Why do you want to be a veterinarian vs. vet tech....

[Mrazlover]

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Hey everyone!

Just wanted to hear why you want to be a veterinarian vs. vet tech or work in an occupation with animals.

Personally, it's the science that really intrigues me as well as the level of respect people have for veterinarians. I currently work at a vet clinic and I could repeat whatever the veterinarian says verbatim and people still question me. It's frustrating, but I understand why they don't trust me completely.

 

[Dsmoody23]

This thread pretty much already exists 1cm below what you posted.

 

[nyanko]

To be fair, that wasn't really the original topic of that thread so I can see where this is a different question.

My reasoning is simple - I hated being an assistant (I use this terminology to differentiate between those with licenses and those without - depending on state laws many assistants perform almost all tasks of a licensed tech, which was the case in the state I worked in..) because it's just not my nature to enjoy doing 'nursing' tasks. I have all of the respect in the world for those who make a career out of being technicians or nurses and those who enjoy it, but honestly the thought of getting licensed as a tech never even crossed my mind for a second. The two jobs (veterinarian vs technician) are totally different.

 

[PrincetonDogMom]

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to hear why you want to be a veterinarian vs. vet tech or work in an occupation with animals.

Personally, it's the science that really intrigues me as well as the level of respect people have for veterinarians. I currently work at a vet clinic and I could repeat whatever the veterinarian says verbatim and people still question me. It's frustrating, but I understand why they don't trust me completely.

Just because a parrot can repeat what it hears, doesn't make it sound convincing.
I highly doubt you understand the whys of what you are saying, and that lack of understanding is easily recognized by clients. You would be surprised.

I am not saying there won't be some bias, but why should they believe you. There is some value to actually going to vet school don't you think?

 

[SocialStigma]

I want to specialize in surgery, and I want to be able to diagnose/make all the decisions regarding the patient's care.

 

[Psittacidae]

Just because a parrot can repeat what it hears, doesn't make it sound convincing.
I highly doubt you understand the whys of what you are saying, and that lack of understanding is easily recognized by clients. You would be surprised.

I am not saying there won't be some bias, but why should they believe you. There is some value to actually going to vet school don't you think?

I have to respond to this. I'm not one to try and start an argument, but as a former vet assistant, I feel obligated.
Just because the OP referred to repeating what the veterinarian said verbatim does not make her a parrot. You, or I, have no idea if the OP understands the " whys" of her explanations. He/She very well may. It appears demeaning to assume he/she does not. As an assistant, I would spend countless hours explaining simple recommendations such as flea control, heartworm prevention, routine vaccinations ( all of which I can assure you I understood the " whys " of ) only to be ignored by an owner. If you have never been an assistant, I wouldn't expect you to understand how this feels. But, to assume that the OP doesn't have knowledge backing up his/her client communication is insulting at best. On the other hand, the OP may have no knowledge at all but, please do not make assumptions based solely on your personal opinion. We have no way of verifying whether the OP is a "parrot" or not. Thanks 🙂

That being said, I couldnt agree more nyanko. Veterinary nursing ( assistant ) is very different than practicing medicine. I love puzzles. I love challenges. I want to actively and uniquely contribute to the health and wellbeing of exotic pets in this country. I want to discover an effective treatment/preventative program for feather picking. I want to spearhead a program to properly educate bird owners on the dangers of a seed diet. I want to be able to help an impacted bearded dragon find relief. I want to be able to spay rabbits, and encourage rabbit owners to mainstream the idea. I want to be a veterinarian. 🙂

 

[PppermintTwist]

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to hear why you want to be a veterinarian vs. vet tech or work in an occupation with animals.

Personally, it's the science that really intrigues me as well as the level of respect people have for veterinarians. I currently work at a vet clinic and I could repeat whatever the veterinarian says verbatim and people still question me. It's frustrating, but I understand why they don't trust me completely.

There is a general lack of respect for veterinary technicians. It is not seen as a profession. I believe that requiring technicians to be licensed is a step in the right direction to giving technicians the respect they deserve.

The tech should understand the why's when giving information to clients, but the owner might not really be listening. Sometimes people need to be told the same thing by multiple people. Sometimes they want to hear it from the doctor... I agree that clients can tell if you are being a parrot, or dont have confidence in what your saying though. Pay attention to posture tone and intonation when relaying information. Look and act professionally and people should take you seriously most of the time...

I think I could be happy being a technician or a veterinarian. I'd rather be a vet though. It was just always my dream. I want to own my own emergency practice that caters to more than just dogs and cats. I have to be a vet in order to do that. That being said, I love the nursing aspect of being a technician, love taking radiography, and I love venipuncture.

