Veterinary Salary, Penn Foster & Pet Insurance | GRWM & FAQ

[@Midmists]

I am at the end of my third term at PennFoster. It's really nice for people who work full time, don't have a lot of free time for school. It's work at your own pace but you have about a year to finish each term (anticipated finish time is about 6-8 months) so they give a lot of time to finish. On top of that you can pay for a 6 month extension twice throughout the program. You have to finish the program in 6 years to get the degree. That is a crazy long time they give you. They allow you to have payment program for each term and it goes up each term by about $50 if you don't end with a $0 balance by the end of each term. If you don't have the self motivation to make your own deadlines, then this may not work for you. You only have to shoot videos at the end of the 2nd and 4th term for your externship. Unlike Magen, I feel they were the hardest part because not only do you have to video what your doing, you have to write a little essay on almost each skill. With citing. You have to research and cite all of your work. I think there was like 32 skills. You have 10 weeks to get it done. For me, who isn't that good with that stuff I almost didn't make the 10 week deadline. I recommend volunteering or working in a veterinary clinic before starting PennFoster if you can because I feel some of the questions on the quizzes aren't REALLY answered in the book or the online study guides. They do have webinars so if you cant get a job in the field you can attend a webinar to get any questions answered (also you can email your teacher) but I felt I was able to get the answer correct because I knew it from work experience. Also, I am looking forward to Let's Go Eevee personally. Love Pokemon!

[@TheBirchFamily]

Thank you so much for your comment! I always feel so useless whenever people ask me my advice about Penn Foster, because I have no idea! haha YESSS LETS GO EEVEE!!!! I AM SO EXCITED :)

[@katestevanez9684]

Midmists Hey! Are you taking classes for Vet Tech or Vet Assistant?

[@Midmists]

Katrina Canlas I am taking classes to become a Certified Vet Tech. Starting my last term soon.

[@Belieberyazmine]

I studying to become a Vet Tech at PennFoster and I really like it. I work full-time and to support myself and 2 dogs. So this program is perfect for someone who works full-time.

[@TheDobermanlover12]

I am in my final semester of penn Forster. It is an amazing program. Very hard. And you have to stay on top of your studies because you do not necessarily have a dead line. You are right! Lol videos are at the end of 2nd and 4th semesters

[@TheDobermanlover12]

Daniela Roias it was pretty easy for me to find a place to do my externship. I work for 2 practices a private and banfield pet hospital. If you have a banfield near you they should host you for the externship. The videos were a lot easier than I thought it would be.

[@Serenityblu23]

I am doing pen n foster right now. I am trying to break it down and keep it as you said in your post. I'm in the 1 st semester though. I nervous about it though

[@TheDobermanlover12]

Serenityblu23 I was super nervous too. It took me 3.5 years to finish my program. The externship is the easy part

[@Serenityblu23]

I have until nov 28 th to finish my 1 st semester. I have delays with some things but am working on it now. I am in the 2 nd class and have about four more classes till I am done.

[@TheBirchFamily]

Thank you so much for your comment! I always feel so useless whenever people ask me my advice about Penn Foster, because I have no idea! haha

[@ChristineBudgets]

Even though I work in veterinary medicine currently, I do have my bachelor’s degree in Human Resources & it’s actually illegal for an employer to tell you that you can’t discuss how much money you make. I know why they say that - they don’t want people to feel unfairly compensated or ask for more money - but I just felt like I should throw that out there!

[@TheBirchFamily]

Oh. My. Gosh. I didn't know that!!!!! ALL of my past employers (and current) have it in the hand book that you can't discuss pay and they make us sign it. Is that illegal too??? I'm mind blown..... I've always been so scared I would get into trouble! haha

[@ChristineBudgets]

Victoria Birch Technically it’s in violation of the National Labor Relations Act, an employer can’t tell you that you aren’t allowed to discuss your wage - because it’s your right. Most companies don’t ever get turned in for violating the NLRA & when they do the fines are pretty minimal, so most of the time employers don’t get in much trouble for it. Hence why they continue to do it. I also think most people don’t realize that it’s completely legal to discuss your salary / compensation - because employers lead you to believe it’s not or that you’ll get in trouble for it. Obama even signed an executive order during his administration that federal employees could not be retaliated against for discussing their pay openly with coworkers. Part of the reason he did it, is because it helps to limit pay discrimination (i.e. unequal pay amongst men, women, minority groups, etc). - in smaller companies retaliation is probably more common - because they know you aren’t likely to take them to court, or file a complaint against them.

