Kendra the Vet Tech

Kendra chats with fellow members of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians Andrea Whittle and Sheri Miller. Andrea and Sheri are both LVTs holding the credentials VTS (EVN). This episode will not only go over the application process but give you insight from a founding member! If you are interested in advancing your career as an equine veterinary technician you won't want to miss this episode. From all the great CE options to tips and tricks for maximizing your potential, this episode will get you excited for all things equine!

Brian Goleman, CVT, of Brian's Bandages chats with Kendra about all things bandaging. Hear Brian's journey from starting as a zookeeper to finding himself submerged in the world of bandaging. He has built himself a small bandaging empire featuring lunch and learns, speaking at conferences, custom bandage cut outs, and the new release of bandage scissors! You won't want to miss this one!

Kendra chats with Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia) about  application to the second oldest VTS academy. Having been around for so many years the carefully honed application process for the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia is not for the faint of heart. This episode is full of working examples and application tips to guide you through your application process. This is one episode you won't want to sleep on!

Kendra chats with Jess Bowditch, RVT, CCRP, VTS (Physical Rehabilitation) about the application process for the Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians. What is the optimal working environment while pursuing these credentials? Do you need any other type of physical rehabilitation certification to qualify? What is the deal with the points system? Find out the answers to these questions and hear some fantastic examples for application! Don't skip out on the tech tip at the end!THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Kendra joins forces with Dave Cowan, CVT, VTS (ECC) to talk about The Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses. The very first NAVTA approved academy for the credentials of Veterinary Technician Specialist. What does it take to be a part of the largest VTS academy? How does their academy define emergency and critical care? What are some ways to ensure a successful application process? Listen in for these answers and so many other great tips and suggestions to become a VTS-ECC!THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Kendra talks to Taryn Singleton, LVT, who is going on year 38! Finding a unicorn clinic right out of school Taryn has spent many years working in the trenches and grew into a 100% veterinary practice owner. What was it like being a new technician in the late '80s? What advice does she have for technicians looking to be practice owners? What's new with the VTNE? You definitely don't want to miss Taryn's wonderful energy and hearing her story.THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Kendra chats with Katie, LVT, VTS (Ophthalmology) about the application process for the Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians. From a very strict working environment right up front, to the standard case logs and reports, find out the highlights of the application process. Even though eyes might make some of you squeamish, listen in on Katie's story. She didn't realize they would be her big pick either!THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Kendra joins forces with Monique Feyrecilde, LVT, VTS (Behavior) to talk all things behavior. The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians has some of their own unique requirements for their VTS application process. Tune in to find out about time sheets, the easiest working environment, and the difference between intervention and prevention in behavior medicine. All your basic questions are answered for this application process with the added bonus of great examples along the way!THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Juliann London, RVT, VTS (Dermatology) chats with Kendra about the application process for the Academy of Dermatology Veterinary Technicians. Can we still work in a general practice setting and have a successful application? What requirements are unique to dermatology? Tune in for all the information to get started on your VTS-Derm credentials! THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Kendra is joined by Kara Tourot, LVT, VTS (Dentistry) and Amanda Ray, LVT, VTS (Dentistry) to talk over the application process for the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians. With a very unique process that requires heavy time management you won't want to miss this episode. Over their 2-year training process very specific CE acquisition is required, along with specific case collection. Can we still work GP and have a successful application? Is there someone to help us work our way through this process? Get all the answers and plenty of tips for a successful application process. THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Kendra chats with Aurora Sochan, CVT, VTS (EVN), CERP, about her unique journey through vet med. From equine, to small animal, back to equine, and now business owner, Aurora is no stranger to finding ways to keep her vet med flame burning bright. After a long storied career as a clinical veterinary technician she has found her new passion and calling as an equine physiotherapist. She finishes her story with uplifting advice that is beneficial to technicians new and old. Don't forget to stick around for the tech tip!

Rebecca, RVN, VTS (Exotic Companion Animal) joins Kendra to talk about acquiring a VTS in Clinical Practice. The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice provides a few different paths you can take based on your preferred species. With conversation from crazy exotic animal differences to their all encompassing skills list and everything in between. Tune in for Rebecca's fresh insights on this marathon process. Don't forget to stick around for the tech tip at the end!

