and do not have any children yet, so i guess my mind is wondering how/if i would fit that in, before my eggs are old as goats. (i am a female.)

the debt is quite scary to me, but, i have promised myself that if i am able to be accepted, then i need to go for it! but there is that thought of, what am i getting myself into.

as far as the comment about how veterinary medicine may not be for me if i am already worried about my grades---i appreciate your concern. i was trying to be honest. i am very bad at math, i did not have a math teacher in high school tenth and eleventh grade. i had a math class, but no teacher. we sat in the auditorium all period. that was for algebra 1. so, i have been starting from scratch, at the local jc, and also studying on my own, in hopes of testing out of the lower end math classes.

i just am trying to see what would best fit me, since there are so many other factors involved. hopefully more non traditional students will reply.

thank you everyone.

 

[Cypress]

I'm a married non-trad and we are talking about when to start a family in between all this schooling Don't worry too much about eggs getting old - I've read tons of threads on starting your family and raising kids while in vet school - where there's a will - there is a way

Another thought on debt - look around at some out of state schools - if you are open to traveling and relocating - some of them allow you to apply for in state tuition in later years if you are willing to put down roots. Also, some out of state tuition for other universities are actually less expensive than UC Davis. You could also move to a state with cheaper in state tuition and complete your pre reqs there. Lots of options if you are willing to move around a little.

 

[SocialStigma]

If you could be happy being either a vet tech or vet - then go with whichever would suit you best (both in terms of career satisfaction and lifestyle). But if you think that you wouldn't be happy as a tech because of the lack of autonomy, then you probably wouldn't be very happy as one (coupled with the low salary). RVTs don't make very much here ($40-50k even after 10+ years of experience), I honestly don't know any RVT who is truly happy with their job because of this (they do most of the grunt work and put in long hours but their pay doesn't reflect it).

PS. There is a 42 year old in my 1st year class (so she'll be 46 when we graduate), so you would by no means be the oldest grad!

 

[Trematode]

We did have a pre vet student volunteer/shadow at our clinic and she changed her career path because she wanted more hands on time with the pets. Her experience told her that techs do most of the hands on work and our vet spends alot of time writing in charts and talking on the phone (this is true - however he does surgeries, exams, and does help with alot of hands on stuff as well - so I didn't really agree with her - but her experience shadowing changed her career choice based on her personal observations and opinions - she is now pursuing a degree in vet tech instead of DVM)

I was in a similar situation as the poster, the only difference being is that I am younger. I first wanted to be a tech, but once I started volunteering at a clinic, I changed my mind and decided to go the pre-vet route. I asked a lot of the same questions. Right now, I am regretting my decision a little bit. I am almost a competative applicant for my local school, but I do not know how long I want to keep pouring money into raising my GPA and it has been a struggle for me to get veterinary experience. I was thinking of doing a vet tech degree but with my current debt loadload, plus $20 000 for the course and the fact that I will not be making alot has me afraid to go that route. If I had known how in debt my family was (they did not tell me until 2 years in), how in debt I was going to be and how hard it is going to be to get into vet school, I would have taken the vet tech program and be out in the field by now. But my situation is a bit different... I cannot apply abroad to vet school because the loans are not available.

My suggestion? Spend more time in the field and talk to everyone there. That is what I did. I asked the techs about their careers (why vet tech? what got you interested in vet medicine? what do you like about your job? what was the tech program like?) and asked the vets similar questions as well. If you are interested in the tech program, see if the institution has any information sessions or allows prospective students to come in and observe (the program I was interested in had an open house and community colleges here let you come in for a day to view programs... i may be worth looking into).

Keep in mind that there really is not much room for career growth for vet techs. Grads from the program I looked into work in a SA/mixed practice or work as drug reps. One or two will do strictly LA or zoo. Good luck. .

 

[sunshinevet]

Heaps of people in this tread have gone on to say how they feel there is not much room for career growth as a tech. I've got to say - I respectfully disagree. I have met many, many techs in specialist practice who are nothing short of amazing, and far more knowledgeable in their fields than the average gp vet. Also, if you are willing to constantly learn and update yourself throughout your career, and take initiative, I think you can continue to grow just as a vet can. Pretty much wherever vets can go, career wise, they tend to need techs, so to say that techs do not have much room for career expansion, I think, is wrong.

