How I Became a Vet Tech Specialist (VTS)

Hi KZbin! This video is about my path to becoming a licensed veterinary technician, and eventually becoming a vet tech specialist in emergency and critical care. I review the lengthy process for both, and discuss some tips for those looking to start their journey into veterinary medicine.
Please like and subscribe for more vet med videos!
/ @jenniferlyonsvts
/ jenniferlyonsvts

[@AL-qd9pj]

I worked with you at Bluepearl. I was a receptionist and you gave me advice on studying. I did pass the VTNE and now I'm a CVT. I'm currently keeping my certification active, but I'm now working in human medicine transitioning into the human dental field entering in dental assisting and potentially going into dental hygiene. So neat to hear about your vet med journey! You are a such a great person && mentor. 🙏

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Yes I remember! Congrats on passing! I know you would. I’m glad to hear you’re still working towards your goals 🤗

[@kutekaren01]

Yes !!! Thank you for this video. Im currently working towards getting my VTS in ECC . We need more youtube videos like this on veterinary medicine 👏🏼

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Good luck! If you ever have any questions or want some guidance don't hesitate to reach out! My email is in the about section of my channel 🍀

[@joy-nd3ri]

Thank youuu for the Inspiration!!!!

[@meganboston8331]

love this video!! thank you so much for sharing your story, it's very inspiring!! :)

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much! I hope it helps others find their path!

[@dfizz25]

Thank you for creating this video! I’m also with MedVet in TX but in the surgery department.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Awesome! I love surgery too!

[@lesleycoviello4285]

Jennifer, you are a fabulous inspiration.I am an instructor at a small community college. Thank you for your clarity.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much! Let me know if there is anything specific you’d like to see!

[@randmorris4373]

Currently working toward my vet tech license and thinking I would LOVE to work in emergency after. Your videos make me more excited and I will definitely be coming back to the informative ones as I learn things like IV catheters, vitals, etc. I worked as a vet assistant for a year but got frustrated at the lack of knowledge training I was able to receive as an assistant so decided to take a break and then go back to school. Thank you for your channel!

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you! I definitely recommend looking into a specialty hospital/ER as they are chronically understaffed thus even new employees get the opportunity to learn a lot if you put the effort in. ER seems to be either a love it or hate department, but if you're happy with a fast pace, learning new things everyday, and sometimes staying late it's definitely a rewarding choice!

[@backcountrystitcher]

Great video Jen!

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you! 🥰

[@Nikiszasz]

Thanks for your videos! Currently starting the journey of school for this wonderful field:)

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you and good luck!

[@emilyslittlebooknook-8043]

Thank you so much I'm a pet sitter and I've been thinking about becoming a vet tech just so I have the knowledge but I currently can't Mange school and my business so information like your videos are a God send until I can move forward in my education

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much! If you have anything specific you want to hear about let me know!

[@rachelstephens3081]

MAAAAD respect to you!!!!!!

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much!

[@danrivera634]

I spend my free time searching for videos to compliment my beggining as a vet assistant, never herd anybody speak so fluent with all the terms related to works on the field and beyond. As soon as i stumble upon your first video yesterday i decided to follow the click buttom, thanks so much for sharing from the comfort of your home and have your cute kitty roam around. Your knowlege compliments your atractive looks very well. Lucky will be the man that becomes your partner for life. Ps should make an introducing video about your cats what are its name, how u found them, any health issues, etc.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much! The kitties definitely deserve their own video! Soon to come!

[@tayyay00]

I’m an anesthesia RVT (working at MedVet Cleveland!) who recently had to be out of practice for a few months due to my mental health. I’m planning to go back within the coming month and your videos are helping me to refresh my skills. Thanks a bunch! I hope my memory serves me well when the time comes.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

I’m sorry you had to take a break, but glad you were able to recognize what you needed. Good luck coming back!

[@mauroboros8566]

This is like the best niche KZbin channel! So glad I found I'm I'm just graduating vet tech school and considering what kind of VTS I'd like to Do. I've considered vet school too but the thought of the debt gives me a borderline panic attack

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you! Depending on your interests vet techs can do so much of the hands on work . I recommend working at a specialty hospital so you can try out a few departments and see what you like!

[@mauroboros8566]

@@jenniferlyonsvts I mainly work in GP now but I'm doing an externship at a big referral and emergency hospital and I love it there. Trying to get work there so I can keep getting ECC experience

[@jamiewhite5839]

Inspiring

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

[@radikalresale]

It's super impressive that you went from homeschooling to getting a masters! You must be dedicated-nice work.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much!

