Show me the money...

Are you prepared to assist with any surgeries? Helping animals is what I want to do as well, but you need to be prepared for the bad parts too. like putting an animal down when it needs to be, or assisting with surgery.

Lyn in Lexington in Ary, Kentucky said: I have been an equine vet tech for over 22 years. Our hospital starts techs at $9.00 per hour. It doesn't matter if you are an LVT, CVT , have a 4 year degree or anything of this nature. You stick with it, improve your skills over time, get CE as you can, be honest, show that you have integrity and compassion and enjoy your job. I don't know anyone in this field who does this for money. High end salaries hit b/t 50K to 60K per year.

Hi
I know you posted this ages ago, but I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about the process to become a certified equine vet tech? I'm going to be starting college next year, and have been seriously considering trying to become an equine vet tech later in life, but don't know how people end up getting certified.
Thanks!

Hi, I went through veterinary technical institute they are located in florida to get my vet technician degree I just need to get my clinicals done which is 200 hours in a clinic and then I will have my diploma

There are no different requirements on a state level for being an equine veterinary technician than for being a veterinary technician working with any other species. If you want to go into equine work later, see if there are equine electives where you are earning your degree, attending continuing education events specific to equine medice (most veterinary conferences have an equine track) and get as much experience as you can with horses. There is a equine veterinary assistant certificate program offered through the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians. You can find out more about it through their website: www.aaevt.org

Cindy (or anybody else from TX)

So it is not necessary to become a CVT in TX???

(from the CVA Documents PDF)
Q: Are Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT) licensed in Texas?

A: No, RVTs are not licensed in Texas. They maintain a registered status with Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

So other than the above question... then why (other than self fulfillment) would it be necessary to go to a school and a 2 year degree (AS)?

John,
No, it is not required to be credentialed to work as a "veterinary technician" in Texas. Anyone regardless of age, education or work experience may be called a veterinary technician and be inducing, monitoring, maintaining anesthesia, performing dental cleaning, providing critical care nursing, etc etc in the state of Texas.
Considering that many of the tasks of a veterinary technician are done without a veterinarian standing over them and rely on the experience, knowledge, skill and judgement of the veterinary technician, doesn't it seem right that the people who want to perform these tasks on other people's animals (paying clients) should actually KNOW what they are doing? And before everyone goes off on the "but the vet trains them so there is no need for school" theory, I have worked in many practices in the state of Texas in the last 20 years and have seen WIDELY varying degrees of training for OTJ trained assistants and technicians. It is not uncommon for a vet to hire someone in and have them monitoring anesthesia on a patient their first day while the vet it out of the room with a simple instruction "if he stops breathing, call me". I worked as an OTJ trained assistant for 3 years before I started school and while attending college and the value of that formal education simply cannot be denied. Yes, the hands-on training is extremely important as well but if someone doesn't know why they should do something in a particular way or why it's important to even perform a task or when something that is noted during that task is not invaluable in diagnosing or providing continued appropriate care and needs to be addressed with the attending veterinarian then just being able to perform the task itself is of limited value.

Wouldn't you prefer to know that the person providing this kind of care for your animal actually KNOWS something about veterinary medicine?

--President, Texas Association of Registered Veterinary Technicians

The value of that formal education is that a broad range of important topics besides just "we do it like this" are covered so that there is a good background in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, surgical nursing, laboratory diagnostic testing, medical nursing, radiology, ultrasonography, medical terminology, animal husbandry, etc etc. This information may or may not be covered in OTJ training and the majority of it is only slightly ever touched on it OTJ training. Being able to understand the medical records is important to knowing what you need to monitor a patient for--so medical terminology is important. Understanding the safe use of radiology equipment for you and the patient--important. Understanding the anatomy of the patient so that you can position them appropriately for diagnostic imaging so that it can be done as efficiently and with as little exposure as possible is important. Knowing how to perform the diagnostic testing correctly and collect, ship and store specimens correctly means less need for repeat sampling and repeat testing and when there is possibly something faulty in the performance of the test that has led to innaccurate results. Understanding the pharmacology of the drugs used allows you to know when a change in a patient may be a side effect of a drug or from the interference of another drug or supplement with the drug in use.