Most well run equine and large animal hospitals will need techs. Same goes for research labs. Same goes for zoos. If anything, if you want to do zoo/wildlife work I reckon becoming a tech is a *better* idea - if you were happy just working with the animals and providing tech care, its probably easier as there are (probably) more jobs avaliable!

Also, if you are willing to take on more responsibility, you will most likely get it. Suggesting to your boss that you could run weight loss clinics, free nutrition consults, free puppy/kitten checks, dental checks, geriatric checks, puppy preschool etc is a great way to get people in the door and take on more responsibility. This also helps increase practice productivity as it frees up vets for "real" consults

 

[Trematode]

A tech at one of my clinics ran a puppy class on Saturday afternoons once the clinic was closed. I got to sit in on one and it is a great way to interact with people and their animals. It also brought in some extra revenue. I think the tech made $50 for a one-hour session.

The grads from the program I looked into did not really go into diverse fields when they graduated. I think one of the reasons is that the program is very hands-on with small animals and a bit with large. When I was thinking of doing the tech program, I debated whether to do a course in wildlife rehabilitation when I was finished. It is a one-year program and a tech degree is required. .

I thought I would mention that if you want to PM me, feel free. I have done a bit of research on the vet tech side of things. There are lots of older folks on this forum who will be able to help you with the other aspect. I used to read a blog by a man (in his 40s I think) who is currently perusing vet school. I could not find the link if I tried. If someone knows what I am talking about, maybe they can find the link.

 

[DrKsomeday]

The only other thing I’d add is take your time with the pre-requisites. I rushed mine due to time and perceived concept of “how old I’d be if I don’t’ get this done ASAP.” Don’t even ask me about old egg s!

The key with pre-requisites I have found is take one or two with the focus of getting, good grades. Then once your confidence is up build up to a full course load. I’ve seen AdComs focus more on the letter grade vs. the course load. Still if Davis is your goal then make your full application packet specific to what they want and that includes all the baby steps from here to there.

As for zoo med I have about 3yrs in it in various roles from a volunteer with keepers to working with the Zoo Vet as her vet assistant. Nothing cooler than a procedure on a big cat or primate! All I can say is get LOTS of experience and if you want to do zoo medicine, start NOW. It’s a teeny tiny field and you need to start making contacts right away. It’s also something that will take you all over (jobs are hard to come by) so try to add that to your big picture. You can do anything it’s just a matter of if it will be what makes your heart sing…yea stole that from last Grey’s episode but it really hit home!

 

[PppermintTwist]

hi everyone. i am brand new to this site, but looking for advice from fellow people who aspire to work in veterinary med.

i am in my late 20's, and have wanted to be a veterinarian for the past few years. i have always loved animals, and science.

i live in california, and my school of choice would be uc davis. i believe it would take me about 3 years to complete the pre-reqs. i am horrible at math, and i am not sure if i would be able to complete the chemistry portion of the pre-reqs with acceptable grades--most people earn a 3.5+ for davis.

i also have very mortified of taking on 200k+++ in loans for school.

if i was accepted, i believe i would approx be around the age of 36-37 when i graduate DVM.

i am wondering, if i should instead focus on a degree in veterinary technology, and become a technician instead. the pro's: wouldn't be 200k in debt, wouldn't be 36+ when i graduate, work with animals, lots of opportunities. cons: won't know if i ever could have gotten admitted to school/earned my DVM, salary rate much lower, and wouldn't have such an impact with animals (wouldn't be able to diagnose, or advise owners as much.)

my interests include small animals, and wildlife, and zoo medicine.

any suggestions/advice is appreciated

I've been a licensed vet tech since 2006 and make about $34,000 a year. I enjoy a lot of aspects of the vet tech career. I love the nursing care, running lab work, looking at blood under the microscope, talking with clients, and I love taking radiographs ( although digital radiographs have taken some of the fun out of it honestly! ) . You can learn a lot while being the tech. No you will not be the one diagnosing the disease, but you are the one that provides the much needed information to the vet for them to make their diagnosis. You also can't do surgery, but you do get to watch, and different veterinarians will talk more about what they are doing so you can learn more about different procedures and be better able to explain to owners whats going on.

What do you imagine yourself doing? Are you interested in the scientific process and figuring out whats going on based on the facts you are presented with, or do you want to be the one getting the information and nursing the animals back to health based on the veterinarians diagnosis. Do you absolutely want to do surgery? Do you like neurology? internal medicine? orthopedics? emergency? small/large animal? zoo animal?