Kendra is joined by Cathy (RVT, VTS (Surgery, Anesthesia & Analgesia)) to talk about the application process for the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians. The main take away point from this episode is variety, variety, variety in your surgical exposure. What is the best working environment to accomplish this? Where can we get the best CE? Learn the answers to these questions and all the other fine details of the application process. Don't forget to stick around for the tech tip at the end!

Who's ready to learn about lab animal?! Join Kendra (RVT, VTS-EVN) as she chats with ALAVTN executive director Stephen Nino Cital (RVT, VTS-LAM) about their application process. Even if lab animal medicine isn't your jam, don't miss out on this one. From their more extensive scope of practice to, well, the money, there is so much to hear about lab animal. Not only will you get lots of tips and tricks along the way, there are plenty of laughs to go around. 

Come along as Kendra (RVT, VTS-EVN) learns all about the application process for the Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians. Kate, RVT, VTS (Cardiology) takes us through the process step by step. From their 2 part application process to their case census and everything in between, join in for the ins and outs of this academy. Be sure to hang around for the tech tip at the end!

Want to know more about the application process to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Clinical Pathology? Join Kendra, RVT, VTS - EVN and Lori, CVT, VTS - Clin Path as they go over the process step by step. What experience and education is needed to get started on the application? How can one be successful in this process? What types of skills and knowledge base is required to be an advanced technician in clinical pathology? Be sure you stay for the amazing urinalysis tip a the end!

Kendra, RVT, VTS (EVN), chats with Scott about his journey from RVT to (almost) DVM. Tune in to hear about his journey through veterinary medicine and his decision to go to vet school. How is vet school for someone who has been an RVT for a decade? Are we going to have an inside man to advocate for credentialed veterinary technicians? Tune in for answers to these questions and so much more!

Kendra, RVT, does a Q & A session in honor of reaching 4,000 subscribers on the Kendra the Vet Tech YouTube channel. This episode gives you the opportunity to hear some fun facts, and funny stories, about Kendra. She also answers some comments from YouTube videos and answers some additional burning questions. Don't miss this one!The Future AgeWe explore creative solutions and re-imagine what life as we get older can look like.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Kendra, RVT, is back with Molly, RVT (VTS - EVN), to talk foals. Much of our time over the first part of the year is consumed by foaling season. Listen in as we chat about a very intensive foal case that had the happy ending we are all hoping for. We discuss the case from presentation to discharge and all the hairy details in between. Haven't dealt with a critical foal yet? This one is for you. Dealt with plenty of foals but always on the hunt for more tech tips? This one is for you too!The Future AgeWe explore creative solutions and re-imagine what life as we get older can look like.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Kendra, RVT, chats with Amanda, CVT, about lab work and analyzer IT in veterinary medicine. After an adventurous career path looking for just the right fit, Amanda finally found a field rep position in the laboratory and IT side of vet med. Learn about what this unique career opportunity entails from making up your own schedule to travelling. If you are looking to put the technology in veterinary technology, this episode is for you!

Kendra, RVT, chats with Meg, CVT, about being a credentialed veterinary technician in Arkansas. From her beginnings to her grand new adventures, Meg is here for all things production medicine. With a deep love for internal medicine within production medicine Meg has found her way onto the Veterinary Technician Specialist path. Listen in to hear, not only Meg's story, but also about new changes in Arkansas that allow for further utilization of their Veterinary Technician Specialist population. 

Kendra, RVT, chats with Eli, LVT, about his life and times in Big Sky country. As the current president of the Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association, Eli talks about the big changes that have finally happened in Montana. Starting in 2023 formerly titled CVTs can now apply to be LVTs and their credentials will now be recognized through the state rather than through solely the Big Sky Vet Tech Association. Big change starts small with just raising your hand and being present. Don't miss out on Eli's story and his words of wisdom for making it BIG!

Kendra, RVT, chats with Molly, RVT, VTS-EVN about mare dystocia. Listen in on the particulars of a case from start to finish. Starting at the very beginning of receiving the emergency call, notifying all the personnel required and the mare arriving at the hospital. Who does what job and how do we delegate tasks? What happens when the mare arrives? What's next if the foal cannot be manually manipulated with the mare standing?  Do we go straight to c-section? Hear all about the fascinating in between of controlled vaginal delivery. Stay tuned until the end for postpartum care and additional bonus tidbits about c-section in mares!

