The veterinary technician: An undervalued asset?
According to a recent study conducted by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), only 51 per cent of veterinary technicians report satisfaction with their jobs
In the chaotic world of veterinary medicine—a profession often overshadowed by its most prominent player, veterinarians—there exists a role with a pivotal capacity in generating revenue: The veterinary technician. Usually overlooked in discussions of practice economics, these highly skilled professionals not only support the clinical operations and patient outcomes but also significantly contribute to the financial health of veterinary practices.
Yet, despite their role in the practice, a concerning trend emerges in the veterinary industry.
A numbers game
According to a recent study conducted by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), only 51 per cent of veterinary technicians report satisfaction with their jobs. Even more striking, 24 per cent of technicians hold more than one job to make ends meet, underscoring potential issues with compensation and job fulfillment within the profession. Alarmingly, 56 per cent of technicians change jobs within the first five years—with a significant portion leaving the field altogether—highlighting retention challenges that need to be addressed.1
At the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Economic Summit in October 2019, Frederic Ouedraogo, PhD, presented compelling findings from his research.2 His study indicated that, while adding another veterinarian to a practice typically resulted in a modest 6.3 per cent increase in revenue, the addition of a veterinary technician led to a staggering 18.3 per cent boost in practice revenue. These numbers clearly show the economic impact veterinary technicians can have when adequately supported and integrated into veterinary teams.
Let’s put this impact into perspective with some concrete figures. According to the AVMA’s biennial economic survey in 2008,3 each veterinary technician employed translated to approximately US$161,493 (C$223,699) more in gross revenue for the practice. Adjusting for inflation, in today’s economic climate, this figure amounts to approximately US$220,000 (C$$304,743) per technician. These figures are not just statistics, they represent the tangible financial benefits veterinary technicians bring to practices—painting a vivid picture of the economic prowess wielded by veterinary technicians.
A financial imbalance
The discrepancy in revenue impact between veterinarians and technicians challenges traditional notions within the industry. Veterinarians, undoubtedly pivotal in medical decision-making and diagnostics, may find their direct revenue impact eclipsed by the operational efficiency and client-facing roles fulfilled by technicians. Not only do RVTs assist in surgeries and treatments, they also engage directly with clients, ensuring smooth operations and fostering client loyalty—a critical component in the financial success of any veterinary practice.
In light of these findings, the conversation inevitably turns to compensation. The variance between the financial contributions of veterinary technicians and their compensation warrants urgent attention. As key drivers of practice revenue, technicians deserve equitable compensation reflective of their role in veterinary care delivery and business profitability. In addition, the average technician’s salary does not meet the requirements for a sustainable way of life. Many require a second job or rely on a partner to meet the household’s financial needs. They struggle to cover basic living expenses—a financial strain adversely affecting their quality of life and overall job satisfaction until it leads to burnout and the infamous “five-year career” notoriety the job has generated.
It is essential that veterinary technicians receive fairer compensation that aligns with the value they bring to their practices. This will better reflect their important work and support their well-being, in addition to the practices’ well-being.
Moreover, investing in the retention and satisfaction of veterinary technicians is not merely a matter of fairness but a sound business strategy. Practices prioritizing technician satisfaction and compensation will likely benefit from increased retention rates, reduced operational turnover costs, and enhanced client satisfaction—contributing to sustained revenue growth.
Why the difference?
So why is there a disparity between veterinary technicians’ economic contributions and their compensation and job satisfaction levels? There is yet to be a direct and simple answer.
The data clearly indicates that these professionals are critical to the operational success of veterinary practices and pivotal in driving significant revenue growth. However, the compensation structures and job satisfaction levels often fail to reflect their true value and contributions.
Historically, we have never seen this scale of revenue generated by clinics and hospitals, there is a very large and unregulated scale and scope of education requirements for technicians. As the veterinary profession evolves and faces challenges such as staffing shortages and increasing demands from pet owners, recognizing the economic role of veterinary technicians becomes more crucial than ever. Practices that invest in their technicians, both financially and professionally, benefit from increased revenues and enhanced job satisfaction and retention rates. A more equitable compensation scale that aligns with the revenue-generating potential of veterinary technicians is fair and strategic for the long-term sustainability of veterinary practices.
All in all, the financial impact of veterinary technicians cannot be overstated. Their role transcends traditional support functions to become integral to the financial health of both the veterinary practice and its patients. Recognizing this reality and adjusting compensation aligns with fairness principles and serves as a strategic imperative for practices aiming to thrive in a competitive market.
As the veterinary landscape evolves, acknowledging and valuing the revenue-generating power of veterinary technicians is not just prudent—it’s essential for the sustainable growth and success of the industry.
Veterinary technicians are not merely support staff but integral members of the veterinary care team whose contributions directly impact practice economics and patient outcomes. The veterinary industry must reassess the true value of the role.
References
- https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/personal-professional-development/veterinary-nurse-technician-job-retention/
- https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2019-12-15/veterinarian-shortage-or-salaries-not-keeping
- https://www.isvma.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ISVMA-v3n3.pdf
Alexandra is currently working as a writer and relief animal health technician. In her free time, she engages politicians regarding animal welfare issues and is responsible for the recent change in Quebec legislation to ban cosmetic procedures on animals. Follow her on Instagram (@alexandra.yaksich) or connect with her via LinkedIn.