Definitely shadow different places. I think I'd be bored as a technician in GP, but as an emergency technician I find it fun and challenging ( as well as very stressful at times, but worth it )

As far as being worried about school. I found that the more I was interested in a class the better I did. I hate chemistry and did poorly in chemistry but great in my technician classes, micro, and anatomy. Do your best in your classes and get help in classes you may be weaker in. Having a weak subject does not mean you can't make it though. So if it is really what you want go for it. It is competitive and you might not get in, but that isnt a reason to not try if its really what you want. I focused on getting the pre-reqs for schools that didnt require the second semester of ochem because Im not good at chemistry.

Not sure what to say about debt...try for in state tuition I guess. And I know that St. George students can get student loans now, not sure about Ross.

 

[libster06]

I've been a licensed vet tech since 2006 and make about $34,000 a year. I enjoy a lot of aspects of the vet tech career. I love the nursing care, running lab work, looking at blood under the microscope, talking with clients, and I love taking radiographs ( although digital radiographs have taken some of the fun out of it honestly! ) . You can learn a lot while being the tech. No you will not be the one diagnosing the disease, but you are the one that provides the much needed information to the vet for them to make their diagnosis. You also can't do surgery, but you do get to watch, and different veterinarians will talk more about what they are doing so you can learn more about different procedures and be better able to explain to owners whats going on.

What do you imagine yourself doing? Are you interested in the scientific process and figuring out whats going on based on the facts you are presented with, or do you want to be the one getting the information and nursing the animals back to health based on the veterinarians diagnosis. Do you absolutely want to do surgery? Do you like neurology? internal medicine? orthopedics? emergency? small/large animal? zoo animal?

Definitely shadow different places. I think I'd be bored as a technician in GP, but as an emergency technician I find it fun and challenging ( as well as very stressful at times, but worth it )

As far as being worried about school. I found that the more I was interested in a class the better I did. I hate chemistry and did poorly in chemistry but great in my technician classes, micro, and anatomy. Do your best in your classes and get help in classes you may be weaker in. Having a weak subject does not mean you can't make it though. So if it is really what you want go for it. It is competitive and you might not get in, but that isnt a reason to not try if its really what you want. I focused on getting the pre-reqs for schools that didnt require the second semester of ochem because Im not good at chemistry.

Not sure what to say about debt...try for in state tuition I guess. And I know that St. George students can get student loans now, not sure about Ross.

I really liked this.... good to hear a fair technicians POV

 

[bayarea15]

Thank you all for your replies!!! I have been sick, haven't been online to respond :/
I will write more this wkend, but quickly I will say I have no plans to leave California. I live about 35 miles from Davis, and I've got other obligations that require me to stay in the near area. Davis requires a bunch of chem, I am great at humanities but the math to get to the chem will be quite difficult. I've asked a lot of the techs at my work their background, and why they became techs. It's sad...they all complain about low pay and about the drs. One tech is going to become a (human) nurse. But I believe i would enjoy the nursing aspect, however as mentioned above, emergency or specialty would be more exciting for me. I don't want to rush through my prereqs, I would like to aim for the highest gpa as possible. I think that performing surgeries would be interesting, but probably not my favorite aspect, I am very interested in dermatology, opthamology. As for getting in, or at least making an attempt to, I will also be making a supplemental app to the medical opportunity program, hopefully being disadvantaged will finally be to my benefit. Lol. We shall see.

 

[bayarea15]

Okay, I am back! Been a hairy weekend.

I have read a lot of posts about the age factor, and I think what I'm seeing is that some are worried about the time investment and what to do if you are not accepted. I am not so much worried about that. I know I will have a heaping time of trouble and hopefully some fun as well, during mathematical equations, but I think if I study a lot, it will work out.

I agree that there are a fair amount of opportunities for tech's, but again, I am worried that if I choose that route, I will not be challenged.

I am going to next be working on getting hours in avian experience, and hopefully some wildlife as well.

 

[Minnerbelle]

I agree that there are a fair amount of opportunities for tech's, but again, I am worried that if I choose that route, I will not be challenged.

And by that, I think you mean challenged with the types of challenges you're looking for .