Kendra, RVT, and Kasey, LVT, breakdown the demographic survey conducted by NAVTA in 2022. Hear two technicians out in the workforce discuss their thoughts on the the survey conclusions and the issues  found along the way. Big takeaway: salary is still an issue despite a seemingly positive spin on salary increase. Burn out, fatigue and mistrust still plague our ranks. What do these two technicians think are some solutions to the problem? What are some glaring issues that were maybe a little downplayed?  How can we, as a whole, move our profession forward? 

Kendra, RVT, chats with members of the Missouri Veterinary Technician Association about the proposed mid-level practitioner role in veterinary medicine. Jessica, RVT, & Stephanie, RVTg, VTS-Neuro, talk about MOVTA's stance that the role would be premature at this time. All parties are in agreement this would be a huge step forward at some point in time, but that time is not now. Currently, there are more pressing matters such as title protection, standardization & scope of practice that need to be resolved first. Join in for some great conversation that includes the standard chats (though abbreviated this time) about career paths and stick around for the tech tips at the end!

Kicking of 2023 & Season 4 in style! Join Kendra (RVT) as she chats with Molly (RVT, VTS-EVN) about working as large animal RVTs. Hear about how their pasts have shaped them into the technicians they are today (in the present) working in tandem to provide care for their patients. With Molly working on the day surgical team and Kendra caring for the hospitalized surgical (and internal medicine) patients overnight, this dynamic duo hashes out a recent case from intake to surgery to post-operative care. Stick around to hear about their future goals and where their careers are taking them. You won't want to miss this new spin on the Kendra the Vet Tech podcast. Dive deep into the motivations and mechanics behind some very successful people.Risk takers, dreamers, business folk and believers discuss the journey toward their goals.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Kendra, RVT, chats with Kasey, LVT, about her life and times as a credentialed veterinary technician. After experiencing the worst of times while she was a new technician, she makes it her mission to be the best mentor possible. You can't listen to this one and not catch Kasey's very contagious, upbeat energy! Listen in as she tells her story moving from emergency medicine to relief work to remote relief work (with still some in clinic relief on the side). Her story makes a beautiful full circle as she has finally gotten out of her own way and made it to her goal of starting some instruction in the veterinary technology space. 

Join Kendra (RVT) & Ashley (RVT) as they play a little catch up after graduating together from Maple Woods Veterinary Technology in May 2015.  Currently, Ashley is working as a credentialed veterinary technician recruiter. With lots of travel and appearances her physical workplace changes daily. What is it like to be a vet tech recruiter? Are there certain things to think about before applying for such a position? Hear them also chat about dealing with imposter syndrome and educating the next round of veterinary technicians.  

A talk based around Inspiration, Perseverance, Wellness. Hear about some of Kendra's journey as an RVT and working mother. As she reflects on some of the big lessons from past podcast episodes, Kendra ties in some of her own recent life experiences and how they have shaped her into the technician that she is today. Bring some tissues and join in!

Kendra (RVT) chats with M. Hayden (RVT) about the long road that led to publishing their own veterinary cardiology all-in-one resource book for veterinary technicians. From a unique backstory (that includes a personal conversation with Ellen Pompeo!), to bouncing around through a few career paths, they finally found veterinary technology. After some heavy searching over an extended period of time, M. finally found their fit in veterinary nutrition. In the mean time, all the energy from tutoring in the past,  and COVID & job hunting stress was put to good use in creating a fantastic resource for VTNE studying. With the lofty goal of releasing a book for each system, their ultimate goal is to create user friendly resources for veterinary technicians that are an all-in-one guide. 

Kendra (RVT) chats with Melissa (LVT, VTS-ECC) about her long history in veterinary medicine. After 24 years, pushing through burn out, learning to set boundaries, and some major achievements, Melissa is still going strong and sharing her wisdom with others. Her journey started in emergency medicine after setting up her own tuition reimbursement deal with her employer, she didn't stop there. Obtaining her VTS-ECC credentials made her the first in her state of South Carolina to do so. Hear all about the good times and the bad and what keeps her coming back for more after all these years. 

