Veterinary Technician - Yay or nay?

[daileyad]

I'm trying to determine what sort of training program will lead me to my eventual career goals I haven't worked full time in ~7 years, just sporadic part time & online work while I stayed home with the kids. I have some animal related background but it's almost 15 years in the past. I really want to get back in the animal field, eventually leading to working for a zoo or dog training program such as Guide Dogs or Hearing Dogs (this would require a move to a city that has these programs and we're not quite ready to move yet). So I started thinking that a veterinary technician program would give me the flexibility to work anywhere plus it would give me the respectability of being a hard worker with current references since I don't have any. Is the employment outlook good for certified veterinary technicians?

 

[furb & dez]

Lots of additional schooling == $$$$
Programs unavailable where you're at, requiring a move == $$$$
Lots of competition for jobs == no $$$$

I would consider it a bad idea, but it's your choice to make.

 

[lisajl]

Wow..that's depressing!

I work for a vet. One of my co workers is a vet tech and so is her husband.
While it is true there is not a lot of money in this profession, is it what you love?
My DS-17 is contemplating that decision right now.
He is currently in a program at school for electronics. He likes it, just does not love it and really wants to work with animals.
I will probably bring him to work with me several times to see if he can REALLY stomach all the stuff he would have to do.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[North of Mouse]

My niece & nephew - in - law run a veterinary clinic in AR and the schooling that was required for their technicians was not that expensive. In fact, don't know if this was standard procedure (or because we knew her) she worked there while she was taking the schooling (online, I think). They are swamped with work (only small animal pets) and do not live in a large city (in fact, mostly rural areas served). They say that there is a real shortage of vets and knowledgeable workers now, more than ever, because Americans' have gone "to the dogs and cats" literally More people are owning, and spending more money on "household pets" than ever before. When he tells me what people (we're not talking rich here) are willing to pay him to try to keep an older animal going when they should be put out of their misery, it just blows my mind Says it is one of the most "sure" fields to get into in this economy.

 

[North of Mouse]

Wow..that's depressing!

I work for a vet. One of my co workers is a vet tech and so is her husband.
While it is true there is not a lot of money in this profession, is it what you love?
My DS-17 is contemplating that decision right now.
He is currently in a program at school for electronics. He likes it, just does not love it and really wants to work with animals.
I will probably bring him to work with me several times to see if he can REALLY stomach all the stuff he would have to do.

Good luck on your decision.

This is VERY true, have seen some of my niece's pictures and heard some tales that would curl your hair - definitely NOT for everyone, just like everyone can not be a nurse or doctor of medicine. They are naturals though, and just take it in stride and the locals love them. Good luck for your son

 

[hereyago]

I say go for it especially since it will lead you to where you finally want to be at.

My DD13 wants to have her own dog training-doggy daycare/boarding place when she gets older. She goes into high school next year and I think when she is a junior or maybe senior she can go part time to a different vocational school and train to be a vet assistant. plus she will have to take some business courses-accounting,etc.

Good luck to you!

 

[*pixie*dust*]

Found this on the net:


National Statistics
The average annual income for veterinary technologists was $30,580 in May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that those with bachelor's degrees tend to earn more than those who hold associate degrees.


If it is something you love it might be a great career, however it is not a well paid field. Good luck with whatever you chose!

 

[furb & dez]

Found this on the net:


National Statistics
The average annual income for veterinary technologists was $30,580 in May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that those with bachelor's degrees tend to earn more than those who hold associate degrees.

If that's accurate, then that's less than some call center drones' income.

 

[peacelover]

If that's accurate, then that's less than some call center drones' income.

Geez....negative much?
OP, if that is what is going to make you happy, do it. I just read a few days ago that the employment outlook is better than average for Vet Tech's. Do you have a community college nearby?

 

[akcire]

OP--my only thought would be can you get a job at a vet or a vet tech job without any training? If you could find somewhere to train you on the job, it would be a better deal for you, before you spent money on tuition.

I know at the Brookfield Zoo, I could get a job as an animal Keeper without any vet experience. I am not even sure if they require a college degree. I know this because a couple of years ago, I had a really crappy boss and my husband sent me a listing for a job to be an Elephant keeper--what he didn't realize was that I was considering it. I really hated that job.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

If that's accurate, then that's less than some call center drones' income.

So.... it's a necessary field and not everyone can or should earn $100K + We need people to do everything, if it makes OP happy and able to have a comfortable life more power to them.

 

[sdchickie]

OP--my only thought would be can you get a job at a vet or a vet tech job without any training? If you could find somewhere to train you on the job, it would be a better deal for you, before you spent money on tuition.

When I worked as a receptionist at a vet they offered to train me to become a vet tech. I'm not sure if the laws about a degree differ by state but I would definately look into getting a job at a vet just to see what it's like before spending money on schooling. You never know they may pay for part of your schooling or in my case offer to train for free.

 

[nunzia]

Found this on the net:


National Statistics
The average annual income for veterinary technologists was $30,580 in May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that those with bachelor's degrees tend to earn more than those who hold associate degrees.


