Vet Nurses Vs Vet Techs – What’s the Difference?
Comments Off on Vet Nurses Vs Vet Techs – What’s the Difference?
Many veterinary practices in Australia are feeling the pinch of the manpower shortage, putting vets under more pressure and contributing to dissatisfaction with work life balance and mental health problems.
So, maybe you need a Vet Tech at your clinic.
Veterinary Nursing qualification
In Australia, the current Australian national qualification for vet nursing is Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, which takes from 18 months to 2 years to complete. The Diploma in Veterinary Nursing is then an additional qualification following on from the Cert IV, for 12 months, in 3 different streams, General Practice, Surgical, and Emergency & Critical Care
Veterinary Technology qualification
Veterinary Technology is a Bachelor’s degree taking 3 years (full time), which can incorporate and extend the Cert IV in Vet Nursing. It’s offered by Charles Sturt University, and by The University of Queensland, (and by Massey University in New Zealand, however, this isn’t yet included in the list of Vet Tech degrees eligible for the new Australian Veterinary Nurse and Technician (AVNAT) Registration Scheme)
Information provided by CSU and the University of Queensland about their Veterinary Technology degrees suggest there is more development of skills in critical thinking and problem solving, preparation for supervisory and management roles, as well as knowledge of a wider range of animal species and knowledge and professional skills in animal management, technology and welfare that can be used beyond the clinical setting. However, extended clinical support procedures are also taught.
How could employing a Vet Tech help?
Some clinics, emergency and critical care hospitals, and specialist centres in Australia are already using a very effective tiered system of support staff, from kennel hands and specific customer support staff/receptionists, through trainee veterinary nurses, veterinary nurses, diploma qualified VNs, degree qualified veterinary technicians, and practice managers. This means that Veterinary Surgeons gain the time to do the work that only they are qualified for.
This tiered system can also provide a structured career path for support staff, which can improve job satisfaction. Whilst attention is finally becoming focussed on the challenges for vets surrounding mental health awareness, life balance, burnout, compassion fatigue, job satisfaction, and decisions to quit the profession, we mustn’t forget there are similar challenges for our support staff.
So, rather than trying to employ another Vet in a very tight market, could this be a solution for some clinics?
- Employing a Veterinary Technician to help alleviate the heavy workload on vets, allowing vets to manage their Veterinary Surgeon duties more effectively
- Which may lead to happier vets and better retention of vets in your practice
- And even allow a pay rise for your vets, further contributing to better retention of vets
References:
Charles Sturt University
https://futurestudents.csu.edu.au/courses/animal-vet-sciences/bachelor-veterinary-technology
University of Queensland
https://future-students.uq.edu.au/study/program/Bachelor-of-Veterinary-Technology-2387
Massey University
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/programme-course/programme.cfm?prog_id=93432
Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia
https://www.vnca.asn.au/membership/recognised-qualifications/
Author:
Wendy Nathan
Kookaburra Veterinary Employment
This information includes the views and opinions of Kookaburra Veterinary Employment and is of a general nature only. Factual information is believed to be correct at the time of writing, however, should not be relied upon and any person should confirm details with the relevant authorities and through their own research prior to acting on any of the suggestions in this article.
With linear probe included
Minitube Photometer for Equine
B. Braun is one of the world’s leading providers and manufacturers of healthcare solutions today. Every service that B. Braun provides incorporates the entirety of our knowledge and skills, the company’s deep understanding of users’ needs, and extensive expertise since 1839. With its constantly growing portfolio of effective medical care solutions, B. Braun makes a substantial contribution towards protecting and improving people’s health. In total, the B. Braun product range comprises 5,000 different products, 95 percent of which are manufactured by the company. By offering supplementary services and consulting, B. Braun is a system supplier that develops the best solution for patients in close partnership with our customers, making a significant contribution to medical advancements.
Taylor Wharton 34HC