[@gracewarinner7929]

I'm in my first semester with Penn Foster and I'm really loving it so far! There is so much information to retain, but like you said it's so important to really put in the effort and not take advantage of the online format. I just recently started watching your videos (before I started school) and they have always been so inspiring to jump into veterinary medicine.

[@kyliebryant3442]

My local community college has a very good vet tech program and I’m trying my hardest to get into it for next spring. They only offer it every spring so I’m praying real hard I don’t have to wait another year. I already knew this is something I’ve truly wanted to do but it’s been stressing me out and your videos just help me confirm that if I really want it don’t give up!

[@TheBirchFamily]

I'll be crossing my fingers for you! Let me know if you get in! Best of luck :)

[@MARKBALBIN]

The nationwide plan that you talked about is whole pet and not that many pets qualify. I got a quote for my own pets and they are only qualified for major medical which has over 180 condition exclusions, reimbursements are on a benefit schedule meaning that nationwide/vpi sometime not pay the actual vet bill. I also work as a vet receptionist and there have been times when clients paid thousands only to be reimbursed in the tens and hundreds (or pennies). I recommend healthypaws or trupanion, 90% coverage, no condition exclusions; only difference is trupanion can pay ur vet directly (so not all insurance are pay now and get reimbursed later; if your vet agrees all u have to do is pay trupanions exclusion and they'll pay their part) and is on a per condition lifetime of pet deductible. Definitely enroll your pet day 1 since u can't know whether they'll get parvo, uri, hit by car or break their bone - which I have met and dogs and cats personally!! Wellness should never be a part of insurance as these are things that are expected and can be saved - will just increase your premiums or lower your coverage. I know this is long already but I also am a penn foster student in my 1st semester. I really like it but it requires a lot of self motivation, researching your own answers if you have questions, being active. I have been a student for almost 1 year and will need to pay to extend my semester but I did get married, bought a house, work full time and had a loss in the family. For salary in the vet field they are definitely not as well as their human counterparts. Here in WASHINGTON reception and vet assistance is about $10-$15 avg/hr, techs get a couple dollars more and for vets if you look it up their starting salary is about $50k but many with $200,000+ school debt in their back.

[@sfreabe]

Girl, I know how much you love your dentistry and I legit just met a lady here in Colorado that specialized in small animal dentistry and she brought home 70k a year. Check into it!

[@TheBirchFamily]

I 100% will be checking into that!

[@skellymom]

Definitely more money in specialty in this field!

[@pandajo5449]

I am currently enrolled in the Penn Foster Vet Tech program and it is really nice how self paced it is, as I myself do work full time and support 5 animals along with my fiancé. However it is super easy to blow off and forget about it, especially if you are really busy with other school work from a different institution like I am. You really need self discipline and time management skills ( which I seriously lack lol) good luck to all of my fellow tech students !!

[@fortheloveofsweatpants4796]

Love your videos! I completed the Associate degree with Pennfoster aboit a year ago! It’s a great school for those who have to work full-time. However, I wish I would have gotten the hands on training of a class room. I found it easy because I had already worked in this field for years beforehand. The VTNE was very hard, even with the knowledge I’ve gained throughout the years. I love what I do, and plan to specialize in Dentistry. 💜

[@angelevans3913]

I love love LOVE your videos Victoria! I have always had a passion for animals ever since I was a little girl. Watching your videos over the past 6 months has truly inspired to enroll in Vet Tech school. This August, I'm beginning my new journey as a student, and I wanted to thank you for being such a great role model & inspiration for me :) you're the best.

[@TheBirchFamily]

Oh my goshhhhh!!!! That is amazing!!! Congrats on getting enrolled into the vet tech program! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)

[@tiffanyhunt8502]

Penn foster is sooo awesome I love it I feel it’s so much easier than doing semesters. By working at my own pace I feel so much relief knowing I don’t have to worry about a deadline for my exams I love it!

[@2009Azucar]

I decided to invest in animals and give up human medicine. I was going for medical assistant last month, but as much I like to learn medicine in humans, my passion is always been with animals. I worked years ago as a kennel attendant and I loved it. I'm going to enroll next year at Penn Foster. Got a FT job too. Girl! Your videos caught my attention! I like your positive attitude. I got cats too. (6). Any advice how to brush their teeth?

[@puppykisses89]

I've worked with several Penn Foster students, but no grads. Unless you're super motivated, it won't work for you. I personally went to a physical school for my degree. I don't think I would have been able to complete a work at your own pace/at-home kind of program. I've heard not great things about the VTNE pass rate, but I went to a school that boasted a near 100% pass rate, so the pressure was really on to not fail, especially when our graduating classes have less than 20 people in them.

