What is your role at the College?
I graduated from MSU’s Veterinary Technology Program in 1993. (Wow…has it really been 24 years since I graduated?!) I currently serve on the faculty of that same program. In that role, I get to work with some great colleagues and vet tech students in a field I love. Currently, I teach in both didactic and laboratory settings. I get to pass on my expertise in those areas, as a well as attempt to instill the same passion I have for my career and the vet tech industry.
Why do you do what you do?
In general, a technician serves as a veterinary nurse. Technicians (although, I prefer the term veterinary nurses) help the veterinarian with the primary care and wellness of the patient by assisting with diagnoses, running tests, serving on a surgery team, and MANY other responsibilities.
Veterinary nurses serve as the main advocate for the patient…the animals! We are responsible for their short- and long-term care, including helping make them comfortable while administering the plan for a long and healthy life.
Veterinary nurses also serve as the liaison for the client. We need to provide emotional support and help inform the client in times of need. Animals are often considered family members and we serve as a knowledgeable and calming presence as they bring these family members to us for any medical needs.
On a personal note, I love teaching the next generation of veterinary nurses. They often have an innate passion for working with animals that I attempt to foster into a stronger love for their patients, clients, and careers!
What is the career of a vet tech like?
The veterinary technology field has a wide range of opportunities for graduates. A vet tech can work in private and public settings and treat a wide assortment of species (any combination of small, large, exotic, wildlife, and mixed animal settings).
In addition to private practice, there are opportunities in pharmaceuticals, government/military, and laboratory organizations. Techs can specialize in areas for which they have the most passion, like surgical nursing, radiology, dentistry, ophthalmology, or other fields.
Since the opportunities are so wide-spread, our students get exposed to a number of skills that they will continue to foster beyond graduation. Such competencies as communication and interpersonal skills, as well as problem solving and critical thinking, are all important in this field.
What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about being a vet tech?
Time and time again, I get the impression that people think being a vet tech is easy. Far from it! Techs need a wide and deep understanding of both medical and interpersonal skills.
The role of a tech encompasses medical knowledge (regarding many species!), compassion for the animal (including teeth and claws), AND the client and, at times, it can be quite physically demanding.
Techs often serve as the face of the practice for which they serve and for the veterinary field as a whole. They spend the most time with the client, as well as the patient.
What is the most important thing you teach your students?
I try to instill and foster a sense of passion for their patients, clients, and themselves. They also need to be lifelong learners with a love of deepening their expertise and skillsets throughout their careers.
Being a veterinary technician isn’t a very glamorous career. And it certainly doesn’t come with a big paycheck. But you’ll never find a group of more dedicated animal lovers. We’re proud of our chosen profession and I love what I do!