 

[goldielocks137]

Thank you all for your replies!!! I have been sick, haven't been online to respond :/
I will write more this wkend, but quickly I will say I have no plans to leave California. I live about 35 miles from Davis, and I've got other obligations that require me to stay in the near area. Davis requires a bunch of chem, I am great at humanities but the math to get to the chem will be quite difficult. I've asked a lot of the techs at my work their background, and why they became techs. It's sad...they all complain about low pay and about the drs. One tech is going to become a (human) nurse. But I believe i would enjoy the nursing aspect, however as mentioned above, emergency or specialty would be more exciting for me. I don't want to rush through my prereqs, I would like to aim for the highest gpa as possible. I think that performing surgeries would be interesting, but probably not my favorite aspect, I am very interested in dermatology, opthamology. As for getting in, or at least making an attempt to, I will also be making a supplemental app to the medical opportunity program, hopefully being disadvantaged will finally be to my benefit. Lol. We shall see.

A couple of points: if you have no plans to leave California, then you likely will greatly limit your chances of pursuing a DVM. Every year Davis turns away very qualified applicants. I know a lot of pre-vets who didn't get into Davis as IS applicants, but did get into OOS schools (myself included). You can look into Western and move to southern California, but I don't know if you'd enjoy living in the LA area and Western's curriculum is quite unique and doesn't suite everyone's learning style. Also, not being willing to leave California will limit your opportunities post-DVM as well. A lot of people have to travel/move for internships, residencies, and jobs. If you are interested in zoo medicine, then you can't be overly picky about job locations because open positions are few and far between.

Also, Davis now requires you to complete a bachelors degree before you can get accepted. So you will have to do more than take a couple of years of pre-reqs. And if you don't want to rush your pre-reqs then it's unlikely you'll be able to complete a degree in less than four years.

 

[libster06]

I will say I have no plans to leave California. I live about 35 miles from Davis, and I've got other obligations that require me to stay in the near area.

........Perhaps the fact that you are unable to relocate anywhere but CA would point towards the vet technician career choice being more suitable for you?

You do severely limit yourself in not being able to go anywhere, not only because of Davis' selectivity, but the externships/interships, job offers and general opportunities along the DVM path don't always coincide with your preferred location. Not to mention, just as in other career fields, applicants who are willing to relocate are given priority over those who aren't.

 

[spicykimchi]

I think one should only look at being a vet tech as a temporary job rather than a career because, if you want to go by what most people tell me, you'll eventually get so sick of the repetition, low pay, and hard work that you burn out. So if you want to do this job I'd plan for what job you want to do after that. Somebody I know became a dog trainer after they got tired of being a tech.

 

[bayarea15]

More helpful responses, yay! Thank you everyone!!

By not being challenged, I meant as a tech I wouldn't be using critical thinking skills in the same manner as a veterinarian. I mentioned above, using the example of restraining a patient for xray vs interpretation.

I'm very aware of the hindering of opportunities by not leaving ca. I have done a little research on western, actually liked it better from what I had learned so far. Never been to the campus though, and the tuition is of course, more than Davis. I am more familair with Davis, as well, for taking pets there for the past 8 yrs or so, before I ever considered attending school there. There are actually quite a few vets I have shadowed that are from my area, went to davis, and came back home without an issue. Of course I'm sure having good relationships and connections is ideal in that situation.

I'm not set on zoo med, its just an interest. Hoping to get some exp at Oakland and sf and maybe sac zoo as well. Also san diego, next time I am there. Did a little sea world, very neat.

Yes I plan anyway on getting my bachelors in bio, wouldn't dream of applying with just the pre reqs, I would like to have a strong science background to help me out for vet school lol. That's why I am considering all factors like I mentioned with being 34-36 anticipated grad age. Currently completing lower div pre reqs at cc, with plans to transfer and study study for gre.

There are a few techs at my work that say they will be a tech for the remainder of their life. Wouldn't you become a dog trainer to begin with if that's what you wanted? Just curious as I don't see dog training having anything medical related....

 

[spicykimchi]

Wouldn't you become a dog trainer to begin with if that's what you wanted? Just curious as I don't see dog training having anything medical related....

Not necessarily. People can have multiple interests. I think somebody can be interested in more than one job. That's why I think if somebody wants to be a vet tech then they should go ahead and be one. But that they should have an idea what they're going to do after they're bored with being a tech. When somebody I know got tired of being a tech she became a dog trainer, that's why I mentioned it. An ex tech does not necessarily have to become a dog trainer, I was just throwing that out there.

