Thank you, next! Celebrating career paths of the veterinary technician

Sponsored by Banfield Pet Hospital

They are the nucleus to the veterinary team. They are the ones who know where you last left your stethoscope. And when you can’t find them it’s because they are in the middle of delegating and doing the 5 different tasks you asked them to do. They are the veterinary technicians and assistants.

Katrina Lafferty, RLAT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia).

As we celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week this October, it’s an opportune moment to recognize and celebrate the essential role veterinary technicians play in the animal health care industry. The profession, often misunderstood as a stepping stone to becoming a veterinarian, is in fact a multifaceted career with numerous opportunities for growth, specialization, and leadership. For veterinary technicians and those considering this path, understanding the breadth of career options can be inspiring and empowering.

I was chatting with an incredible veterinary technician at Fetch Kansas City, Katrina Lafferty, RLAT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), about the array of options veterinary technicians have in our industry. The conversation inspired me to share with you the wonderful career paths available out there.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 120,000 veterinary technicians in the US, and the profession is expected to grow by 15% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects the increasing demand for veterinary services, driven by pet ownership trends and advancements in veterinary medicine.

Ellen Carozza, LVT, VTS (CP-Feline).

In general, a veterinary technician’s education typically includes a 2-year associate degree from an accredited veterinary technology program, followed by passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). However, the journey doesn’t end there. For those looking to expand their skill set and career opportunities, numerous paths exist within the field.

Clinical practice: the bedrock of veterinary technicians

In practice, veterinary technicians perform a wide range of tasks, from taking patient histories and assisting in surgeries to performing diagnostic tests and educating clients. Assisting in surgery, dentistry, patient care, client communication, and much more, the veterinary technician wears many hats, which can be a great opportunity to play to their strengths while challenging them with available opportunities.

With additional experience and certifications, some technicians may even move into supervisory or management roles, overseeing other technicians and support staff. Just another crucial reason to send veterinary technicians and assistants (and the entire team for that matter) to continuing education. Technicians can earn certificates, advance their knowledge, and network with peers.

Feliza Lopez, LVT, VTS (ECC).

Veterinary technician specialties: a path to expertise

For those who wish to delve deeper into a specific area of veterinary medicine, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America recognizes Veterinary Technician Specialties (VTS). These include anesthesia and analgesia, behavior, clinical pathology, dentistry, dermatology, emergency and critical care, equine, internal medicine, laboratory animal, nutrition, oncology, ophthalmology, physical rehabilitation, and zoological medicine.

Becoming a VTS involves a rigorous process that includes several years of experience in the chosen specialty, advanced continuing education, case logs, and passing a comprehensive examination. The reward, however, is significant. A VTS designation not only enhances a technician’s knowledge and skills but also opens doors to higher-level positions, increased earning potential, and the ability to make a greater impact in the field.

Lafferty is an excellent example of the versatility of the VTS degree. She was a senior technician in the anesthesia and pain management department at the University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison until 2016, when she transitioned to the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center at UW to be a senior technician in the anesthesia and surgery department. She is actively involved in educating the veterinary community, through her writing and speaking engagements.

If you are interested in a particular species and want to earn a VTS in feline, for example, you can do that too. Ellen Carozza, LVT, VTS(CP-Feline), has worked in many sectors of veterinary medicine. She is currently a consultant for The Cat LVT, LLC, and is president of the Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation, dedicated to helping other rescues and shelters with the critical neonatal and pediatric patient. You can also find Carozza at a small feline practice in northern Virginia.

Camia Tonge, MS, LVT, VTS (SAIM).

And the role of the veterinary technician can even expand beyond one country. One superstar is equally passionate about DEI within our profession. Feliza Lopez, LVT, VTS (ECC), has been a licensed veterinary technician since 2011, spending most of her career at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center of New York, a Level One trauma center. She actively participates in international veterinary programs for underserved Latin American communities and holds a leadership position.

Beyond the clinic: nontraditional career paths

Although clinical practice is the most common career choice for veterinary technicians, it is by no means the only option. Many veterinary technicians find fulfilling careers in nonclinical settings, where their skills and knowledge are equally valuable, such as research and laboratory settings, education and training, industry and sales, consulting, writing, animal welfare and shelter medicine, zoo medicine, and wildlife medicine.

Camia Tonge, MS, LVT, VTS (SAIM), works as the clinical director of dentistry, neurology, interventional radiology and endoscopy at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. She has also served on the executive board of the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians and was recently named a winner in the dvm360 Veterinary Heroes program!

Mike Natale, LVT.

Michael Natale, LVT is an educator in a Long Island, New York, public high school, teaching topics such as anatomy, pharmacology, surgery, and parasitology. His students learn the theory and the practical side, preparing for careers in veterinary medicine. He also practices as a per diem LVT and is the northeast hiring manager at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG).

As we celebrate this week and month, let’s acknowledge the vital role veterinary technicians play in our practices and encourage them to explore the many avenues available to them, advancing their careers and, ultimately, the field of veterinary medicine itself. Thank you, veterinary technicians and assistants for all you do. Keep on shining!