Working as a tech/assistant while waiting for your DVM job to start?

[EB73674]

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Hi all! As we’re looking into the last 6 months (!!!!) of our clinical years, I’m finding myself getting more and more stressed about having enough money to tide me over from beginning of May until the end of June when my job would start. So, in the interest of that, I’m considering trying to pick up some hours at my old clinic (I still have an active NJ CVT credential & will continue to have it through next year). But I also feel like I remember a professor mentioning something about any credentials/degrees being null and void once you have a further degree? Meaning, my CVT credential would automatically be gone once I graduate/am licensed as a DVM. Is that correct? Any chance that I might be able to work as a CVT or even VA once I graduate but before I get my license? FWIW I don’t have a veterinary technology degree, just a BA at this point plus the eventual DVM. Would appreciate some guidance on the legality and/or the likelihood of the rule being enforced for only working for like a month and a half!

 

[JaynaAli]

I have never been a CVT so I can’t answer that aspect of your question, but I think you’d probably be better served to just see if your job will front you some of the money as a sign-on bonus or as moving expenses to cover those 6-8 weeks. Of course an internship or residency probably won’t offer that but if that isn’t an option, maybe you could open up a credit card that has a zero interest introductory period to cover you until you do get a paycheck or some sort of bonus then you can pay it back. I understand that the bills have to be paid, but those few weeks to decompress from vet school, celebrate the accomplishment, see friends and family especially if you’re moving, and prepare yourself for your first job are pretty valuable.

Edit: I think @Trilt actually had several months off between school and starting a job, so maybe she has some advice?

 

[SkiOtter]

I know a lot of people take out the max loans they can their last semester even if they usually didn’t use it all as a way to help with moving costs and expenses before starting your full time job. Obviously a credit card with a 0% interest rate is more favorable since a free loan is far nicer than a loan at 6-9%, but if you try for a credit card and aren’t able to get one with your credit score.

You could also look into vaccine clinics on the weekends. I do them through VIP Petcare and in my area (western MI) I am able to get paid pretty well each day I do one. Feel free to PM me if you want more info about it.

 

[battie]

even VA once I graduate but before I get my license?

Since VAs aren't a licensed position, I would imagine you could do VA shifts if CVT isn't legal (though I don't understand why it wouldn't be). There are examples of DVMs working as CVTs or the state equivalent in situations of waiting for licenses or after failing NAVLE.

I agree with either the credit card if you get the appropriate credit limit and can pay it off. Then just keep it for gas and build your credit too!

 

[JaynaAli]

You could also look into vaccine clinics on the weekends. I do them through VIP Petcare and in my area (western MI) I am able to get paid pretty well each day I do one. Feel free to PM me if you want more info about it.

This could be a good option, but in OP’s case specifically my concern would be ability to get licensing that fast? Maybe some state boards are much faster than ones I’ve dealt with, but even though I submitted final paperwork literally the Monday after graduation, it still took six weeks for my state to process and approve my license. I’d actually already been an intern for two days when it was finally approved.

But even if you couldn’t get your vet license that fast the still might be a good option to help pay off a cc sooner or something.

 

[SkiOtter]

This could be a good option, but in OP’s case specifically my concern would be ability to get licensing that fast? Maybe some state boards are much faster than ones I’ve dealt with, but even though I submitted final paperwork literally the Monday after graduation, it still took six weeks for my state to process and approve my license. I’d actually already been an intern for two days when it was finally approved.

But even if you couldn’t get your vet license that fast the still might be a good option to help pay off a cc sooner or something.

Ah yeah that’s fair. I don’t recall how long it took me to get my license but I don’t think it was as long as yours.

Definitely can help pay off the cc sooner if OP goes that route 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

Depending on what type of practice you are going into, you might find a "shadowing" type paid position.

I worked in a couple ERs I had previously worked in as a student for a few months. I didn't have my DVM license since I hadn't walked the stage, but we basically made me a glorified 4th year student. I did all the client comms/discharges/records/plans but introduced myself as a final year student working with Dr. X and their name was on the record. They also examined every patient I saw.

I got paid lower than the staff DVMs but at least double what I was paid previously when I worked there as a tech. Ultimately it was a win-win and helped me get some more confidence/experience under my belt before I started my internship. I highly doubt this position would have happened if they did not already know me and feel comfortable having me see patients on their behalf, though.

 

[EB73674]

Thank you all for the advice & info! I’ll look into what my options are!