 

[PppermintTwist]

Not necessarily. People can have multiple interests. I think somebody can be interested in more than one job. That's why I think if somebody wants to be a vet tech then they should go ahead and be one. But that they should have an idea what they're going to do after they're bored with being a tech. When somebody I know got tired of being a tech she became a dog trainer, that's why I mentioned it. An ex tech does not necessarily have to become a dog trainer, I was just throwing that out there.

Right now Im a tech, with plans to go to vet school. If I dont get into vet school technician was my fall back. If I get bored of being a technician some of the things I've thought about are opening a boarding/day care facility, maybe some sort of massage therapy, or human radiology. Before that as many technicians I know do, I would go from clinic to clinic trying to find a place I fit perfectly. Techs switch jobs a lot.

That being said, I also know passionate and excellent technicians that have been doing it for 10-15 years, and although they are sick of the low pay and low professional appreciation; they Love what they do! If you love the nursing care, and one on one interaction with patients and clients then its a good career choice. As far as challenging you, that depends in part on you. There are opportunities to get CE and vets appreciate a knowledgeable technician ( or should...anyways)

To get more challenges you can work in emergency medicine, or a specialized field.

You might not find what you want as a technician. Sound like you are more interested in the scientific process/solving problems etc and might find doing the nursing care frustrating. You know yourself best!

 

[bayarea15]

Spicy, you're absolutely right, I'm sorry, I was responding late in the evening and was tired. I meant I thought one would go from being a tech to a vet or human nurse, etc assuming they were extremely into medicine. But we all have diff interests. For example, I love to write!

Boarding facility would be a great thing imo, there are.some really nice ones out there!!

And yes...that's exactly what I'm trying to figure out...if I would not care for the nursing care after very long... That coupled with low pay would be worrysome.

 

[TrinityLeigh]

I've been a vet tech for 3 years, meaning shadowed the vet, scrubbed in for 100s of surgeries, explained procedures to clients, preventatives, medicines, ect....I did everything but pick up the scalpel and go to work. If working under someone isn't a problem for you, teching is great, it's rewarding, there's never a dull day and you almost never see the same case. There's not too much schooling involved and in most cases you don't need the schooling to get a well paying job. BUT if you want to be your own boss, I would listen to what the Pre-Vet majors are saying. I've worked in all aspects of the animal field, private practice, large practice, small and large animal, training, showing, I've even helped with breeding. At the end of the day, you can learn to conquer math, but if you don't try, how will you ever know? During the time Ive been a tech, Ive volunteered at the hospital and working in pediatrics is what makes me happy. I also have a deep love for immunology and Infectious diseases so human medicine is my path (aka 10+ yrs of school), so I know how you feel about the loans, but think of it this way, you only live once, why not make it count?

 

[Dsmoody23]

I've met a lot of techs who end up working for drug manufacturers, doing sales or those 'lunch and learn' things we all suffer through for a free sandwich.

Obviously, I'm not especially interested in that life, but it's an option.

I can say I've never met a tech older than about 40. It's not a job you do until you retire.

 

[cowgirla]

I can say I've never met a tech older than about 40. It's not a job you do until you retire.

Maybe for some people, but I do know quite a few techs in their 40s and 50s, and even a tech/asst/kennel&stable worker in her mid 60s. So it is possible. Probably more a matter of what they want to do / what their personal situation is. Most of the ones I know were single/no families. A handful of others had kids grown and gone and were going back to work or going from part time up to full time. So it all varies and could be a career if you really wanted it to be.

Vet and tech are fields with very different focuses though, and I disagree that after being a tech for 3 years you are doing "all the same things" as a vet.

And I used to look forward to lunch and learns! Free food AND free product? Can't beat that.

 

[Dsmoody23]

And I used to look forward to lunch and learns! Free food AND free product? Can't beat that.

More power to you, I guess.

Personally, I'd rather pay double than watch another powerpoint about the life-cycle of a flea.

Can we agree that the older techs seem to have some... deficits... in social skills?
It seems like the closer you get to 40-ish in that job, the more likely you are to dress your cats, or mass-mail christmas cards with dogs where the children would be.

 

[sunnex3]

Can we agree that the older techs seem to have some... deficits... in social skills?
It seems like the closer you get to 40-ish in that job, the more likely you are to dress your cats, or mass-mail christmas cards with dogs where the children would be.

true dat.

i work with one tech in her 40s...she is strange to say the least.

