In recognition of National Veterinary Technician Week, Penn Foster, a distance vet tech training program, released data showing how practices can better use technicians to address current pet care challenges.
Although pet owners are spending more than ever on wellness products and services, veterinary visits continue to decline. Penn Foster asserts that outdated care models, which put too much responsibility on veterinarians and underutilize vet techs, may contribute to the problem.
Penn Foster’s research shows that 55% of veterinary technicians feel their clinical skills are underutilized, and 76% believe the current staffing structure limits appointments. The vast majority (71%) feel that a tiered care model that gives technicians more responsibility could improve access to care and affordability for pet owners.
Surveyed vet techs reported feeling comfortable performing many tasks veterinarians typically do, including routine wellness exams, vaccinations, and client education and care plans. Results also showed that 55% of surveyed vet techs want more clinical responsibilities, 48% want to interact with clients more regularly, and 39% want greater autonomy in patient care.
Penn Foster argues that offering lower-priced technician appointments for these services could improve access to care and increase wellness visits. Empowering technicians could also justify better pay and increase job satisfaction.
“Better utilization should create opportunities for meaningful clinical work,” wrote Beckie Mossor, BIS, MPA, RVT, academic director of Penn Foster’s veterinary technology program, in a recently published letter to Today’s Veterinary Business’ editor. “If the result is simply more duties added to an already overloaded day, the practice has missed the purpose.”