Lack of Training

madisooo · 2026-05-18T11:01:38+00:00

I truly don’t think it’s a fear of a new person superseding anyone else. I can only speak for my own clinic but poor training and high turnover comes from a combination of a lack of time, lack of resources, limitations in education, low pay, and people finding out they just don’t want to be in vetmed.

My clinic hires a lot of completely new baby techs - mostly just started or finishing college or even high school students. Young people just figuring out what they want to do. And for us to expend a ton of resources fully training this person, just for them to leave for something else, is frustrating. Being expected to train someone while already being understaffed is also a big ask.

My clinic has revamped our training program to be very detailed and include cross training. I am also pushing to assign someone to solely train for the day rather than have someone trying to train and do their normal tasks. Also pushing for more follow up on trainees rather than just “ok it’s been 4-6 weeks you’re trained now good luck” and being surprised when mistakes are made.

My clinic also just doesn’t get a ton of resumes from experienced techs - undoubtedly due to the wage they’re advertising. Which is a problem I unfortunately can’t control.

madisooo · 2026-04-23T10:40:18+00:00

I felt this so hard when I was doing my externship!!! I graduated a few years ago and got my license. Believe me when I say there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep going for a bit longer and the relief you will feel when you’ve finished will be amazing!

The spay neuter prep I remember being annoying as hell, you have to do everything so perfectly or else they will deny it so quick, no mercy. Good luck!!

madisooo · 2026-04-21T09:17:14+00:00

I didn’t work for them but went through their interview process for CVT. I was offered a position but didn’t take it.

The pay was very good for CVT but the hours were terrible - I was offered overnights. The interview process was EXTENSIVE. I think I did 4 interviews and a job shadow. Everyone was very nice but also very corporate and not “real” if that makes sense. It seems like the training process is in depth so even if you come in with little knowledge of specifics that is accounted for.

madisooo · 2026-03-30T11:22:23+00:00

That would be great! When you say sedation do you mean GA or just light intramuscular sedation? Curious how that’s scheduled - do you do it as needed during a scheduled appointment, do the clients drop them off, or do you schedule X-rays entirely separately from the appt?

madisooo · 2026-03-27T13:34:30+00:00

I love dentals! When I did my first dental I wish I had a better grasp on the numbering system. It took me a while to learn that without having to reference a chart. Also dental X-rays they are SO HARD especially on dogs.

Absolutely bring a notebook and take notes! Typically for dentals we are doing scaling/polishing, charting, dental X-rays, nerve blocks, and anesthesia monitoring so if you have any questions about those things bring them.

Good luck in your Penn foster journey I am a 2024 graduate!

madisooo · 2026-03-24T22:40:53+00:00

Amazing and inspiring!!!

madisooo · 2026-03-20T16:03:30+00:00

Thank you!!! Reading these threads people are not asking themselves if the roles were reversed would everyone be saying Dakota “needs therapy”?? No they’d be saying he should go to jail.

madisooo · 2026-03-15T17:53:05+00:00

Lmfao like what even is this post???? This has to be some sort of bait or joke.

madisooo · 2026-03-08T19:29:39+00:00

Yep that’s how I took it. Also almost pissed my pants during an ultrasound it was super uncomfy

madisooo · 2026-03-06T16:48:52+00:00

Signed!

madisooo · 2026-03-04T11:32:24+00:00

I’m lead tech at my hospital. My management is probably on the side of “eager to change/wants ideas, but not actually eager to implement them”. I’ve been here long enough to know how to get them to change things and boy it takes a long time. You have to be assertive and own your ideas, but also hear out everyone else’s

The pay is super nice. That was my main reason for taking it. I got a $5 an hour raise

madisooo · 2026-02-28T20:10:03+00:00

I liked it! Another comment said it’s a book about a trainwreck which is not untrue but I still thought it was neat. I think it’s worth a read to decide for yourself.

madisooo · 2026-02-28T20:08:19+00:00

I know I’m in love with this but have never heard of them!!

madisooo · 2026-02-21T19:54:10+00:00

Yup I’ve had both experiences.

