When did you know you wanted to be a veterinary technician?
I originally started taking classes for human nursing. I loved the science behind it, but I didn’t love the idea of working with people. I’d always enjoyed caring for my own pets growing up, but at the time I didn’t even realize veterinary technology was a career option.
I was lucky to know a few people who work at The Wilds, and I had the chance to shadow a veterinary technician there for a day. That experience made me think, this actually seems really cool—let’s do it.
Honestly, I wasn’t completely sure until I finished school and started working in the field. Once I was actually doing the job, I realized how much I loved it and decided to fully commit to veterinary medicine instead of human nursing.
How difficult was it to apply and get into technician school?
I had already completed all the prerequisite classes and taken the HESI exam for human nursing, so that part was done. At that point, it came down to whether my GPA and test scores were high enough to earn one of the limited spots in the program. Thankfully, I got in.
How long did it take you to become a registered veterinary technician?
Five years of college total, but only two of those were spent in the veterinary technology program at Columbus State Community College. Those two years were very intense—it’s an accelerated, year-round program, and it’s packed with hands-on learning.
How do you keep your certification current?
I’m licensed in both West Virginia and Ohio.
- West Virginia: 8 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every year
- Ohio: 10 hours of CE every two years
I renew my license during the years CE is due and pay a small renewal fee. To become licensed initially, I had to pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) and complete a full background check. To add my West Virginia license, I also had to take a veterinary law exam.
How long have you been a veterinary technician?
I’ve been licensed in Ohio since January 2024 and in West Virginia since March 2025.
What’s your favorite part of being a veterinary technician?
That’s a tough question because there’s so much I love about it. I really enjoy building relationships with patients and clients, and I love challenging cases where I get to learn something new.
I never like seeing a patient who’s sick, but being part of their recovery—helping them feel better and go home—is incredibly rewarding. I also love that every day is different. I’m constantly learning and adapting, so the job never feels boring.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same, but most days look something like this:
- Start the day with treatments and vitals for hospitalized patients
- Review the schedule and prep for appointments (placing IV catheters, running bloodwork, setting up dentals)
- Take appointment histories and vitals
- Collect samples, draw up vaccines, administer medications
- Assist with procedures like cystocentesis and X-rays
- Run and review diagnostics
- Help with billing and answer phones when the front desk needs support
- Go over treatment plans and estimates with clients
My favorite part of the day is when I get to do a dental—taking dental X-rays, scaling and polishing teeth, and performing simple extractions.
I usually end the day by finishing treatments, checking patient charts, and preparing any requested estimates. On surgery days, I also help with sedation, catheter placement, intubation, patient prep, monitoring anesthesia, and recovery.
If you weren’t a veterinary technician, what would you be doing?
Honestly, I have no idea.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
It’s a demanding job, so I spend a lot of my free time catching up on sleep and hanging out with my six animals. I also enjoy reading, crocheting, spending time with family and friends, baking (especially sourdough), and taking my dogs to new hiking trails—even though I’m not much of a hiker myself.