There quite simply is too much that a veterinary technician should know that often doesn't get taught in an OTJ situation because of the lack of time and the need to see patients and make money to keep the facility open. (I've trained enough new assistants to know that no matter how hard you try OTJ to train, there is simply not enough time and important topics get missed.)

I need advice on becoming an equine vet tech under an associates degree...

Can one afford to live off the salary?

It very much depends on where you go to work. I know plenty of people who support themselves solely on the salary of a veterinary technician. You need to be selective about the positions you take rather than just going to work at any clinic. A large multi-vet equine hospital or a university teaching hospital is going to typically offer the best pay and benefits.

Michelle in Billings, Montana said: Can anyone explain the difference between being a registered, certified, or licensed vet tech and what is in most demand? Also, can anyone suggest a good school around the Rocky Mountain Region? I'm in MT and I know there isn't anything around this state. Thanks!

There are several that you can do - I am a RVT in Texas and I got my education on line, couldn't stop to go to school. The one I went to is Cedar Valley College, but most of my instructors left and started the one at San Juan College in NM. You can go that route if there is nothing around you. As to the letters, it depends on the state - Texas is RVT, Nevada is LVT - not sure the exact difference, but it seems that is is a state thing, what they want to call us. I'm sure that Cindy Dittmar will have an opinion on this one.

Good luck, I have actually left the field for a time to pursue other interests.

Roxanne M. RVT, CCRP

Michelle in Billings, Montana said: Can anyone explain the difference between being a registered, certified, or licensed vet tech and what is in most demand? Also, can anyone suggest a good school around the Rocky Mountain Region? I'm in MT and I know there isn't anything around this state. Thanks!

There is an excellant tech school in Northern Colorado, just across the border from you. get a CVT which is usually recognized in most states with the exception of CA where you need to become an RVT. Some of these responses I've read are extremely vague. IE the most you'll make in CO is $11.00 as a tech. Bottom line, don't waste the money, just go get the experience. You'll be treated badly by unrestered techs. There are only 4 things we can do as RVT/CVT: induce, suture, extract and one other I can never remember. We are required by law to identify hospitals prforming these things and can lose our licenses if we are called into court for any offenses that have gone unreported. To truly be successful you must gain experience and be willing to put up with alot of s#$t from others who have no respect for our experience and knowledge. Good luck with that. BUT you can make upwards of $22.00/hour if you are extremely skilled.

Licensure, registration and certification are all simply credentials showing that a person has met a set of standards as a veterinary technician. What someone is called depends on the state/group that is credentialing them. Licensure is granted by an actual governing body created by the state goverment and indicates a legal right to do something that those who are not licensed may not do. Registration doesn't necessarily indicate a legal right to do something that others may not and may be granted by a group other than a legal governing body. Certification again doesn't generally indicate the right to do something that others may not and it is most often a voluntary credentialing granted by a prefession organization or a teaching facility. But there are states who use the terms "registered" and "certified" to indicate someone who is actually licensed by the state, so it's important to look at exactly what state the credential is granted in to understand the legal ramifications. But for all of them they generally indicate that someone has a degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA accredited program and that they have passed at least 1 if not more exams to prove their knowledge and competence.

You can find a list of AVMA accredited veterinary technology degree programs (including distance education programs) through the AVMA website: www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs/vettech_programs.asp

Host said: What are typical veterinary technician salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

i am a CVT have been in this field for 6 years, i worked for cooporate only making $11/hour and now i am in a small practice at $16/hour, you do not make much :/

I hear what you are saynig and I also enjoy animals as well. But I want a pleasing salary as well. As you said I don't just want to CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!!

Just like jocquez said we do not make as much.

just like jocquez said we dont make as much and we need to do more than just CLEAN CLEAN!!!!!!

Jocquez in Edison, Georgia said: I hear what you are saynig and I also enjoy animals as well. But I want a pleasing salary as well. As you said I don't just want to CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!!

