I read an NAVTA article suggesting that the veterinary field isn’t short on technicians; rather, technicians are not staying in the field. Recent studies show that a newly licensed technician typically leaves the field after five years. The program for becoming a licensed technician is a two-year program. So after two years of schooling, paying… Read More
Vet Tech Life
How euthanizing my own cat changed me as a Vet Tech
Yesterday, I sent my childhood friend of 18 years over the rainbow bridge. I’ve lost pets before, but none since I started my career in veterinary medicine. I’ve come away from this experience as a changed Technician, and I believe it to be for the better. Here are just a few of the things that… Read More
5 Free Things Vets Can Do For Vet Tech Week
Vet Tech Week is a time to acknowledge and show that you appreciate us. We don’t always need pizza or fancy gifts to make us feel like we are appreciated. Sometimes just acknowledging the work we do and that we are part of what makes your clinic great is enough. We want to feel valued… Read More
You Say Diva Like it’s a Bad Thing
This week, while over a bandage change or an extruded dog penis or placing a purse string in a dog’s rectum (hard to remember exactly what I was doing, but some veterinarian-related group activity), a few technicians were trying to describe one of the surgeons I work with. The description was not particularly flattering. I… Read More
Quitting is Not Failure
I met a young technician once who was at the end of her rope at work: “I work with three doctors, and they’re out of control!” she said, desperate to get some advice. “They hate each other and now they refuse to work together. They won’t even take phone calls from clients who aren’t ‘theirs.’”… Read More
A Few Do Nots From a Critical Care RVT
I am a Registered Veterinary Technician. I work in emergency and critical care, working every day to care for people’s companion animals. RVTs will relieve their patient’s pain, perform diagnostic tests, treat/cure their ailments, soothe and comfort them, provide fluffy beds and hand feed pets, administer and monitor anesthesia, and assist in their surgeries and recovery…. Read More