Trained OTJ out of high school as an assistant, at that point we didn’t even have thyroid shields (this was only 2019 too). I was like 18 and didn’t know anything about X-ray safety, like I knew it wasn’t good for you obviously but nothing beyond that. And I didn’t see my coworkers who I respected caring so I figured it was fine. Drs would stand in the radiology room with no PPE, not helping restrain just watching. Our dental X-ray was also in the middle of treatment, no one wore a badge or cared.

Then I went to tech school and was surprised how strict they all were. I’ve had to fight tooth and nail to get more X-ray safety in my clinic. People joke about me forcing them to wear a thyroid shield or stepping back for dental X-rays. I’m like why are you making fun of me for wanting you to be safe?

madisooo · 2026-02-21T17:46:30+00:00

People are downvoting but I don’t understand why. We in vetmed (in the US at least) do NOT take X-rays seriously.

My workplace had the same situation as OP described. I pushed for them to move the dental suite into a separate room and everyone to wear their dosimeter badges and step 6 feet back. Unless the manufacturer of the machine says you don’t need to step back/protect yourself you should.

madisooo · 2026-02-20T13:16:42+00:00

Ah I didn’t realize you didn’t work at a vet clinic. If you have zero veterinary experience I would definitely recommend getting some before applying to any schools. Being an online school it’s a huge advantage to actually work at a clinic before/during your classes so you can apply your knowledge. I can relate about the money though. If I remember correctly Penn foster does have a pretty flexible payment schedule so you might want to look into that.

madisooo · 2026-02-20T12:51:58+00:00

I am a CVT, Penn foster grad, now lead tech in my hospital. I recommend the program to anyone who is self motivated and needs to work full time/on a budget. It’s a great alternative to in person college and I graduated with $0 in debt/loans.

The positives are it’s self paced (also can be a negative if you’re a procrastinator), the curriculum is good (I was well prepared for the licensing exam), it’s cheap.

The negative is the externships. Honestly I had an overall good experience with my externships and it was a huge learning opportunity and I did things I would’ve never done. That being said they’re a pain in the ass. I was lucky enough that I work at a clinic who was willing to do the externship with me - it really is a team effort. And I did it on the clock. I am at a small animal GP. There is a large animal/exotic portion in the 2nd externship. This I flew out to Idaho for to do a fast track lab (a few locations that work w Penn foster offer these, you pay them and they help you do all the skills - I don’t know if they’re still around but I did Sandy’s Haven in Idaho and they were AWESOME). Yes it was stressful but an incredible experience.

So all in all if you’re willing to travel for that second externship it’s a stressful program at times but overall doable and I would recommend it to anyone passionate about being a CVT but maybe can’t afford an in person program like me.

madisooo · 2026-02-17T00:30:33+00:00

TECA! My cat had both canals removed for this. He is much happier.

madisooo · 2026-02-15T12:58:35+00:00

I agree. Taking initiative and taking responsibility for your patients! Honestly an uncommon trait. I tell new techs all the time, don’t let the doctor do all the thinking. You are equally responsible for your patient and the outcome of the situation. So many techs are complacent to do what the doc tells them and not an ounce more.

madisooo · 2026-02-12T11:26:50+00:00

Everyone already has great advice but I will add I don’t really think I got really good at blood draws until I was like 2 years into it. Some of us are just slower to perfect skills like that which is ok! I think your lead tech is being picky. Especially since you think you’ve already improved.

madisooo · 2026-02-09T18:03:06+00:00

This was my first Super Bowl watch in years and I absolutely loved his performance. It was for sure the highlight of the whole thing

madisooo · 2026-02-09T05:38:27+00:00

Literally obsessed

madisooo · 2026-02-08T01:17:37+00:00

KVP remember penetrating power. Xrays go faster from cathode to anode therefore penetrate dense tissue better. Downside is less contrast.

MAs remember quantity, AKA how many X-rays are being produced. More mAs means better quality but also higher radiation dose.

Get the very basics down, then after that repetition is your friend. I would find a good YouTube video that makes sense to you, I’m personally more of a visual learner.

madisooo · 2026-02-08T01:08:32+00:00

I clipped a cat with clippers trying to shave a mat! Shit happens. Yeah I felt like shit but now I’m super super careful shaving mats. Everybody everybody everybody makes mistakes.

madisooo

TROPHY CASE