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The Fullest Extent

Industry | December 2023

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Are veterinary clinics properly utilizing all that their veterinary technicians bring to the team?

 

Earlier this year, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) released the results of its 2022 Demographic Survey.

The survey results reveal the following:

  • The average veterinary technician is earning 25% more than in 2016.
  • More than 70% of veterinary technicians have an associate degree,
    up 16% from 2016.
  • More than one-third of veterinary technicians have student loan debt,
    averaging $29,700/person.
  • One-third of veterinary technicians have a second job, most often full-time.

Veterinary Advantage asked NAVTA President Jamie Rauscher for her thoughts on some of the survey results.

What are some keys to job satisfaction for veterinary technicians?

Being valued for the education they have received, using their title appropriately, making a livable wage, and work/life balance.

What do veterinary clinics need to do to retain their veterinary technicians?

In order for clinics to be able to retain their CrVTs, clinics need to be utilizing them to their fullest extent, appropriately respecting their titles, paying them well and overall appreciating them for their contributions to the medical practices of their clinics.

Of the biggest issues affecting veterinary technician, compensation was at the top. How can that be improved? 

Practice owners need to realize that with the current job market, a CrVT could walk out of any clinic and have a job within a week. You have to pay your staff well to retain them. In addition to that, positively rewarding them with a job well done adds to the desire to stay in a clinic. PTO, good benefits, retention bonuses and CE allowances all help to contribute to a positive portfolio a clinic can offer to their staff. Paying them well comes with a price tag that can be daunting at times. Utilizing them appropriately will balance that out, allowing your veterinarians to continue to provide good medicine, bringing in additional income to the clinic.

 

MEET THE LEADER

Jamie Rauscher, LVT  is medical manager of Animal Hospital of Woodstock, Georgia-based Towne Lake, and President of NAVTA.

 

According to NAVTA’s 2022 Demographic Survey, the “typical” NAVTA Member fits this profile:

  • Female (91%)
  • Aged 38.9 (average)
  • White/Caucasian (90%)
  • Has an AA/AAS degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary technology
  • Is credentialed as either a Certified, Licensed, or Registered Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, RVT)
  • Has been a NAVTA member 1-5 years (51%) or 6-10 years (21%)
  • Is also a member of their state veterinary technician association
  • Has been in the veterinary profession an average of 14.4 years
  • Is employed at a private practice
  • Has been working at their current job an average of 6.8 years
  • Works an average 37.5 hours/week
  • Earns an average $26.50/hour
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