Job interview for vet assistant, non-certified VT job

So, I am interviewing for a vet assistant job and was wondering what to expect. I have not worked in a vet office in any capacity although I have spent years taking care of horses, mostly layups and rehabbing horses, so I have worked with injured and sick animals. I have cared for dogs, bunnies and chickens over the years at my jobs as well, so caring for animals has been a big part of my life. Just looking for advice on what to expect, or what to share. Thanks!!

$8.50-9.00

Well..."thanks" for your comment...got a job offer making $15.50 so your "advice" is no good.

Way to go Equino! Appears your interview went very well..Good job! I have an interview at a veterinary hospital tomorrow for receptionist/technician position in a brand new facility. Although I have some years working in a vet clinic, it has been awhile. I am confident I can fulfill the requirements of the actual job, it's the interview that concerns me?? I am currently working at a large, full service Humane Society but it's a bittersweet job,and at times,can be emotionally draining. I've decided working on the veterinary side of animal care is healthier for me. So wish me luck..Congratulations again on your new job!
p.s. I also own and care for horses! Take Care..

Equino in Stony Point, New York said: Well..."thanks" for your comment...got a job offer making $15.50 so your "advice" is no good.

Jessica's estimate was actually quite good for work in veterinary facilities in most areas of the country as an inexperienced veterinary assistant.

The fact that you have been hired on at a higher rate just means that you are in a special situation. Equine hospitals tend to pay a bit more because there is more risk and more heavy labor involved and the need for that special requirement "lots of experience with horses" which is hard to find and which means that you need less training for the basic tasks and decreases the risks during daily work because you have an idea of how to be safe around horses. You are also in an area of the country with a fairly high cost of living which affects pay as well. Neither of these nor the fact that you got hired in at a good rate makes Jessica's information incorrect.

PS. I used to be the head tech at an equine hospital and helped do the hiring.

Bay Trakehner in Grosse Pointe, Michigan said: Way to go Equino! Appears your interview went very well..Good job! I have an interview at a veterinary hospital tomorrow for receptionist/technician position in a brand new facility. Although I have some years working in a vet clinic, it has been awhile. I am confident I can fulfill the requirements of the actual job, it's the interview that concerns me?? I

Good luck with the interview!

Just be very aware that you cannot work as a veterinary technician nor call yourself one in Michigan unless you are licensed as a veterinary technician.

"Section 333 section 18811 Veterinarian or veterinary technician; license or authorization required; prohibited conduct; use of words, titles, or letters.
(2) After July 1, 1979, an individual shall not practice as a veterinary technician without a license."--
www.legislature.mi.gov

If you read my original post, I asked for advice on what to expect as far as interviewing for a potential job goes. I never asked what to expect for pay. I am well aware pay rate varies from area to area. In my particular area, newbies should expect to make between $12-14/an hour, with the more experienced and licensed techs making about $5 more an hour. I know a couple places that pay even more than that-one friend who's been working as a VT for years makes $50,000/year. It's a good area money wise. Anyway, I never said Jessica was wrong, just that comment had nothing to do with what I created this thread for.

I'm not working at an Equine Hospital, as much as I wish I could, even if the pay is much less. But the nearest clinic is still too far for me to justify.

How did your interview go, Bay Trakehner?

CindyRVT in Henderson, Texas said: Good luck with the interview!

Just be very aware that you cannot work as a veterinary technician nor call yourself one in Michigan unless you are licensed as a veterinary technician.

"Section 333 section 18811 Veterinarian or veterinary technician; license or authorization required; prohibited conduct; use of words, titles, or letters.
(2) After July 1, 1979, an individual shall not practice as a veterinary technician without a license."--
www.legislature.mi.gov

The position that was asked about was a Veterinary ASSISTANT - not a LVT etc - basically, they help the LVT's and Vets in a V Asst job, sometimes cleaning, feeding/care of o/n or boarding animals, cleaning equipment, phones, client check in/out - depends on the place - some use them for more than basic stuff - will help with lab work etc as well - it just depends on the clinic/hospital as to what your daily tasks would include -

I have a job interview on Friday with a local emergency pet hospital in Sacramento. I'm kind of in the same boat as Equino - I'm not sure what to expect and I don't really have any experience working in a vet office other than a short summer internship during college. Although, I have been working at a dog boarding facility for two years as a kennel tech and receptionist. Additionally, I have my degree in Animal Science.

The woman I spoke with also asked me about doing a "working interview" after the official interview. She mentioned a tech and that she'd be doing dentals that day. Do you think I'll be expected to assist considering my lack of experience (it's been YEARS since my vet internship) or in this case will I just be required to observe and answer questions? I'm kind of nervous and definitely confused. I don't want to show up there, ace the sit down interview, and look like a clueless fool when asked to do something during the working interview.

Just be honest! If the position is for an assistant, they won't expect you to be able to do a dental on your own your first day out. I've been at my job a few months now and LOVE it. I have learned SO much. I think the hardest thing most new people have is the terminology, figuring out what is what and where everything is. I've seen some of the newbies struggle with how to hold animals, and I know myself I was awkward about small dogs at first. Everyone I work with has been very helpful and explained everything thoroughly. I didn't do a working interview myself, but there have been some newbies who did, and that was to see if they had any experience, how they followed instruction, and basically to show them what the job would be about.

Good luck don't stress over it and just be honest!!!

Anyone know what potential pay rates would be working in Los Angeles as a licensed Vet Tech? I am currently a CPA and make $60K plus bonus and feel a little tight with money....but I HATE my job so much I just don't know if the financial stability is even worth it anymore. I absolutely love animals and would be happy spending the rest of career taking care of them. At the same time though, I do need to be realistic about supporting myself seeing that I am single with no family or marital support. Thoughts or anyone from LA? Thanks!!

jaimaste: Check out salary.com for info on pay rates in the Los Angeles area. You can expect much less than the $60k you make now as a CPA, and you will need to gain some experience in the industry. If you want to become a registered veterinary technician (RVT) in California, you will need an AS degree in veterinary technology from an accredited school in order to sit for the national exam (VTNE) then submit paperwork, and keep your registered status current via contininuing education. In considering a career change, don't forget about the opportunity costs that come with changing industries: education, entry-level jobs, lost income as you leave your current career or industry.... You could consider a BS degree and become a technologist with a specialty such as animal behavior or surgery technician, but even those won't typically match your current salary. Look up AAHA-accredited schools, too. However, if you love animals you may find the work rewarding, and you can always volunteer at shelters, ASPCA, Humane Society, and other places.

jaimaste: I meant AVMA-accredited schools.
www.avma.org

I am currently in school to become a RVT in California but in a year and a half I will be moving to Michigan. Would my RVT certificate transfer over into Michigan to be a LVT or do I need to go back to school all over again and start over? Or do I need to just take a general test in Michigan to qualify for my LVT?

Credentials (licensing, etc) doesn't automatically transfer from state to state and this is especially true coming from California because it is the only state that licenses veterinary technicians but doesn't require them to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam.

As long as you have your degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA accredited program, you should just have to apply for licensure in Michigan and take the VTNE. You can find Michigan's vet tech licensure packet here: www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch_vet_tech_full_appkt_88542_7.pdf