A new perspective on wildlife rehabilitation! Kendra (RVT) chats with Katie (RVT) about her career as a credentialed veterinary technician working in sea turtle rehabilitation. Bringing  a lifelong dream to fruition was not an easy process for Katie. Hear her story about making herself the best candidate possible to obtain her dream job working with sea turtles. What are some great steps to take towards working with exotics? What is a day to day like in the life of a sea turtle rehabilitation facility? What do you feed a sea turtle?! Learn the answers to all of these questions and so much more as Katie shares her journey. 

Kendra (RVT) chats with Lucy (RVT) about her unique journey through veterinary medicine. The major take away: you must begin at the beginning and establish your OWN path. Everyone's story is a little different and Lucy's story is the living proof. After moving to the U.S. from the UK, literally starting her career path all over, and learning the hard lesson (over and over again) that traditional practice roles are not for her; Lucy imparts her hard earned wisdom about finding your way through veterinary medicine. All of her advice is worth sticking around for!

Kendra (RVT) is joined by Beth (CVT) to discuss the ins and outs of the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The huge exam that stands between your hard work in school and your credentials. But it doesn't have to be as scary as it seems. How does the exam break down? What are some great study methods? Are there beneficial study tools outside of our school notes & textbooks? What are realistic study goals to set for ourselves? Learn the answers and so much more along the way! 

Kendra (RVT) chats with Amber (LVT) about her adventures as a credentialed veterinary technician working abroad. If you follow her adventures on Instagram you may be familiar with Amber's adventures. But, this episode gets you behind the scenes to allow you to follow in her footsteps. How do you get into working abroad? How are you able to offer services abroad where there may not even be credentialed technicians? Where do you research living, working or transportation in a new country? If you are wanting to venture outside of your country with your skills this episode is for you!

Kendra (RVT, LVT) chats with Jessie (LVT) on her adventures in veterinary blood banking. Moving into a small community within veterinary medicine and exploring new options for patients is not for the faint of heart. Jessie explored new options to be able to start the first veterinary blood bank in the state of South Carolina. Hear her tale of moving into biopharma and ultimately closing her circle on her "why" in veterinary medicine. 

Kendra, LVT, chats with Samantha (recent veterinary technology graduate) about our credentialed vet tech counterparts in the military. What branch do you need to join to become part of the military veterinary effort? What is the training like? How does it relate to our civilian credentialed veterinary technician role? Tune in to learn so many great facts about how to be a part of veterinary medicine within the military!

Kendra (LVT) chats with Lorelei (LVT, VTS-Exotics, CVPM) about getting starting in avian & exotics medicine. What was Lorelei's journey into this field like? How do we get started in avian & exotics medicine with little or no experience? What should we expect from a working interview in this corner of veterinary medicine? All of these questions and more are answered on this episode!

Kendra, LVT, chats with Chris Rizzo, CVT , VTS (EVN, LAIM) about working in large animal emergency and critical care. Learn about a "typical" day in large animal emergency medicine, communication in the workplace and working with students and junior technicians. Looking to go down the VTS road soon? This episode is for you! Chris gives us an honest look into the application process and some tips on how to succeed in your VTS application process. 

Looking to get started working in research but don't know what to expect? Give this episode a listen! Kendra, LVT, chats with Jodi, CVT, VTS (LAM) about her long career in research veterinary medicine. Jodi is working with so many species that we don't often see or get to work with but still utilizing all of the common skills learned in a veterinary technology program. In research medicine, Jodi has not only been utilizing her skills to the fullest, but has also been encouraged to grow her skill set throughout her career. How do you get started in research medicine? What previous experience is helpful? Learn the answers to these questions, and more!

Kendra chats with Lori, CVT, VTS-Clin Path, about her work as a laboratory supervisor. While Lori doesn't work directly with patients any longer, she is an integral part of the health care team. Spending her days working in the lab in a large (45 doctor!) practice she is providing critical information for case work. Learn what the day-to-day work load looks like, what it takes to be a laboratory technician and how to get started on this career path. If you are interested in moving into clinical pathology as a credentialed veterinary technician give this one a listen! Even if you aren't, it's still great to learn about another amazing opportunity as a credentialed veterinary technician. 