Hi Jocquez

I'm sorry but I wont agree with you. The salary of a veterinarian is also healthy. This depends on how well you are able to treat the animals. Also it would be surprising for you that excellent job opportunities are expected because of the relatively few veterinary graduates each year. This will lead to increase in income of veterinarian also. If you are still having any doubt you can go through the following site. I think this article will increase your hope with your profession.

veterinariantechnician.org/salary-information-for-veterinarian-technicians/

And above all for those who have love for animals gets job satisfaction in veterinary field only. Hope you'll agree with me.

I've been a veterinary technician for 8 years now..get licensed and work either in emergency medicine or a specialty practice. I work emergency and we get paid more for overnight shifts. I still don't make a ton of money, but it's enough for me to take care of myself. :) My normal salary is $18/hour, if that helps and I usually work 50-60 hours a week.

The money is not there. I was in a program and was offered a job at 7.50 an hour ($15,600) a year. The highest was 10.50 an hour ($21,840) a year. A single person cannot live on that unless you want to have nothing for the rest of your life. It might be fine when you are retired and need supplemental income or you are married and your spouse makes a good salary. I was told the profession did not pay what it should. I didn't know it was that bad. No wonder they are always looking for people. It doesn't pay. Be smart, look for a degree in something else that you will be able to support yourself and volunteer if you want anything to do with animals.

Hey I have to do a project where I interview several equine vet techs, would some one be able to assist me with that?

Hi guys,
I am in enrolled in a Veterinary Medical Technology program in Mississippi and love it! No, the money is not why I chose this career, but it is not horrible pay. From everything I have gathered, getting certified, licensed, registered, etc. is what will determine your getting a respectable job. Not to mention being good at what you do! There is also a Veterinary Technician National Examination that you will be required to take after graduating from any program. I just wanted others to know that there ARE programs that offer bachelor's degrees, not just associate degreees. This also will increase your pay! Another way to increase salary is by becoming specialized. The best thing about vet tech careers is that there are SO many options, where DVMs can be quite limited. Canine rehabilitation, equine rehabilitation, nutrition, dentistry, internal medicine, and anesthesia are just a few of the specialities offered!. I was nervous about the pay when I began to think about my future after graduation, but after properly informed that veterinary technicians can be so valuable in veterinary medicine, I have no worries. I even have my foot in the door to go on to get my DVM, if that is what I decide. Bottom line, go for your bachelors degree if you want to move up in this field.

Oh, and working in a veterinary setting calling yourself a "vet tech" without going to an AVMA accredited program is illegal. You are a veterinary assistant, and you did not gain a degree in this profession, therefore you do not deserve the title. Sorry, but it's becoming a huge problem with me since starting this program. I am learning a lot of valuable information that has by no means been easy! Please feel free to contact me if there is anyone with questions concerning my school, I'm so proud of it,, I would love to tell anyone more.

i can make much os to a pinclple

I am currently taking the Penn foster distance program for veterinary technicians. So after passing the national exam, what would the credentials be in California: LVT, RVT, or CVT?
Also, if I wanted to work with other animals other than domestic pets, does it help if I did volunteer work at an aquarium? Three years in education department and soon a year in husbandry at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Thanks for all your help.

For credentialing in California, you don't take the Veterinary Technician National Exam. California is in fact the only state that credentials technicians that doesn't use that exam. California's veterinary licensing board has their own test. That being said, if you think that you might ever work outside of California, you may want to go ahead and take the VTNE right after school because it will be much easier to pass when all of the knowledge is fresh and all other states do require it for credentialing.

In California you will be an RVT.

You can find all of the forms and information on becoming an RVT in California on the state veterinary licensing board website: www.vmb.ca.gov/applicants/forms.shtml

If your goal is to continue working with fish and other water creatures then yes having the experience at the aquarium will be a boost. Even if you choose to work in a different area the work experience will still be valuable on your resume.

All of these comments are very helpful everyone! I have applied to the bachelors Veterinary Technology Program here at Mississippi State University and I plan on specializing in equine medicine to become an equine vet tech. To specialize in equine medicine, would it be better (money wise) to get certification with the AAEVT as a Certified Equine Vet Tech or to get a masters degree in Equine Medicine? What's the most I can do education wise to get the best salary as a Vet Tech? (As you can see, i'm very worried about the pay. I want to do everything I can in school while i'm in school to get the best pay as I can). Where are equine Vet Techs paid the most in the US? California, Texas, and Florida look good. I know that's a lotta questions but any response would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Forgot to add, how would I be able to get a state government or federal job as a Vet Tech? If that's possible. I'm guessing the next best thing to those that I could do is work in a large Equine hospital.