They are different and equally important jobs. It takes a team to run a hospital smoothly.

 

[abbercadaver]

I think I could be happy being a technician or a veterinarian. I'd rather be a vet though. It was just always my dream. I want to own my own emergency practice that caters to more than just dogs and cats. I have to be a vet in order to do that. That being said, I love the nursing aspect of being a technician, love taking radiography, and I love venipuncture.

You definitely don't have to be a veterinarian to own a practice. Sure, it's the norm, but anyone can open a practice and hire veterinarians to work at it.

 

[LetItSnow]

You definitely don't have to be a veterinarian to own a practice. Sure, it's the norm, but anyone can open a practice and hire veterinarians to work at it.

I don't think that's correct. At least, here in MN.

Straight from our state's website: "All owners, officers and shareholders in a veterinary firm MUST be licensed veterinarians."

I'd bet (at least some) other states are similar.

Reference: http://www.vetmed.state.mn.us/Default.aspx?tabid=837

I've always kinda wondered how that works with the corporates like Banfield and whatnot.

 

[Absynth]

I was going to be a vet-tech but what's the point in going to school for 2 years to be paid $10 an hour?

 

[abbercadaver]

I don't think that's correct. At least, here in MN.

Straight from our state's website: "All owners, officers and shareholders in a veterinary firm MUST be licensed veterinarians."

I'd bet (at least some) other states are similar.

Reference: http://www.vetmed.state.mn.us/Default.aspx?tabid=837

I've always kinda wondered how that works with the corporates like Banfield and whatnot.

It just depends on your state. Here's a map (of course I don't know how up-to-date it is) of the states and whether they allow nonveterinary corporate ownership. Just a quick search of the googles, so if it's not UTD, then I shall not be held accountable ;-P

http://veterinarybusiness.dvm360.com/vetec/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=703550

Though it looks like Pennsylvania and Florida are the only ABSOLUTELYs. Others are "possible" and "unlikely"...with the rest being "no."

 

[JoAnna423]

I agree with what most of the others have posted as well about respect and more say so in a patient care...but I also want to be a veterinarian vs vet tech (or conservation scientist, zookeeper or other animal related field) because of how much opportunity there is for growth and to change environments in the field. Sure, while a lot of vets end up graduating and working in/starting a private practice, you have the opportunity to do an internship, a residency...practice in other countries or participate and even lead worth health organizations related to people and/or animals. The possibilities seem endless, especially if you are willing to work hard. I would not be happy being a tech for very long, I have been for a year and am already reaching my limit...with my personality I doubt that I would be the type to spend 25 years in the same position and retire...unless a dramatic change occurs within myself I see myself constantly growing and wanting to experience new work environments. Veterinary medicine will allow me to do this.

 

[Mrazlover]

Thank you very much! Why is it that people are so eager to criticize complete strangers?

 

[Mrazlover]

Just because a parrot can repeat what it hears, doesn't make it sound convincing.
I highly doubt you understand the whys of what you are saying, and that lack of understanding is easily recognized by clients. You would be surprised.

I am not saying there won't be some bias, but why should they believe you. There is some value to actually going to vet school don't you think?

HA! your bitchy comment made me laugh. First of all, I am a certified vet tech and have confidence behind every word I say to a client AND I do know what I am saying. I do believe there is value in going to vet school which is why I want to be a veterinarian....

 

[Mrazlover]

To be fair, that wasn't really the original topic of that thread so I can see where this is a different question.

My reasoning is simple - I hated being an assistant (I use this terminology to differentiate between those with licenses and those without - depending on state laws many assistants perform almost all tasks of a licensed tech, which was the case in the state I worked in..) because it's just not my nature to enjoy doing 'nursing' tasks. I have all of the respect in the world for those who make a career out of being technicians or nurses and those who enjoy it, but honestly the thought of getting licensed as a tech never even crossed my mind for a second. The two jobs (veterinarian vs technician) are totally different.

Thank you!

 

[Mrazlover]

This thread pretty much already exists 1cm below what you posted.

you're an ass. ALERT THE THREAD POLICE! really?

 

[TigerWillow]

you're an ass. ALERT THE THREAD POLICE! really?

Ohh the thread police already know about dsmoody. He is one of a kind.

