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Paths to success Don't let burnout keep you from the field you love. Learn from these four veterinary technicians who took control of their careers and made their own paths to success. by J.L. Sommars One of the most common complaints from veterinary technicians is burnout. The average veterinary technician lasts about five years before he or she turns to another line of work. If you love the work and want to stay in the veterinary profession, what can you do? The following veterinary professionals - all of whom started out as technicians (and one still happily is) - are examples of how more education and updated skills can lead to a new veterinary career or renew your satisfaction in being a technician. Specializing brings rewards Amy Levensaler, CVT-VTS, is one of the first veterinary technicians in the nation to become a specialist in anesthesia. She earned her associate degree from Becker College in 1993 and worked at Tufts University in North Grafton, Mass. "I became interested in anesthesia after getting involved in emergency and critical care," she explains. "In 2001, they offered the first veterinary technician specialist exam in the field and I decided to apply." It wasn't an easy process, she admits. "You're required to submit huge amounts of information, dozens of detailed case reports, letters of recommendation and a list of the technical skills you've mastered," Levensaler says. "It took me months to put together the paperwork. Then I had to wait while the board reviewed my application." She was among the first nine technicians to take the grueling, four-hour exam. "I cried afterwards because I figured I'd failed," she said. She figured wrong. Levensaler received her VTS, a salary increase and the pride that comes with being one of less than 100 anesthesia specialists in the nation. "I couldn't have done it without the veterinarians at Tufts," she says. "You really need a support system to get through the process and, fortunately, I had Dr. Maria Glowaski, Dr. Lois Wetmore, Dr. Alicia Karas and Dr. Elizabeth Rozanski encouraging me." Having a specialty made Levensaler more marketable. When she decided to reenter the job market last year, Levensaler was swamped with job offers. She accepted a position at Dover Veterinary Hospital, a referral specialty practice, in Dover, N. H. As head of anesthesia and surgery Levensaler pursues her passion for helping animals suffering from pain and anxiety. She continues to mentor other technicians who are seeking to specialize. "It's a big commitment. You really have to want to do it. I did it for personal satisfaction, not a potential pay increase." She's also thinking about getting a second specialty in emergency and critical care. "It's one of my next goals," Levensaler says. "I need to keep myself constantly challenged." From CVT to owner Michael Andrews is the first president of AAHA to hold veterinary technician and DVM degrees. "I liked being a vet tech," he says, "But I wanted to run my own operation." Andrews got his wish. He returned to school and graduated from Purdue University in 1983. After working as an associate and hospital director, he now owns Woodcrest Veterinary Clinic, a small animal hospital in Riverside, Calif. "Making the difficult phone calls when a pet is lost is tough. And there's the paperwork," he says. "But, on the plus side, you can only blame yourself if you're the practice owner." Having worn both hats, Andrews appreciates the challenges - and occasional misunderstandings - shared by veterinarians and their technicians. "Some vets don't see their techs as professionals," he says. "Fortunately, that's less and less the case. On the other hand, vet techs don't always appreciate the pressures on vets... the business and financial concerns." He admits some veterinarians, himself included, have trouble letting go. "It's not a matter of trust," he says, "Many of us have difficulty changing our habits." He advises technicians to "be patient and work with your vets to help them realize the value you create by taking on more responsibility." Andrews also believes career development is a shared responsibility. "In our hospital, we make it part of the review process," he says. "Continuing education is an important part of the growth of the person and the practice. "That doesn't mean sending everybody across the country to attend major meetings," he says. "There are lots of online programs available, as well those that can take place in the hospital through CD-ROM or audio conferences. "The CE opportunities are so much greater than they were five to seven years ago. Smaller hospitals can participate without investing huge amounts of time and resources." Veterinary school isn't for everyone, Andrews admits. "But, if you decide to give it a try, even if you don't ultimately graduate and become a vet, the knowledge you gain will benefit you and your career." 25 years, still going strong Pam Mahlie, RVT, has been a veterinary technician for 25 years and - the Good Lord willing, she says - intends to keep working until she's 90. "It breaks my heart when I meet others who've devoted six or 10 years and are frustrated and thinking about getting out," Mahlie says. "The demand's never been greater for qualified techs." Mahlie has worked part time most of her career while raising five children. "Mothering is the most important part in my life," she says. "I want an employer who respects my family time. In return, I've tried to make myself so valuable they can't afford to lose me." Mahlie spends 20 hours a week at the Western Veterinary Clinic in South Bend, Ind. On weekends, she frequently commutes two hours to work for her former employer, St. Joe Center Veterinary Hospital, in Fort Wayne. Mahlie also attends trade shows across the country representing Premier Pet Products, which markets pet-friendly behavior management products. "We moved to South Bend in 2002 when my husband changed jobs," she says. "The practice is primarily small animal and equine. I haven't worked with horses or alpacas before, so I'm learning something new every day. It's like I'm a rookie again. I'm having fun." She understands the frustration some in her profession feel about low wages and long hours. "Don't be afraid to voice your concerns or feelings," she advises. "If you can't work things out, there's probably someone around the corner who would love to have your experience and maturity. If you're unhappy and can't perform well you're not doing anybody any favors by sticking around." She recommends technicians take advantage of opportunities to keep from getting stale. "Continuing education can benefit you and your practice. Get involved with your state and national organizations and read their publications. You'll learn new things and bring back ideas that will make you an even more valuable to your team. "Volunteer in your communities," she adds. "Speak at local schools, get involved in the FFA or 4-H. It's good for your heart and soul. You'll get excited about your profession again." Stepping up to manager "Fifteen years ago, if you told me I'd be spending all my time in business management, I would've said you were crazy," Jenny Rasmussen, CVPM, CVT, admits. "I didn't take a single business class in high school or college. That's why I became a vet tech. I liked animals more than I liked people." Now Rasmussen is a practice manager for several Twin Cities animal hospitals and has never been happier. She started out as a veterinary technician for John Baillie of Minneapolis' Cedar Pet Clinic. When Baillie purchased his practice from its corporate owner in 1989, he needed someone to manage it. "I was the head tech and had been there longer than anyone else, so it seemed natural I'd step up and take on the job," she says. "But I knew I needed training." Over the next several years she attended AAHA's Veterinary Management Institute at Purdue University and became certified by the Veterinary Hospital Manager's Association. "It's been a struggle," she says. "I had to put myself out of my comfort zone. As a tech, I could do my job in my sleep. In my new job, I had to develop leadership and people skills." To this day, Rasmussen maintains her technician certification and says the hardest part of the transition is not being able to work with the animals. She still manages Baillie's practice, but as an independent contractor. Rasmussen and her partner, Linda Spengler, CVT, have formed their own corporation and provide management services to other area animal hospitals. What career advice would Rasmussen offer today's veterinary technicians? "Don't stagnate. Look for bold ways to get involved in your clinics. If you're not certified, I'd encourage you to take classes and get your certification. Then, keep going. Keep pushing yourself. Continue your training in a specialty area. "And don't be afraid to take business classes," Rasmussen adds with a laugh. "Looking back, that's the one thing I would have done differently." The common denominator in all of these stories is that each person took action to achieve his or her goals. For technicians willing to get more education and training and willing to take some chances, the veterinary profession offers many rewarding opportunities. J.L. Sommars, a Denver-based freelance writer, recently helped a Marine dog handler track down the cousin of Sugar, the German shepherd that saved his life in Vietnam more than 35 years ago. As published in Trends magazine, September/October 2006. Copyright © 2006 American Animal Hospital Association (www.aahanet.org). All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced by any means for any purpose without prior written permission of the publisher. |
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