[@AmieS12]

Just started at Penn Foster! I like that you can adjust the deadlines to suit your schedule 😎 I also work as a vet assistant so I can see and practice the skills at work 😀

[@ashleysnyder1894]

I am a Penn foster student for veterinary assistant. How can I get hands on or even work at a place

[@efron124]

I'm in my first semester of the Penn Foster program. Love it so far. Gives you a whole year to complete a semester which I like

[@TheBirchFamily]

Thank you so much for your comment! I always feel so useless whenever people ask me my advice about Penn Foster, because I have no idea! haha

[@efron124]

Victoria Birch Thank you for your videos! You have inspired me SO much in my journey to being a vet tech! Thank you!

[@NitaMendez]

SO SO GLAD YOU FILMED THIS! I'm really inspired by your videos! I think I'm going to go to school to be a vet assistant. I love animals and always have! I am pretty nervous but videos like these help me feel better! Thanks! Xoxo

[@jordanrichmond9870]

Speaking of salaries and everything, I'm personally choosing to go into the military and becoming a veterinarian because they pay for EVERYTHING and it's wayyyyy easier to save money up and everything. And by "everything" I mean housing and school and insurance and food and stuff. All you have to do is be there and do what you're supposed to. Not trying to force my opinion on anyone AT ALL just stating what I'm going to do just in case someone else is interested.

[@jordanrichmond9870]

@@sasukeuchiha6128 Thanks! ❤

[@sydneyallen3519]

In canada a rvt makes between 11$-16$ an hour and usally the job requires you to work 45 hours a week.... There is a good reason why most techs burn out in the first 5 years

[@hildrethbabyy]

Girl the Throne of Glass series is AMAZING

[@plantsdaft]

30 year old Pokémon fan here, also trainee veterinary nurse!! Played Pokémon for 20 years now! :D

[@EvidentlyThinking]

I love you, thank you so so much for clearing that up about your experience with pay. Even though I'm 3 years late, it helps me a lot.

[@EmilySmith41309]

I have a bit of an iffy opinion of schools like Penn Foster. I think they’re selling something that’s too good to be true and not giving their students all the tools necessary to be as successful as they can be. I’m in my final months at the Vet Tech Institute, which is on campus, has an on site kennel, surgical rotations, etc. Its so incredible hands on and in depth that I recommend it to anyone wanting to go into tech. It’s pricier than most but the education I’ve received is SO worth it and the placement rating for VTI students is top tier.

[@TheBirchFamily]

That is AMAZINNNNGGGGG!!!! I love that they have an on site kennel and surgical rotations!! It sounds awesome!

[@luso5201]

My pet insurance costs $160 a month with nationwide. Breed greatly affects price. I have a Rottweiler btw with no pre existing conditions

[@jessmo3899]

I have 1 year left in my college’s (in-seat) Vet Tech program, and am loving how hands on we are! Also just finished playing through Pokémon Sun and can’t wait for the Let’s Go games!

[@TheBirchFamily]

Congrats on school!!! I KNOW!! I am so excited about the new Let's Go games!!! Honestly, I am hoping they are better than sun and moon. I wasn't the biggest fan. I honestly like the older games a bit better. What do you think??

[@annac9534]

I’m enrolled in Penn Foster. I love it! Videos come at the end of 2nd and 4th semesters. But I’d definitely recommend Penn Foster Vet Tech program. Love your videos by the way!

[@TheBirchFamily]

Thank you so much for your comment! I always feel so useless whenever people ask me my advice about Penn Foster, because I have no idea! haha

[@mizzstar21]

What are these videos you have to make?

[@elizabethemami5673]

What videos??

[@crazycatlady1988]

Is it hard to find a place for your large animal externship? Are most places willing to take students from Penn Foster? I really want to sign up, but I'm worried about finding a large animal facility.

[@hawwayoungmark3593]

Thanks for the video! Currently getting ready for work while watching

[@laurennichole161]

I have healthypaws pet insurance for my fur babies! I have a $200 deductible and they pay for 90% of all veterinary needs after that. They do not pay for the vet exam, vaccines, rx food, or dentals but everything else is covered. LOVE it. So worth it. It’s such a great piece of mind and for my 3 cats it’s only $70 a month.

[@6lipstix612]

I deal with acne scarring too! I would love for you to go into details about what chemical peels you get done! Wow, you're making me want to go and stock up on drug store goodies lol! A pokemon master adventure HAHAHAHA I am laughing out LOUD!! You're hilarious!!!! I love pokemon too! I'm very pumped for Hey Eevee!! I need to finish Pokémon Sun. My husband and I actually play the card game and everything. What gaming systems do you have? I play the Switch & 3DS.

