Beckie Mossor, RVT, is proof that there’s no one-size-fits-all in the veterinary technician profession. She became a registered veterinary technician in 2007, but the achievement was just the beginning. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in public and nonprofit administration and is working toward a master of public administration. Today, she is the director of the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ Veterinary Medical Technology Program, a consultant to industry startups and nonprofit groups, and the co-host of the weekly podcast “Veterinary Viewfinder.”
Her career path happened organically.
“By getting involved with my state and national associations, I met so many incredible people doing amazing things in our profession,” she said. “The more opportunities I had to speak, write and travel, the more inspired I became to find ways to make the greatest impact possible on the profession.”
EDITOR’S NOTE
This article is the last in a series on veterinary nurse empowerment and the people accomplishing great things in the field.
The catalyst for her exploring a different path in veterinary medicine was experiencing toxic clinics and, consequently, toxicity in herself. She wanted to do something different to be a better version of herself and an advocate for the profession. So she took a leap of faith and left clinic life to go into consulting, speaking and writing.
Advancing as a Consultant
Mossor co-founded Veterinary Advancements, a consulting company specializing in helping veterinary industry startups and offering leadership guidance to nonprofits. The firm is the brainchild of Julie Legred, CVT, who started consulting several years ago after serving as the executive director of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
“Together, we rebranded her consulting company and created Veterinary Advancements,” Mossor said. “Julie carries the entire organization for the most part, but I still consult and work to aid state organizations and other nonprofit organizations, our main focus at this point.”
Mossor’s RVT degree and in-clinic work, where she learned more about the needs, concerns and language of veterinary medicine, contributed to her skills as a consultant.
“I have opportunities to train professionals on communication, team relations and internal practice growth,” she said. “I am so honored to speak on behalf of my profession and find ways for credentialed veterinary technicians to be recognized for their education and skills.”
Back to College
These days, she focuses much of her time on developing Gurnick Academy’s brand-new associate degree program in California.
“I fell in love with the college ethos and the commitment to student success,” she said. “When they offered me the position, I was apprehensive because being program director is a huge responsibility, especially in building a new program. But with the support and dedication of the college, I couldn’t help but take the leap.”
In addition to her consulting work and Gurnick job, Mossor finds the time to do a weekly podcast with Dr. Ernie Ward.
“He and I met several times through different projects and kept running into each other,” she said. “I sent Dr. Ernie an email saying I appreciated his views on elevating credentialed veterinary technicians and promoting innovation and advancement in the industry.”
Six years ago, Dr. Ward contacted her to discuss a podcast project that would involve a technician. As they say, the rest is history.
“The most rewarding part is my colleagues’ sending notes of gratitude for a podcast topic or a statement I made,” Mossor said. “The whole point for me is speaking on behalf of our profession and credentialed technicians as much as possible. As much as I am honored to be a voice, I feel it is a big responsibility.”
The podcast’s mission, as its description states, is to tackle “the toughest topics in veterinary medicine,” something Mossor is passionate about, especially regarding the challenges credentialed veterinary technicians face.
“I regularly speak to the fact that we are not a consolation prize. We are not failed veterinarians,” she said. “We are professionals and are not recognized as such. Not all veterinarians are aware of what credentialed veterinary technicians are trained to do.”
A Lifelong Learner
Not everyone returns to school a decade after completing their last degree, but Mossor did just that, earning her associate degree in veterinary medical technology and becoming a registered veterinary technician. It was not, she said, part of her original plan.
“While I am a lifelong learner, I never saw myself with a bachelor’s degree,” she said. “But when the idea crept into my head, I couldn’t ignore it, and when I set my mind to something, off I go.”
Education can’t be taken away from someone, and it provides opportunities once not thought of, she said.
“I am about a year out from graduating with my MPA,” Mossor said. “When I graduated with my undergraduate degree, I felt called by the challenge of a master’s degree and thought I would try. I find education so rewarding, and my public administration degree has so much leadership and management I find myself wanting more. To that point, I think my Ph.D. might be next.”
MEET BECKIE MOSSOR
- Age: 41
- Home: Southport, North Carolina
- Employed: Program director at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, veterinary industry consultant, podcaster
- Credential: registered veterinary technician
- Years active: 15
- Pets: Layla (pitbull mix), Maggie and Piper (Chiweenies), Titan and Boo Kitty (cats)
STORY ARCHIVE
These veterinary nurses were profiled in previous editions.
- Brianne Morrow, LVT, VTS (Nutrition): bit.ly/Brianne-Morrow-TVB
- Kathy Johnson, RVT: bit.ly/Kathy-Johnson-TVB
- DJ Cannon, LVT, MPH: bit.ly/DJ-Cannon-TVB
- Christen Puckett-Smith: bit.ly/Christen-Puckett-Smith-TVB
- Rachel Lees, LVMT, KPA-CTP, VTS (Behavior): bit.ly/Rachel-Lees-TVB
- Jessica Bowditch, RVT, VTS, CCRP: bit.ly/Jessica-Bowditch-TVB