Daughter wants to be a vet tech...good idea? UPDATE Pg. 3

[HunnyPots]

I posted this on the CB but this may be a better place for it.

My almost 19 year old daughter has applied and is waiting to be accepted into a program to become a certified vet tech. She loves working with animals and really wants to do this as a profession. I, however, am very concerned about salary potential. Around here it seems very low, around $20,000 a year and the highest I've heard is around $30,000 after 10 years experience in the field. It seems to be a career that you do more for love than for money. Anybody have any information to the contrary? I'd love to hear it!

I want her to pursue her dreams but I also want her to be realistic about her financial future.

 

[DVC Sadie]

A vet tech has to love the job because it does not pay much at all. Would your daughter be interested in becoming a Veternarian instead? I realize it takes a lot of education but IMO it would be well worth the cost of education both in time and cost.

 

[ducklite]

My best friend is a certified vet tech and is the office manager for a vet in a VERY expensive area in NJ, and only makes about $35-40K a year.

She loves animals. It's the only reason she does it.

Anne

 

[CheapMom]

She can always change positions later and it will be good experience if she remains in the animal/pet field.

 

[MrsPete]

I've taught several high school students who've worked as part-time vet techs without any special training. Without exception, they've enjoyed the job; however, it's a dead-end position and will never pay much. Why should they pay more? Girls who love animals are standing in line to get this job; anytime the supply outweighs the demand, price will go down.

Being a vet is much more profitable, but that means going to medical school. It probably means almost a decade of education after high school and loans -- is she willing/able to do that? I've heard that it's actually more difficult to get into vet school than med school. Why? Sheer numbers. In my state, there's only ONE university that offers a vet program.

If this sounds like depressing information, I'd try to steer her towards a different way of working with animals: Would she be inclined to open her own business? LOTS of people are willing to pay big bucks for quality kennel care when they vacation. Doggie day care, doggie parks -- there's a market out there. These things could be very profitable -- if it's done right -- and she'd be working with healthy, well-cared-for animals instead of sick ones.

 

[momofbgtwins]

Why is her earning potential of major concern? Do you live in a very expensive area?
Personally, I think $30-$40K is a good living. And, if you can find a career that allows you to do something you LOVE, and make a decent living, you'll be much happier. How many of us go to work everyday because we LOVE it?
Getting into vet school in the USA is very difficult, even for people in the top 5th of their classes. Many potential vets have to go outside of the states for training. And despite the impressions of some, veterinarians aren't millionaires by a long stretch!

 

[zuzu310]

I too have a love of animals and originally enrolled as a zoology major. After completing most of my GEC's I took time to reconsider my career choice and made a pro/con list. Needless to say I decided to major in speech/hearing science to be a speech pathologist instead. No one at the time could talk any sense into me about the many cons of being a zookeeper (inconvenient hours, low pay, lack of jobs, lack of internships, etc.). I really just needed to to pick a more realistic career choice for me and my family and had to come to the decision on my own. I think she will come around and I had actually considered a career in veterinary science also. Then I volunteered in a wildlife clinic for a year and really did not enjoy the medical end of it. If she hasn't volunteered in a medical setting with animals I would encourage her to do so. Even though I changed my major, my dog and I are almost ready to pass the therapy dog test and I will stay plugged into the animal community that way.

 

[ceecee]

It doesn't pay well at all around here. Our friend's son has been waiting to get into Vet school (top of the class in HS and college with grades) for two years and has been working as a tech during breaks and summers. If she really loves it and knows she won't make much $ that's her decision.

 

[cosine4]

Going to college for a career that starts out at $20000/year income does not make financial sense. However, if that is what she really wants to do, no one can argue with enjoying your job

 

[ducklite]

Why is her earning potential of major concern? Do you live in a very expensive area?
Personally, I think $30-$40K is a good living.

Where on earth are you reading $30-40K into this thread? Most vet techs cap out in the $25K range, if they are really experienced, certified, and work for a top vet then $30K is about right for a national average. in some areas that tech would cap out in the $25 range.

My friend I mentioned earlier makes $35K because she is both a certified tech with 30 years experience, AND the office manager--which actually accounts for her pay level. The other techs at that practice make between $20K and $30K--in one of the most expensive areas in the country where housing runs around $1000/mo or more for a 1BR apartment.

Sorry, but IMHO a $25K a year job isn't a "good living" even in low cost of living areas.

Anne

 

[robsmom]

To me the question is what are her alternatives. Someone mentioned that it was not worth going to college for a 20K job. I googled vet techs real quick because i didn't think it was a job with a 4 year degree. If i am reading correctly it is a 2 year degree at most.

How were her high school grades? Does she like school? Is a 4 year degree an option for her?

If she is defitely not going to get a bachelor's degree, what other things could she do with no higher education or by going to a different 2 year program? Would these pay higher? Would she be happy.

I think the only way that you can say that this is "not good enough" for her is if there is a viable alternative that she would like, that she can get the education for and that would pay better.

 

[AllyCatTapia]

veterinary medicine is NOT a very good return on investment either for someone who wants to work with small (pet) animals. If she worked with cows, etc, she may be able to get a littl emore, or if she sat in an office most days as a government/regulatory vet.

I hate to say it, but I am doing what I LOVE and am not making a lot of money. How can I swing it? Easy- I got married. My husband makes a whole heck of a lot more than me. So she's not doomed forever. As unfair as it is, or unfeminist or whatnot, she probaby does have more wiggle room to do what she loves.