 

[Mrazlover]

I have to respond to this. I'm not one to try and start an argument, but as a former vet assistant, I feel obligated.
Just because the OP referred to repeating what the veterinarian said verbatim does not make her a parrot. You, or I, have no idea if the OP understands the " whys" of her explanations. He/She very well may. It appears demeaning to assume he/she does not. As an assistant, I would spend countless hours explaining simple recommendations such as flea control, heartworm prevention, routine vaccinations ( all of which I can assure you I understood the " whys " of ) only to be ignored by an owner. If you have never been an assistant, I wouldn't expect you to understand how this feels. But, to assume that the OP doesn't have knowledge backing up his/her client communication is insulting at best. On the other hand, the OP may have no knowledge at all but, please do not make assumptions based solely on your personal opinion. We have no way of verifying whether the OP is a "parrot" or not. Thanks 🙂

That being said, I couldnt agree more nyanko. Veterinary nursing ( assistant ) is very different than practicing medicine. I love puzzles. I love challenges. I want to actively and uniquely contribute to the health and wellbeing of exotic pets in this country. I want to discover an effective treatment/preventative program for feather picking. I want to spearhead a program to properly educate bird owners on the dangers of a seed diet. I want to be able to help an impacted bearded dragon find relief. I want to be able to spay rabbits, and encourage rabbit owners to mainstream the idea. I want to be a veterinarian. 🙂

Thank you! I am glad I am not the only one!

 

[Mrazlover]

Ohh the thread police already know about dsmoody. He is one of a kind.

hahaha😀

 

[PetPony]

you're an ass. ALERT THE THREAD POLICE! really?

He takes some getting used to

 

[amandakay]

I was going to be a vet-tech but what's the point in going to school for 2 years to be paid $10 an hour?

actually, the salary is not bad for 2 years of easy community college level school 🙂

see detailed salary chart here:
http://www.veterinarytechnician.com/salary/

of course, if you are smart enough to become a veterinarian, you should do that b/c you will make way more money. however, $34,000/year is great in this economy. i have friends who graduated NYU (liberal arts majors) who are now working as baristas at starbucks to pay off their student debt.

 

[PetPony]

This might make me sound really stupid, but what exactly is the difference between all of those?

 

[amandakay]

This might make me sound really stupid, but what exactly is the difference between all of those?

different states have different names for licensed vet techs. they are all essentially same, except for the vet assistant, which does NOT get licensed (not sure why the chart calls them Veterinary Technician Assistant... must be a typo)
http://www.veterinarytechnician.com/certification/

 

[Psittacidae]

I agree with what most of the others have posted as well about respect and more say so in a patient care...but I also want to be a veterinarian vs vet tech (or conservation scientist, zookeeper or other animal related field) because of how much opportunity there is for growth and to change environments in the field. Sure, while a lot of vets end up graduating and working in/starting a private practice, you have the opportunity to do an internship, a residency...practice in other countries or participate and even lead worth health organizations related to people and/or animals. The possibilities seem endless, especially if you are willing to work hard. I would not be happy being a tech for very long, I have been for a year and am already reaching my limit...with my personality I doubt that I would be the type to spend 25 years in the same position and retire...unless a dramatic change occurs within myself I see myself constantly growing and wanting to experience new work environments. Veterinary medicine will allow me to do this.

Couldn't have said it better JoAnna, I feel the same way. I felt that I had maxed out my opportunities as a tech in a couple years. I had hit a ceiling, with regards to pay and general daily duties. I was bored senseless. We are a lot alike 🙂

Thank you very much! Why is it that people are so eager to criticize complete strangers?

I have no idea! But, if you browse through PrincetonDogMom's previous posts, you'll notice it's a trend. ::sigh:: I really don't get people. Thank God for animals!

HA! your bitchy comment made me laugh. First of all, I am a certified vet tech and have confidence behind every word I say to a client AND I do know what I am saying. I do believe there is value in going to vet school which is why I want to be a veterinarian....

👍👍👍

 

[JoAnna423]

couldn't have said it better joanna, i feel the same way. I felt that i had maxed out my opportunities as a tech in a couple years. I had hit a ceiling, with regards to pay and general daily duties. I was bored senseless. We are a lot alike 🙂


👍👍👍

 

[Fly Racing]

I don't think that's correct. At least, here in MN.

Straight from our state's website: "All owners, officers and shareholders in a veterinary firm MUST be licensed veterinarians."

I'd bet (at least some) other states are similar.

Reference: http://www.vetmed.state.mn.us/Default.aspx?tabid=837

I've always kinda wondered how that works with the corporates like Banfield and whatnot.

I agree with you. Plus, the corporate ownership map is a bit miss leading. In my state, ID, you don't have to be a vet. You could also be a MD and own a vet practice here. If your not an DVM or MD you cannot open a practice (and I tried as a sole proprietor corporation- big flat NO. Banfield talks with money and lawyer loopholes (and shared ownerships with a partner vet) not accessible to even the above-average-Joe.) so, yes, this is a state that doesn't require you to be a vet, but that's a pretty misleading statement when you read the whole thing.