[@serenitydrake1578]

Penn Foster is just like going to a on campus college just online and at your own pace and you can pay your tuition full or you can do payments you still have to do your videos and you still need clinicals

[@Titsoak]

Any chance you’d be able to start doing daily vlogs that go for like 20 minutes? I’m so curious about being a vet nurse!

[@puppykisses89]

My school wasn't online, but it's hard. So hard. Many nights of no sleep, long hours of studying, and I totally cried during my boards :p

[@vettechmom6056]

Yaay! Nationwide !!! I just started working for them as a Claims Analyst a few weeks ago. They are a great company.

[@TheBirchFamily]

After talking about it in my video - I signed both of my pets up for nationwide (even though they are both 7 years old)

[@crystallee9555]

Late to the party but I love you & your videos! This video was so cool because I love makeup & I’m also thinking about going to school for veterinary medicine! Ps, throne of glass is the best! Can’t wait for the last book 😬💕

[@EarthChildEli]

I love the PF Vet Tech program, it is challenging though (but I think it's just the field in general lol). I have videos of first semester on my channel if anyone's wanting a bit of an insight! As always, I love your videos Victoria :) You're amazing!

[@EarthChildEli]

I ended up switching majors just because there was a lot going on in my personal life, and I couldn't focus like I needed to. I plan on going back after this new program and giving it a second shot tho! Here's the video explaining everything. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJbNk6B9adqbb6s :)

[@Maddy-dc9ob]

Yes!! Pokemon is the best! I still play and I'm 23 :) :) I love your channel!

[@TheBirchFamily]

Me freakin too!! Thank you so much!

[@elllamay]

Hope you're enjoying Alaska! Xx yet another helpful video, thanks so much!💕

[@justlauren3253]

Can you post a link to for the program you went to? I typed in Cedar Valley vet tech program and I found dallas college but Im not sure if thats the one youre talking about. Thanks!

[@kingb5125]

I'm surprised that you said you would get nationwide for pet insurance. I currently have that and having a hard time finding it worth it. I understands it's there incase something happens but with $250 deductible and that reimbursement is 90% after meeting the deductible. My dogs have only needed minimum care shots, teeth cleaning, and flea treatment so maybe it will be worth it in the long run, but I just considered cancelling and just putting that money in savings for them in case something does happen.

[@danielled8817]

Getting ready for work! I manage a Flea Market! Love watching your videos!

[@lexievelez282]

could you do a Q&A on your schooling? (: like the university you attended/ what degree you completed with the university and what 2 year program you’re doing! I’m starting a uni in the fall and I’m so confused on what major to choose! Also there is no instate colleges with a veterinary medicine program ):

[@ilypopcorn90210]

Girllll I didn’t realize how similar we are, I am getting my bachelors in biology and working on the cedar valley distance learning degree, I’m about halfway through so I’m on to the internship classes now, just finding it kinda hard to find a place to get a paid internship for those classes and scheduling for work, some of them require so many hours like 15 a week just for one 2 credit class? Idk just seems like a lot for someone who can’t get into a clinic because I have an educational background but not really hands on or paid experience, also preordered Pokémon let’s go eevee, those games were my childhood and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon 😅 hopefully the mainstream one released next year is bomb, better be for how long it’s taking lol

[@tiochelii]

love this makeup style. fav so far

[@jadenmarie1593]

Super late but hello, I just found your channel! Currently, I just started working at a Vet Hospital as a receptionist and am still in training. I am almost done with my second semester of college. I plan on getting a Bachelor's in Biology of Animals but was also wanting to enroll in Penn Foster at the same time. If I have a degree as a Vet Tech plus my Bachelor's in Biology of Animals, do you think that would be enough for pay increase? Thank you!!!

[@laquitaechols8402]

I currently have two more prerequisites left college algebra and biology but I took two well three classes of veterinary technician classes online I passed them with a c but I'm excited to be in the program at cvc

[@kairi8394]

Ooh I like that lip color. I’m kinda new to your channel, but I have a question. Do you get to bring your pets with you to work I’m just a regular day? Just curious. I know some offices are cool with that and some I guess people don’t.

[@stephanieczvitkovits1214]

I really hope you see this. I'm currently in vet tech school and I have really been having trouble finding good studying method. What was the best studying method for you during anatomy and physiology class

[@amydominguez165]

I plan on becoming a vet tech in a few years... any tips on getting a job as a vet tech or things that’ll look good in a resume for a job?