 

[flagdaytwins]

Though I'm going to repeat what other posters have said.....I have worked at a veterinary school and know first hand that vet techs are overworked and underpaid -- you truly have to love the job over all else (money, physical and emotional demand).

I would recommend (my 2 cents here...) that if your daughter does pursue vet tech training, that she make room for pursuing her undergrad degree also (while she is so young!!). She she absolutely consult the admissions program or brochure from a veterinary school to ensure she is taking the right courses. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY ---- some veterinary schools don't require a bachelor's degree -- just that you've taken all the pre-reqs, which then amount to about 3 years of full-time undergrad study. THIS USE TO BE THE CASE at the school I worked at -- it might not be any longer, but I would check if your daughter is headed this route.

Good luck to your daughter!

 

[Luvchefmic]

First I send hugs to your daughter for her love of animals, I have been a longtime rescuer of English Pointers and dachshunds (or did they rescue me ) and have worked in several vet's offices over the years as a vet assistant'. totally different and not certified. Vet techs in NY don't make much $ at all for all they do (maybe about $25,000) but it is a 2 yr course at a vocational school that isn't cheap.

Personally if your daughter has good grades and can get accepted into a vet program I think that would be the way to go, not just because of the $$ but the security. Good luck to her


Ruthie

 

[ducklite]

Here's another possibility. I have a friend who has a dual major in biology and business management (BS/BA) and has been working as a zookeeper because she loves animals.

She's now tired of the backbreaking work, ridiculous hours, and poor working conditions and is pursuing a career in zoo management, which pays 2-3 times what zookeeping does on an entry level.

Best of both worlds, something to think about.

Anne

 

[DMRick]

The pay when working for a private vet is terrible (in NY, it's Licensed Vet Techician, not certified..and many of the older gals were able to take a test and be grandfathered in, when they went to having to have a license). The hours are long, and you have to do it because of a love for animals..not for pay. A lot of times the Vet Techs are glorified pooper scoopers, when it's a small practice, and often benefits stink.

I eventually went to work for a vet for the State of NY..the pay was a lot better, and I was able to move up. Our lab moved and the State of NY offered to retrain me, if I didn't want to go with them. I could go back to school for anything but veterinary science. I was thrilled. I was totally burned out, and went back for computers. No vet telling me if I let go of that dog, and he gets bit, I'm out of a job. I work for myself now, and it certainly doesn't take much work to bring it up to my old pay. We've had many students pass through our doors..and I'm betting that less than 10% ended up staying inthis field.

My total tech service now is fostering kittens, and helping with the vaccination clinics. And I'm happy to be doing that, and just that.

I doubt you will be able to talk her out of it..but at least many of the courses (it's two years here) can be used for other degrees, when she decides to go back to school for something else..something that will pay her enough to be on her own.

 

[MrsPete]

Going to college for a career that starts out at $20000/year income does not make financial sense. However, if that is what she really wants to do, no one can argue with enjoying your job

Something I hear frequently from my high school seniors: "My parents are so unreasonable about college majors. All they care about is that I choose something that pays a lot." Or, "My parents don't want me to major in theater, but it's what I love." Or, "My parents say I'll never get a job if I major in philosophy, but I know they're wrong."

I can really see both sides of this argument: Everyone should find a job that will bring them enjoyment and satisfaction. On the other hand, if you put years of preparation into a dream job, then discover that you can't afford to live on the salary, you've wasted your time. And if it won't pay the bills, it's not going to remain your dream job for long.

It's a good idea to know these things ahead of time. I think it's perfectly appropriate for parents, who have more experience in the world, to discuss these things with their children before they make major life decisions.

 

[pweyl36]

All come on,she is only 19yrs old.let her do the vet tech,maybe she will want to be a vet.It's better then her going to college for 4yrs and still not noing what to do. Besides there is really no guarantee that she will make big money.
alot of college students can't even find a job after college. So if she wants
to be a vet tech let her.Hey at least she wants to work

 

[DMRick]

In the real world, she'll go to college for what she wants to go for. I think the OP was just asking about the actual pay. Most vet techs can't afford to pay their school loans and live on their own, so they end up staying at home with mom and dad..or they have second lowpaying jobs. If she's up for that..then I agree, let her go for it.

All come on,she is only 19yrs old.let her do the vet tech,maybe she will want to be a vet.It's better then her going to college for 4yrs and still not noing what to do. Besides there is really no guarantee that she will make big money.
alot of college students can't even find a job after college. So if she wants
to be a vet tech let her.Hey at least she wants to work

 

[QueueCT]

Has she worked in a vet's office before? Just sharing some experience here, may not apply to your daughter. Our neighbor's daughter whom we "adopted" worked as a vet's assistant for a summer while in high school since she wanted to go to vet school. The experience completely changed her mind about her career choices. She was continually involved with euthanizing older pets, taking their bodies to be disposed of, etc. She wasn't overly sentimental about it but she found it to be very depressing. Since she doesn't want to be a large animal vet she decided that it wasn't the career for her.

My point in all of this is that maybe she should work at a vet's office for a few months (if she hasn't already) to be sure that this is the right role for her. After all, you still have a BA/BS as long as you graduate from college and 10 years from now no one really cares what you majored in. The Vet Tech Certification is only good for one thing.