Rebecca,
There isn't a masters degree specifically in equine medicine. You would be a veterinary medical degree and be qualified to be a veterinarian if you wanted to take your education that far. If your goal is to make the most money, you need to focus on being selective about the jobs you take and not run up too much in school debt right off. Very few jobs for veterinary technicians require a bachelors degree and a masters degree and then working as a veterinary technician is not a realistic idea. The sheer amount of student loan debt would be overwhelming.

You can be a veterinary technician (even an equine veterinary technician) with a 2 year degree in veterinary technology. Then to be a veterinary technician specialist in equine nursing you would complete the Academy for Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians's board requirements which include a specific number of hours working as an equine veterinary technician, keeping case logs and passing a board exam. www.aaevt.org/aaevtacademy.html

Of the states you listed, only 1 currently licenses veterinary technicians and it's in areas where techs are licensed that you are likely to make the most money. Florida doesn't recognize credentialed veterinary technicians at all legally. Texas recognizes RVTs but we haven't gotten licensed here yet meaning just like in Florida anyone regardless of education can apply for vet tech jobs and that really brings down the average pay for the position because vets can hire high school students with no education/training and pay minimum wage. Kentucky would be a better option for someone looking to be a VTS in equine veterinary nursing because of the sheer number and quality of large equine facilities and the laws governing vet techs in that state.

To find state or federal goverment jobs as a vet tech, you check out the government websites for agencies that have anything to do with animals such as the center for disease control and apply for positions.

But be aware that there aren't likely to be government jobs specifically with horses. These jobs tend to deal more with food animals or mixed animals.

Thank you so much Cindy! Those are some very helpful tips.

I am doing the accredited Veterinary Technology program at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA and the entire 83 credit program costs a total of $2,900 ($36/credit). What's with all these outlandish education fees of $30,000+?? They must be private colleges. Why not just go to a public college and pay 10 times less? :)

I am doing the accredited Veterinary Technology program at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA and the entire 83 credit program costs a total of $2,900 ($36/credit). What's with all these outlandish education fees of $30,000+?? They must be private colleges. Why not just go to a public college and pay 10 times less? :)

I am a Practice Manager for a vet clinic in Houston. I have hired 4 techs from the vet tech school here and fired every one of them. They did not have the skills necessary to work in an average paced clinic. I kept most of them at least 90 days to give them time to adapt and learn our own protocols. I am not sure what kind of hands-on training they get, but they couldn't restrain a typical dog or cat. I cannot have that liability or danger looming. I hope with all the new tech schools popping up that the AVMA will put some stricter guidelines or testing in for becoming a tech. I would hope a new graduate can do more than run fecals and labwork. If you are going to a tech school, please apply yourself and learn everything you can. There are so many graduating techs out there you really have to stand out to become that invaluable employee.

nawirl in Houston, Texas said: I am a Practice Manager for a vet clinic in Houston. I have hired 4 techs from the vet tech school here and fired every one of them. They did not have the skills necessary to work in an average paced clinic. I kept most of them at least 90 days to give them time to adapt and learn our own protocols. I am not sure what kind of hands-on training they get, but they couldn't restrain a typical dog or cat. I cannot have that liability or danger looming. I hope with all the new tech schools popping up that the AVMA will put some stricter guidelines or testing in for becoming a tech.

Has the Vet Tech Institute sent you new grad employment surveys to fill out? The AVMA uses the graduates VTNE scores and employment surveys to help assess the quality of education that grads from each program are getting, so if you haven't filled out a survey you should contact VTI Houston and get one so that you can document the issues you see with their graduates.

And be aware that you can contact the AVMA yourself and let them know about your concerns over the program so that they can take it into account the next time the do a reaccreditation visit to the program.

Host said: What are typical veterinary technician salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

how much do ya'll make a year