Vet techs/assistants...opinions needed!?

Question

Just a little background info. first...I currently have a degree in Marketing, and although I'm very happy having it, I'm really looking for a job that I can feel some self worth with and one that I can really feel like I am making a difference.

Here is my dilemma:

I don't know if I'd like to pursue an administrative role in veterinary services, and also get certified as a vet assistant so that I can perhaps cross train and take on both roles, OR go for the vet technician program.

Both sound ideal to me, so I really need some REAL input from those in these types of positons, on advantages/disadvantages of both, whatever they may be. Also, which is more rewarding, and what's likely to pay more. Possibly the difficulties each present. How difficult are the courses that are needed for these positions?

Also, do you think having a business degree and/or experience will help with either of these positions?

Thanks a bunch for any advice you can give! :)

I have not worked for a vet before. Although I don't mind some dirty work, and love to help animals. I think I'm leaning more toward the administrative side, but really want to know if it will be handy to get vet assistant certification to better understand what's going on. Would also having this knowledge along with my business degree help me to get an administrative position? Maybe later down the line after working for a vet, I would decide if vet tech would be something I'm interested in.

Answer 1

Being a vet assistant or certified tech can be very rewarding. You have to be able to handle a wide variety of duties, from kennel work to surgical nursing. The pay isn't known for being great, and some workplaces have better benefits than others. You'll make a living, but you'll never be rich! If you like the medical aspect, but don't want hands-on, then you can become a certifed veterinary practice manager. Your business experience would come in very handy for this. You might want to volunteer some hours at a local hospital to get an idea of what goes on--it can be very eye-opening! And remember, this is a "people" job as much as it is an animal job, if not more so.

Answer 2

business degree would probably help in the administrative part. have you worked for a vet? r u sure that is the job you want. you have to pick up heavy dogs, (stinky and gross ones most of the time), you have to see and smell very icky stuff - maggots abcesses etc. and you will be stuck with most of it the doc doesn't want to do, fight with mean cats and dogs, clean animals nasty teeth that fall out just by touching them, etc. if that sounds good to you then go for it. become a tech- if not stick with office work. though every office i have worked at you have to be a jack of all trades meaning office work and hands on with the animals. i worked as a vet assistant for several years until i had my children and loved it.- i know after the previous things i wrote it seems weird, huh?