Reasons to become a tech...and not a vet...

#1. You don't have to diagnose. Perhaps you might think diagnosing would be cool. Finding out the problems...a big puzzle. Unfortunately, however, many of these puzzles are missing big pieces. As a tech, all you have to say when the client bombards you with questions is, 'that's a good question!' and go find a Dr. to explain everything. Or try to explain everything. We techs aren't supposed to diagnose or explain things to clients, and I love that. I generally don't know what all is going on anyhow, so it gives me a good excuse to not have to think of an intelligent response. Hey, I put the catheters in and draw the blood. There's a reason I didn't go to school to learn to explain the innerworkings of animals to people. And half the time they don't seem to listen to you anyhow. It's real fun trying to explain things to people who aren't actually listening. It is tempting at times to say to clients: 'Repeat after me. One pill twice daily, starting tonight.'

#2. You don't have to do surgery. I know some doctors love sx. I know others don't love it. I find myself especially thankful I don't have to do it when I'm monitoring an OVH for a 70# dog who has had puppies before. Layers of fat. Engorged everything. Lots of blood. I can be sympathetic to the vet, but there's no way I want to be the one removing that uterus/ovaries. No, I'm a big fan of giving moral support.

#3. The Dr. is ultimately responsible for everything. I like being given lists of things to do for animals. I really don't want to be the one in charge of curing them/deciding what to do.

#4. You don't have to deal with the backlash. Well, we've all had our share of upset clients to deal with, and we've all put out more than a few fires. But in the end, it's generally the Dr. who gets to deal with it. And I don't envy them.

#5. You don't have $100,000.000 in debt waiting for you when you graduate. Community college tuition is a wonderful thing. Being a tech isn't exactly the highest paying job around, but those who think that vets make alot of money are generally way off. Do not become a vet if you want to be rich.

I'm thankful there are people who want to become vets. But just make sure you understand that being a vet doesn't just include saving lives and grateful clients. That does happen, but being a vet can also be a very stressful thing. Thank goodness for wonderful clients, they make all the difference.