[@loreeprice2824]

Currently trying to work on the g.e.d and move forward .

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Good luck!

[@electricguidetips]

Hiii Jennifer ... good information yaa

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much!

[@electricguidetips]

@@jenniferlyonsvts Your welcomeeee....

[@user-ru6xs9gp5i]

Hi Jennifer! Thank you for sharing your story. I'm currently considering getting into Penn Foster's Vet Tech Program as I heard that it is a fully accredited program, so I would like to ask you if you would personally recommend Penn Foster to someone who wants to become a Vet Tech. (Because I really don't want to waste my time & money, and I'm not certain whether to get into Penn Foster or not.) Do you think I should just try to apply to a four-year vet school even if it takes more time to complete (or even to begin as it is harder to get in), or is Penn Foster a fine choice as well?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Well, I think you should reflect on what your ultimate goal is. Nursing and clinician are definitely different duties. For nursing, Penn Foster is fine if you are very self-motivated. The common problem I see is because the timeline is very flexible it's easy to let it lapse a little when work is busy, or life in general gets in the way.

[@ifhamali2318]

I am recently foreign graduated veterinarian can u tell me if I registered myself in ECVFG so after registration can I come to USA as a vet tech until I give my exams is that possible or I can choose other options like if I can pass my bcse which is first step before navle and after that can they allow me to do as a vet tech Job or I come to USA by just registration in ECVFG

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

I’m not super familiar with the foreign transfer program, but I have worked with some people who were veterinarians in other countries and work here as technicians. I don’t believe you need any specific documentation for it in Utah, but it’s probably state dependent.

[@jessj6042]

Currently working on my VTS Nutrition application and so worried about getting declined :(

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Good luck! I don’t know much about their application process but I’m sure the basics are the same. If you have any specific questions let me know!

[@joewarrick6043]

I am starting my vet tech aas program soon. I work at an exotic animal sanctuary here in Ohio. I’m not 100 percent sure what avenue I want to take when it’s all said and done but do you think getting my vet tech aas is a good place to start?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Getting your degree from an AVMA accredited school is definitely a good place to start, particularly combined with getting some on the job experience as a TA if you can.

[@soysury_23]

Should I go to college or go to a training school ?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Most states require graduation from an AVMA accredited technician school/trade school, as opposed to a general degree in biology from a traditional college.

[@justlauren3253]

I'm thinking about going back to school to become a vet tech. My concern is the pay. Do vet techs make enough to sustain themselves?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

I’m sure it is dependent upon area and skill level. In SLC the cost of the living is pretty high, but I make a livable wage nonetheless. But, the market is trending up to paying techs better, and I don’t think it will backslide. The value that we add and income we bring to a practice is more and more well understood, so I think as time progresses our pay will continue to as well.

[@amyeastman8764]

As a CVT with 25 years in the field, my answer is no. I mean, I can pay rent in a moderate COL area(not so great area) and I can buy food for myself. I can’t see being able to support a child on what I make without 2 incomes which isn’t guaranteed. I chose to not even risk that. Savings? LOL. I’m 50 now and still able to physically do the job but worried for the future as it’s super physically demanding and I can’t see being able to do all this lifting in my 60s. If I could go back in time I would have picked a different career path. One that isn’t so physically demanding and one where I could have saved for the future without working multiple jobs. My friends with IT jobs are doing really well. Should have done that! Also, many of my classmates from tech school are in human medicine now and made that change many years ago. I should have done that but no, stuck with the vet tech field. It’s interesting but even with advanced specialist tech certifications you won’t make very good money. If you can live really minimally or will always have 2 incomes you might be ok.

[@LinzyLinz7]

I think top pay for vet techs is $40k to $45k

[@elleseabraham520]

I’m a vet tech (unlicensed) with a bachelors degree in pre-med. I earn 70k/year. Some place, experienced vet techs are in high demand and will pay well. It’s all where you live too.

[@kristenbennett8495]

Congrats! I'm already a surgery technician that runs anesthesia daily we don't require licensing here in Florida but I am going for my A.S half way there! then will take the vtne hopefully pass, want to do my bachelor's and then my vts in anesthesia. 🤍 Would love to go for a master's if all goes well

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

That's awesome! I was so happy when I got licensed even though my state didn't require it. Good luck! Anesthesia is a hard one, but so interesting!