 

[squirrelsrule]

The 2 places I shadowed at often and the one place where I worked all had vet techs over 40. Some were very strange, but some were normal, although mean and I got the feel that they thought it was too late for them to go out and do something they really wanted to do (most likely NOT in the animal field at all).

I don't see the issue with sending Christmas cards with creatures in them , that wouldn't rank weird to me. That would be me if I actually sent out Christmas cards. The weird ones are the ones that don't talk to humans; only to animals and even if you try to talk about animals with them, they will only talk to you if they're looking at the animal not you so it's like they aren't even talking to you. That's strange!

 

[Emiloo4]

The weird ones are the ones that don't talk to humans; only to animals and even if you try to talk about animals with them, they will only talk to you if they're looking at the animal not you so it's like they aren't even talking to you. That's strange!

SO true!

 

[Trematode]

I volunteer with a tech who is in her 50s at least. When I brought in my resume, she had a 15 minute conversation with me about how hard it is to get into vet school and why I was applying to clinics 20 minutes out of my way. Very pleasant! Not weird at all. I love working with her. She has a great sense of humor. Perhaps she is an exception. .

 

[libster06]

I can say I've never met a tech older than about 40. It's not a job you do until you retire.

I have.... quite a few actually.... they're not the nicest people at that point however.

 

[Emiloo4]

I have.... quite a few actually.... they're not the nicest people at that point however.

Yeah I worked with one who was becoming less physically able to handle the job and therefore I did double the work while she sat and complained all day...

 

[Megascops Asio]

We did have a pre vet student volunteer/shadow at our clinic and she changed her career path because she wanted more hands on time with the pets. Her experience told her that techs do most of the hands on work and our vet spends alot of time writing in charts and talking on the phone (this is true - however he does surgeries, exams, and does help with alot of hands on stuff as well - so I didn't really agree with her - but her experience shadowing changed her career choice based on her personal observations and opinions - she is now pursuing a degree in vet tech instead of DVM)

in regards to shadowing veterinary technicians, i have also done that, and i find that the technicians do have more hands on care with the animals, such as when doing x-rays, nurse appointments, nail clippings, restraint, vaccines, etc.

I think people need to be careful saying that working as a tech means you'll be working more closely with the animals than working as a vet. While, yes, there are a LOT of clinics where this is true, this isn't always the case. I work at two different clinics as a vet assistant. In one, the techs do seem to do more of the hands on work. However, in my other clinic the vet does almost all of the work. The techs tend to only restrain the animals and draw up vaccines. When it comes to everything else, the vet himself is extremely hands on.

Just because the majority of clinics have a vet that kind of "stands back" so to speak, it doesn't mean that you, as a vet, have to be just as hands off. As a vet, you have the option of determining how hands on you want to be.

Heaps of people in this tread have gone on to say how they feel there is not much room for career growth as a tech. I've got to say - I respectfully disagree. I have met many, many techs in specialist practice who are nothing short of amazing, and far more knowledgeable in their fields than the average gp vet. Also, if you are willing to constantly learn and update yourself throughout your career, and take initiative, I think you can continue to grow just as a vet can. Pretty much wherever vets can go, career wise, they tend to need techs, so to say that techs do not have much room for career expansion, I think, is wrong.

I couldn't agree more. At one of my clinics we do a lot of dental work, and our head tech has gone above and beyond in terms of specializing in dental work as well. I am constantly impressed with how knowledgable she is and how much I see her continuing her studying. She attends conferences. She's been published. She gives lectures. Etc etc. She doesn't let the title of "tech" limit her to being a general practice tech.

 

[bayarea15]

Will have to say the older techs are a bit strange. At least the ones where I work.

 

[Emiloo4]

I think people need to be careful saying that working as a tech means you'll be working more closely with the animals than working as a vet. While, yes, there are a LOT of clinics where this is true, this isn't always the case. I work at two different clinics as a vet assistant. In one, the techs do seem to do more of the hands on work. However, in my other clinic the vet does almost all of the work. The techs tend to only restrain the animals and draw up vaccines. When it comes to everything else, the vet himself is extremely hands on.