Kendra teams up with Ashley, LVT to discuss the challenges of getting started in practice as a newly credentialed veterinary technician. Join in to get some hot tips on adjusting from classroom to clinic, what to bring on your first day and how to battle your feelings of inadequacy. Even if you've been a credentialed technician for awhile, this one is still for you as we touch on the tough topic of feeling empowered in your position to affect change in your clinic. As usual, lots of laughs and great nuggets throughout that will support you on your journey.

Join me as I chat with Shana, CVT, VTS-EVN about what her day to day looks like working as a large animal technician in a university teaching hospital setting. Even though she is primarily a surgical and equine lameness technician, she wears many hats in her current position. From on call emergencies to assisting with polar bear surgery! Tune in to get the skinny on what this great career path looks like!

In order to know where you are going, you have to know where you have been. How has our profession changed over the last 4 decades? Join me as I chat with Sharon, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia, EVN) about how far the veterinary technician has come. Starting in 1977 and growing into a technician of over 40 years, Sharon has seen and been a part of major changes. From a 6 week crash course to run anesthesia and emergency in a small animal hospital, to being a part of founding the EVN designation and so much more in between. Listen in to hear all the positive changes that have happened in this technician's career and how bright our future looks!

Keeping close tabs on our mental health is an integral part of being a successful veterinary professional. Kendra, LVT, is joined by Dr. Colleen Maguire Jackson, a psychologist that works solely with veterinary professionals. In this episode we explore mental health issues that are unique to veterinary professionals. But, what if we are noticing changes in ourselves or others? Dr. Jackson gives us clear red flags to watch out for that may indicate that help is needed. How do we go about getting help if we need it? How do we approach a friend or co-worker if we think they may need some help? What can we be doing to take care of ourselves on a regular basis? Let's help break the stigma that talking about mental health is bad. Arm yourself with some knowledge!

Kendra the Vet Tech (LVT) chats with Sue, LVT, VTS-EVN for an episode featuring some cutting edge (new frontier) career opportunities for credentialed veterinary technicians. Sue tells us about her round-about journey of coming into her veterinary technician career and the winding path that led her to where she is today as the equine teaching herd manager at the University of Minnesota. A real story about not being afraid of change and saying "Yes!" to new opportunities. She is the first veterinary technician to hold her current position. Not only is she in charge of the health and well-being of the herd, she is shaping the veterinarians of tomorrow through hands-on instruction. She and some of her veterinary technician colleagues are now being more heavily utilized in formal veterinary student instruction. Join in to hear more about this first hand account of exciting changes in career possibilities for veterinary technicians!

Who provides medical care for the pets that have no one? Kendra the Vet Tech (LVT) is joined by Angie, LVT, for this episode chatting about being a credentialed veterinary technician in shelter medicine. Learn what you can expect on the daily and how shelter settings can vary greatly in terms of size, equipment and care offered. What type of pay can you expect as a shelter technician? How heavily are your skills utilized? What is the staffing like in this type of work environment? Want to know if shelter medicine is for you? Join in and see!

Kendra the Vet Tech (LVT) chats with Erica, LVT, about being a credentialed veterinary technician in sales. What if you aren't feeling fulfilled in traditional practice? If you like the products that you are using in your hospital, how about spreading the good word about them with other veterinary professionals? There are so many other options for careers, with lots of mini-pathways in sales! We learn about how your schedule works (you can sometimes set it yourself!), how much travelling is involved, how much education about the products you need, and so much more!

What is veterinary telehealth? What are the requirements for working for a telehealth company? What does the daily work load look like? Join me as I chat with Camilynne, LVT, about working as a telehealth veterinary technician. Working as a telehealth technician can be so rewarding from a client communication and education standpoint. As well as, being able to still use acquired skills to effectively triage a pet via phone and provide decision support for the client.

Being a credentialed veterinary technician is not a consolation prize, but a vital position within a veterinary healthcare team. Join me as I chat with Garnetta, LVT, about feeling empowered in your position as a credentialed veterinary technician. We chat about so many topics from scope of practice to tips on how to feel empowered in your current position!