What Makes a Vet Tech Successful?
The ideal vet tech blends technical expertise with crucial professional and interpersonal qualities. Some key ones are described below.
To be successful, most vet techs play to their strengths and work on improving their weaknesses. They view pursuing the “ideal” as a process, a goal, and a journey.
Technical Proficiency
A successful vet tech has developed strong, hands-on technical skills, such as:
- Anesthesia monitoring, for patient safety & stability
- Laboratory procedures, for accurate diagnosis & monitoring
- Surgical preparation, for a sterile and effective procedure
- Radiology (X-rays), for diagnosis of internal conditions
- Patient restraint and handling, for patient and staff safety
Professional Qualities
A successful vet tech also practices qualities that benefit patients and employers, such as:
- Attention to detail, to prevent errors in medication, records, & tests
- Manual Dexterity, for medical procedures & handling equipment
- Patience, to accept the risk of scratches or bites from anxious or aggressive animals
- Tolerance, to be exposed to bodily fluids, including urine and feces
- Adaptability, to respond to unexpected situations & evolving practices
- Physical Stamina, for handling animals & long shifts
Interpersonal & Emotional Skills
- Successful vet techs embrace interpersonal & emotional skills, such as:
- Client Communication, to build trust, educate, and promote compliance
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Empathy and compassion, to show kindness to patients and their owners, especially under stressful situations
- Teamwork, as part of a supportive clinic environment
Employers do not expect entry-level vet techs to be perfect. But employers—and the vet techs themselves—expect effort and dedication to continuously improve.
Most entry-level vet techs have to work hardest on client communication skills. Owners’ situations can be difficult, due to a combination of concern, uncertainty, and/or expense. End-of-life can be tough for everyone. Successful vet techs navigate difficult conversations with clarity and compassion, leaving them with a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Summary: The Journey to Success
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has developed the Veterinary Technician/Nurse Oath. It captures the deep sense of purpose in the profession:
“I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.”
We think this oath captures the mindset of the successful vet tech, and we encourage you to consider whether you think it fits you. Success is not a destination, but rather a journey.
We invite you to explore the Learn More part of our site. Or explore more about specializations in Vet Tech Careers. Or link to pages about Our Campuses.