The exact same thing happened to me, except at the same practice. The practice owner only allowed his techs to restrain and pull up vaccines because he wanted to keep his ability to do the hands on work. But he hired a doctor who never wanted anything to do with lab work, blood pulling, etc. and didn't even know how to read a cytology. I was hired to be his tech, and while I was happy being able to do so many hands on things, the other doctor's tech I worked with HATED that she was a glorified dog holder. It is completely different based on the veterinarian!

 

[LetItSnow]

Can we agree that the older techs seem to have some... deficits... in social skills?
It seems like the closer you get to 40-ish in that job, the more likely you are to dress your cats, or mass-mail christmas cards with dogs where the children would be.

There are a number of older techs in our teaching hospital. Heck, one of them retired a couple years ago at/around 60. They all seem normal. But then, it's me judging....

Perhaps it's more normal in the larger hospitals and less in the small private clinics? In the larger hospitals there's probably room for more tech responsibility in the various departments?

 

[PppermintTwist]

More power to you, I guess.
Can we agree that the older techs seem to have some... deficits... in social skills?
It seems like the closer you get to 40-ish in that job, the more likely you are to dress your cats, or mass-mail christmas cards with dogs where the children would be.

true dat.

i work with one tech in her 40s...she is strange to say the least.

I do not agree. I think there are weird vets, weird hairdressers, weird techs. Overgeneralizing is dangerous and offensive.

I know many technicians with families that work well into their 40's and dont plan on changing professions. (and who are quite normal I assure you)

As a technician ( or vet ) you have to talk with people a LOT. And that requires social skills.

How is doing a million spays less repetitive than doing the anesthesia for a million spays? You will end up with repetition either way, vet or tech. To spice things up YOU have to look into different opportunities.

I personally hate it when veterinarians wont let you do anything! and as a vet I would want to do some of the hands on stuff still. Im sure we can share.

The same things that burn techs out are there for the veterinarians as well. Irresponsible, angry, moneyless, careless, heartless owners...You will both have to deal with them with respect.

And money. As a tech you make less and its frustrating. You also dont have the same debt load as a veterinarian has, and depending where you work you may not make that much starting out to help pay off $200,000+ worth of debt.

That's my two cents, take it or leave it.

 

[Dsmoody23]

Overgeneralizing is dangerous and offensive.

Overreacting is also dangerous and... zzzz.

Sorry, I'm up, what were we talking about?

Oh. Yeah.

We were making jokes about how techs don't generally make a career out of it.

And... generally, the ones that do are cat-dressers, serially asexual, and own at least one pair of un-ironic overalls.

Welcome to Jokes.

 

[PppermintTwist]

Overreacting is also dangerous and... zzzz.

Sorry, I'm up, what were we talking about?

Oh. Yeah.

We were making jokes about how techs don't generally make a career out of it.

And... generally, the ones that do are cat-dressers, serially asexual, and own at least one pair of un-ironic overalls.

Welcome to Jokes.

Id hardly call saying you shouldn't generalize over-reacting.
But hey, Im just a crazy tech what would I know

 

[breenie]

Wait, what's wrong with overalls?

 

[Dsmoody23]

Wait, what's wrong with overalls?

 

[sunshinevet]

Hmmmm... I wonder if one of the reasons people don't stay as techs is because of attitudes like the ones in this thread?

In my opinion, most techs leave the profession because they haven't been managed correctly. And that is usually a fault of the veterinarians in charge. They are not given enough trust, autonomy and opportunities to expand their knowledge and challenge themselves. These opportunities are definately THERE, they're just not always utilised.

Also I think people leave because they work at a practice which isn't a good professional fit for them, get disheartened about the profession and leave.

And the pay is a big thing too.

All the older nurses I've met have been very well educated, given the opportunites to grow and challenge themselves, been well paid, and treated very well and as an equal by vets.I've met none of the crazies you guys have talked about.

I'd also be extremely reluctant to make fun of those older, experienced, "crazy" techs, DSmoody. They might dress their cats in clothes - but they will save your patient when you f*ck up as a new grad.

 

[bunnity]

Personally, I'd rather pay double than watch another powerpoint about the life-cycle of a flea.

A perfect summary of the semester I just finished. Except I did both.

 

[bayarea15]

Wasn't trying to generalize about older techs, sorry. Just was stating the ones I know at my work.

 

[heylodeb]

PICTURE OF MAN IN COVERALLS

I love when you post pictures of yourself.

 

[Dsmoody23]

I love when you post pictures of yourself.

That photo is actually taken from LetitSnow's Friendster page.