If it is something you love it might be a great career, however it is not a well paid field. Good luck with whatever you chose!

My DH is a vet tech..he's had his degree for 16 years and makes more than that but not tons more..I consider it a decent wage..but we live in a pretty low cost area and our income is higher than many here. He has an associates (didn't even know that a Bachelors was available for this career field and really don't know what they would do to make higher pay justified) State regs determine what techs can and cannot do. My DH went to a physical location for school (Sul Ross, Texas) and although many online things are out there I know that many are not looked upon favorably by vets, in this area at least. It is a challenging job, with lot sof 'ick' factor, but I think it's a great profession for those who understand what it is and is not. (DH is a Vet Tech, DD is a OB/GYN Nurse and 1 son is a cop so there is alot of times I really do not want to hear about their days )
I say go for it, but research first, and if possible go to a college that has a campus, not just an online school. Also, before you commit, see if a local vet might let you volunteer a bit to see if it's something you'd really enjoy.

 

[daileyad]

OP--my only thought would be can you get a job at a vet or a vet tech job without any training? If you could find somewhere to train you on the job, it would be a better deal for you, before you spent money on tuition.

I know at the Brookfield Zoo, I could get a job as an animal Keeper without any vet experience. I am not even sure if they require a college degree. I know this because a couple of years ago, I had a really crappy boss and my husband sent me a listing for a job to be an Elephant keeper--what he didn't realize was that I was considering it. I really hated that job.

I've applied for jobs listed for vet receptionists, humane society, boarding kennels, etc. and gotten nowhere. I feel like my lack of a recent work history is a big negative and that some sort of training might open up the doors. I don't know, maybe it won't

 

[lisajl]

I've applied for jobs listed for vet receptionists, humane society, boarding kennels, etc. and gotten nowhere. I feel like my lack of a recent work history is a big negative and that some sort of training might open up the doors. I don't know, maybe it won't

It might help but I would not pay for school until you really know it is what you want to do.
Do you have a local vet you take your pets to?
Ask them if you can shadow them for a day. Tell them you are very interested in being a vet tech and they may take you under their wing.
We have had several people do that with our clinic.

The latest one is a friends daughter. She wants to be a vet. She has shadowed with us for months. She graduates high school this year, and is seriously interested in vet school.

Stay positive! Something will open up for you.

 

[dizzymomx4]

Don't let the views from others make you negative...If it something that you would love, something that would benefit your family and they support you then by all means...do what makes YOUR heart happy!

 

[furb & dez]

So.... it's a necessary field and not everyone can or should earn $100K + We need people to do everything, if it makes OP happy and able to have a comfortable life more power to them.

My point is (for those who missed it...) that you'd be going through lots of education and training, and working a lot of hours... to earn a salary that someone who just shows up and answers phones all day can earn (while being very expendable, business-wise), and which, realistically, is not even a particularly comfortable income.

I'm all about work being fulfilling, but at some point being able to pay your bills, entertain yourself (and your family), and enjoy your free time should be thought of as well.

 

[DISdreamin']

My point is (for those who missed it...) that you'd be going through lots of education and training, and working a lot of hours... to earn a salary that someone who just shows up and answers phones all day can earn (while being very expendable, business-wise), and which, realistically, is not even a particularly comfortable income.

I'm all about work being fulfilling, but at some point being able to pay your bills, entertain yourself (and your family), and enjoy your free time should be thought of as well.

My bottom line when talking to people about school is that you want to enjoy what you do, first and foremost, but secondly (and not all that much less important, IMHO!) you need to be gainfully employed doing it. One without the other won't work for most peeps!

OP, if I were in your shoes I'd ask about shadowing, but I'd also make an effort to talk to a vet tech or two in the practice you take your animals to (or any other one you can) and see what they think about what they do. How do they see the job market? I wouldn't go into the compensation aspect, as that would be (potentially) uncomfortable, but I've found most people to be pretty open about sharing their experience and suggestions.

I definitely wouldn't put up a large sum of money to go back to school without knowing there is a significant market in my desired field. I see far too many people with big student loans and degrees that really aren't marketable, at least not in our area.

 

[furb & dez]

Shadowing is a wonderful idea, DISDreamin', I totally agree.

 

[clh2]

I know the mom of a high school senior looking in to this.

So - from the mom's perspective - the programs generally run for 18 to 24 months. Online is really sucky -you need a real hand's on approach. Both schools her DD is looking at the studnets "rotate" through kennel cleaning (i.e. be at the school at 5am to clean the kennels, and get the dogs ready for the day.) One school has an estimate of school from 8-4, plus a couple of hours of homework a night, plus the week of kennel duty every 9 weeks - this program was for 18 months. The cost was ~30 for the program (housing not included.)

The other option - some tech schools also offer a vet tech program for less money - maybe that is an option for the OP?

Good Luck with your decision!!! The vet techs at my vet's clinic are wonderful and very caring individuals.