[@shyannaustin7437]

Amy Dominguez Start out working at a animal shelter. That what I did and now I am a kennel technician, I love my job and a great way to work your way up especially if you want to get into the veterinary field.

[@puppykisses89]

Most schools have you do internships, and I don't know how it is everywhere, but around here, the grads at my school had jobs secured before we even graduated. If you want prior experience working with animals, animals shelters, kennel techs, and certain vet hospitals will take people without experience. Places like Banfield will hire veterinary assistants with no experience, but they're trained on the job.

[@EclecticallyEccentric]

I was wondering, what are your thoughts on cruelty free cosmetics?

[@kirafarrell1519]

Do you think there would be a difference between doing a level 3 diploma in vet nursing and a degree in vet nursing? I’m not sure whether to spend the money on uni if I can get the same learning for a free diploma...

[@Shannyfrizz]

its not legal to restrict employees from talking about salary. Just an FYI

[@alexisearley4806]

I ❤️ your videos!! I’m interested in becoming a veterinary nurse. I’m just now going into 7th grade. When do you think would be a good time to start volunteering? I’m a very very very VERY mature person for my age, and I basically know what I want to do, while my classmates had NO idea at all. Lol. When should I start volenteering??

[@TheBirchFamily]

It honestly depends on the veterinary clinic's age requirement. Every place is different. The youngest volunteer I've had was 15 I believe. I would call around and ask!

[@alexisearley4806]

Victoria Birch ok!! Thank goodness it’s Sunday I asked around and my aunt ( she’s a person nurse) and she gonna ask her trusted friend who just happens to be a veterinarian if I can see what she does and just see the scene 👏🏻 thanks for replying ( I loved your sneeze at the beginning 😂 ) have a great day!

[@missysue]

Guuuurl, YES! Pokemon and Throne of Glass series! My respect and love for you just went up a 1000 pts XD

[@TheBirchFamily]

YASSSSSSSSSS THANK YOU :)

[@rosarioveronica988]

Is the pay different for those who went to a 2-4 year college compared to doing the PF program?

[@AlanNAlyyssa_gaming]

where did i say bless you while watching this

[@brandymiller2901]

Love your videos as always. Going to Ulta now😀

[@TheBirchFamily]

Thank you giiirrlllyyy :)

[@marialani3273]

While you were at school for 4 years in regular college where you all ready working at a clinic as a vet tech? Btw I live your videos they inspire me sooo much!! 😊😊

[@SingerIndigo]

Hey guys if I've gotten a diploma or cert in Veterinary Nursing in another country, will I be able to work in the US after? I know it depends on the State as well but I was just wondering If I am able to register for the veterinary technician national exam if I am not an American?

[@melissabojorquez7018]

I love how bubbly you are, what's ur zodiac sign?

[@TheBirchFamily]

I am a Taurus :) What does that mean?!?! haha

[@melissabojorquez7018]

cafeastrology.com/articles/tauruswomanlove.html :)

[@lia-pe1ez]

Wish my parents would look into pet insurance. We had to pay upwards of $600 because my boxer cut her paw 😒

[@ichbinjomama2809]

I loved you and the first video I saw of you I subscribed. then I see you love Pokémon... WE WOULD BE BFFS I JUST SCREAMED AT MY TABLET I LOVE THIS GIRL!!!

[@ayameycisco1688]

Ahhh! Throne of Glass!

[@stephanyoneill5479]

I am going to study to be a vet tech for 4 years which I didn’t know they had a bachelors for that career but, Does a vet tech with an associate degeree earn the same as a vet tech with a bachelors?

[@stephanyoneill5479]

Julia Galvan the reason why I would like a 4 years is bc I want good pay and have more experience but I’m still not sure what I will do.

[@newzealandgal74]

Thanks, getting ready for work (vetnursing) haha

[@TheBirchFamily]

YAYYYY!!! Vet nursing!!!

[@mcpkd9980]

My quote for nationwide is 121$ a month 🥺

[@francisneira96]

Thanks so much for the video. I actually filmed a Penn Foster review on my channel just giving my feedback and experience on semester one cause that’s where I’m at currently. Feel free to refer your viewers if you’d like. The channel is under my name Francis Neira. I hope it can help because I know a lot of people have asked about Penn Foster I was one of them and I didn’t actually get the answers I wanted until I tested out the program for myself. :)

[@TheBirchFamily]

Thank you so much for your comment! I always feel so useless whenever people ask me my advice about Penn Foster, because I have no idea! haha

[@Robtide0930]

Yas Pokémon queen!

[@dezzi9955]

💕💕💕

[@TheBirchFamily]

:)