To be fair on the MD thing, vets can also own medical practices here. I guess someone was too lazy to change the wording becausenitnit the same for vet and medical practice ownership word for word

 

[orcagirl]

I want to specialize in surgery, and I want to be able to diagnose/make all the decisions regarding the patient's care.

Just a forewarning, regardless of whether you are a tech, assistant, or vet you don't make all the decisions regarding patient care. That's up to the owners. You'll find you can be very limited by their pocketbooks or even just their view of animals. I do understand where you're coming from.

My reasoning for becoming a veterinarian is mostly because of the communication with the clients. I love explaining things to people and I know I could do that as a tech or assistant, but I don't want to be doing the grunt work for the rest of my life. I'm one of those who, if I hadn't got into vet school after a few tries, would have completely switched fields. If I didn't have the ability to really make a difference and use my knowledge and large brain (I'm always thinking about things. I don't mean to sound cocky or anything. That's just how people have described me before) then I knew I wouldn't enjoy my career. My plan B was culinary school. I love to bake and I would love to learn to make beautiful cakes.

 

[SocialStigma]

Just a forewarning, regardless of whether you are a tech, assistant, or vet you don't make all the decisions regarding patient care. That's up to the owners. You'll find you can be very limited by their pocketbooks or even just their view of animals. I do understand where you're coming from.

Oh yeah, I'm definitely aware of all that. I just meant that as a vet, I would at least be able to offer what I believe would be in the best interest of the patient as a choice to the owners. It would be very difficult for me if I was a vet tech and disagreed with the vet on the Dx/Tx/whatever but couldn't do anything about it. Not that I'm going to be right 100% of the time, but it's the feeling of going against your gut instinct that doesn't sit right with me.

Whatever the patient outcome (good or bad), I want to know that I did everything in my power to help the animal and not be left with "what ifs".

 

[PppermintTwist]

I don't think that's correct. At least, here in MN.

Straight from our state's website: "All owners, officers and shareholders in a veterinary firm MUST be licensed veterinarians."

I'd bet (at least some) other states are similar.

Reference: http://www.vetmed.state.mn.us/Default.aspx?tabid=837

I've always kinda wondered how that works with the corporates like Banfield and whatnot.

I believe this varies by state somewhat? Making Banfield legal in some places. Not my state though. You must be a vet here.

 

[ORvetgirl]

hmmm...in Oregon, you must be a vet to own a practice, however (and I don't know the exact wording of our law), Banfield and VCA can definitely operate here. In fact, Banfield started in Portland.

 

[CanHardlyWait]

actually, the salary is not bad for 2 years of easy community college level school 🙂

see detailed salary chart here:
http://www.veterinarytechnician.com/salary/

of course, if you are smart enough to become a veterinarian, you should do that b/c you will make way more money. however, $34,000/year is great in this economy. i have friends who graduated NYU (liberal arts majors) who are now working as baristas at starbucks to pay off their student debt.

Just wondering where this website is getting their data? I'm having a hard time believing this, especially for vet assistants. I live in the southeastern U.S. which does have a lower cost of living and lower salaries but still. I don't buy these yearly averages.

 

[Dsmoody23]

Just wondering where this website is getting their data? I'm having a hard time believing this, especially for vet assistants. I live in the southeastern U.S. which does have a lower cost of living and lower salaries but still. I don't buy these yearly averages.

Yeah. Outside of metro, I've never seen anyone make 2/3 of those averages.

I call shenanigans on those numbers.

 

[Minnerbelle]

I think it does depend a lot on the location. If you go onto Indeed.com and actually search for licensed vet tech for a specific zip code, you'll get vastly different salaries. At least for the areas I've lived in they seemed more or less accurate based on technicians I knew. Podunk areas I searched were about $24-26 which comes to like $11.50/hr - $12.50/hr for licensed vet techs. That's about how much the techs I knew made in those areas. Do the LVTs or CVTs you know make less than that? Cause geesh that would suck.

 

[Psittacidae]

I think it does depend a lot on the location. If you go onto Indeed.com and actually search for licensed vet tech for a specific zip code, you'll get vastly different salaries. At least for the areas I've lived in they seemed more or less accurate based on technicians I knew. Podunk areas I searched were about $24-26 which comes to like $11.50/hr - $12.50/hr for licensed vet techs. That's about how much the techs I knew made in those areas. Do the LVTs or CVTs you know make less than that? Cause geesh that would suck.

Don't really know if licensing makes a big difference ( none of the cinics I worked at had licensed techs. In my part of Jersey, thats pretty much the norm ) but techs here start around 12-14 an hour. Caps around 18, MAYBE 20. But, that's with a decade+++ experience. Also, COL here is through the roof. Maybe numbers for high paying areas (ie NYC, Jersey, maybe Cali ) could be throwing off the averages in the chart?

 

[CanHardlyWait]

I think it does depend a lot on the location. If you go onto Indeed.com and actually search for licensed vet tech for a specific zip code, you'll get vastly different salaries. At least for the areas I've lived in they seemed more or less accurate based on technicians I knew. Podunk areas I searched were about $24-26 which comes to like $11.50/hr - $12.50/hr for licensed vet techs. That's about how much the techs I knew made in those areas. Do the LVTs or CVTs you know make less than that? Cause geesh that would suck.

Yeah, $12-15/hour for LVT's and less for assistants is the norm where I live. More can be made if there are administrative duties tacked on to the job. Not sure if you were responding to my post above, but I was directly responding to the post with a graph showing tech/assistant salary averages from $30,000-40,000/year, which I think is unrealistic.


BTW: I checked out the website where the graph came from, it advertised for a online vet assistant program. So I think we can understand why the site may be providing inflated salary figures.

 

[Psittacidae]

BTW: I checked out the website where the graph came from, it advertised for a online vet assistant program. So I think we can understand why the site may be providing inflated salary figures.

And it all makes sense......

 

[bbeventer]

One reason to be a vet over a vet tech... respect.

I have had clients say stuff to me they would not dream of saying in their wildest nightmares to a veterinarian.

 

[PppermintTwist]

One reason to be a vet over a vet tech... respect.

I have had clients say stuff to me they would not dream of saying in their wildest nightmares to a veterinarian.

Ugh...yes!

PS...the salaries seem right to me for my area as far as licensed tech goes. Licensed techs make anywhere from 12-20/hr depending on experience level.

 

[bigkittinteef]

One reason to be a vet over a vet tech... respect.

I have had clients say stuff to me they would not dream of saying in their wildest nightmares to a veterinarian.

So true. It's frustrating to watch a client bitch out the vet assistants at my hospital when the vet runs behind, especially when they were late for their appt of course. As soon as they walk in to the exam room they're all smiles and charm with the vet. No complaints to him. I'm sure nurses get treated the same way. 🙁

 

[OH Bunny Girl]

My plan B was culinary school. I love to bake and I would love to learn to make beautiful cakes.

My Plan B was to become a yoga instructor (which I still might do on the side after school??).

When I was shadowing the doctors, I loved that I felt like I was a part of the decision making process between the vet and the client. Now, as an assistant at the same clinic, I just do what they decide - bloodwork, Xrays, fax referral paperwork, etc. which itself is fun, but takes the "thinking" out of it.

And, personally, had I not gotten in, I don't think I could forever work in a field where I felt like a failure.

 

[Bracco Pointer]

I never really considered being a career vet tech rather than a veterinarian, until after I had worked as a tech for a couple of years. I've always wanted an "animal job," and since I'm a nerd who loves solving puzzles... being a vet seems like the perfect fit. While I plan on *never* giving up on vet school, my plan B would be to become a certified vet tech and do emergency/critical care. I've realized that I love the field enough to never leave it, even if I'm not the head honcho.

 

[SnowyRox]

One reason to be a vet over a vet tech... respect.

I have had clients say stuff to me they would not dream of saying in their wildest nightmares to a veterinarian.

If I wanted respect, I would become an MD.

I never considered being a tech. I am glad that nursing roles are a good fit for some people, but I have no issues with additional schooling and I think that I will be a good veterinarian. I love medicine, excel at science, and ill humans gross me out. So... vet med it is!

 

[PppermintTwist]

If I wanted respect, I would become an MD.

I never considered being a tech. I am glad that nursing roles are a good fit for some people, but I have no issues with additional schooling and I think that I will be a good veterinarian. I love medicine, excel at science, and ill humans gross me out. So... vet med it is!

People gross me out too!

 

[Psittacidae]

People gross me out too!

Ditto. Times infinity.

 

[HorsesRLife]

In Central Oklahoma the pay for a vet assistant is closer to $8-10/hr and about $10-12/hr for RVT starting out.

 

[twelvetigers]

In Central Oklahoma the pay for a vet assistant is closer to $8-10/hr and about $10-12/hr for RVT starting out.

True - I got $7.50 the whole time.

But the COL is much, much less here as compared to some places...