11/09/20131

Career Diversity in

Animal Health

Presented by Raunnie Crawford and Keleigh Rickman

2

Diversity is everywhere… Careers The people you work with Types of animals

Small Animal Large Animal

Production Equine

Exotics

Different education levels and certifications

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

3

Career ExamplesLarge Animal/ Small

Animal Veterinarian

Pathology Epidemiology Private Practice University

Animal Trainer Nutrition Veterinary Technician Equine Trainer Academia Animal Cosmetics Animal Behavior Animal Production- Beef, Poulty, Dairy,

Etc. Breeder K-9 Police Officer/ Animal Control

Exotics and Research Veterinarian

Zoo Wildlife Exotic Specialization

Laboratory Animal Management

Research Scientist Animal Nutritionist Wildlife Conservationist Lab Animal Technician Specialization- Avian,

Reptilian, Marine, etc.

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

4

Some things to consider What do you want out of life? What animals do you want to work with? How much education will

you need? Salary towards lifestyle?

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

5

What does Keleigh want to be when she grows up?

Still in college at Kansas State University Getting degree in Animal Science with a

focus in Biocience and Biotechnology. Volunteers a lot, works in labs, and is

helping teach an Anatomy and Physiology class.

LOVES RATS!!! <3 <3 Because of that love for rats, going into

Laboratory Animal Management.

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

6

What in the world is Laboratory Animal Management?!

Manage lab animals; not just rats! Dogs, cats, primates, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs.

In charge of day to day operations for the facility, workers, and animals.

Procurement of animals, obtaining proper veterinary care, making sure proper conditions are being met, attending meetings.

Direct hands on care by handling animals, testing for parasites, and testing for illness an condition.

A lot of administrative work but also hands on work. A LOT OF COMMUNICATION!!

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

7

What do you need for LAM? Higher education A passion for animals A passion for learning Enthusiasm! Experience- Internships, shadowing Membership with American Association

of Laboratory Animal Science. Good communication skills

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

8

Benefits of LAM Typically an 8am-5pm job; time for family and

extracurriculars. Helping animals directly and indirectly helping the

world by coordinating research on things like cancer and heart disease.

A lot of positions available in a lot of different locations.

Only two extra years of schooling past college. Salary of around $90k-$120k, pending on

experience and education. Once you attain director of laboratory status, you can make

up to $180k

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

9

A little about Raunnie! Lifelong resident of Kansas; from the Topeka area. Went to Vet Tech school in Colby, KS. Got Associates Degree in Applied Science. Officially became a Registered Vet Tech after taking

the State Boards. Now students take a National Board Exam!

At the Kansas State Vet School for 24 years. 15 years in Small Animal Surgery and 9 years in

Large Animal Surgery. Has 2 dogs, about to get a third! Also has a horse

and a small flock of goats.

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keeigh Rickman

10

What does a Vet Technician Do?

Functions similarly to a human nurse and a laboratory technician.

It is different in a General practice versus a Referral Practice.

We do Laboratory work. Diagnostics, sample taking, etc.

Take the animal to be admitted, asking questions and history, and doing an initial exam.

Radiology and anesthesia

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

11

What do you need to be a Vet Technician?

Go to an accredited program and pass the qualifying board exam. In the accredited program, you get an Associates Degree. There are online courses, but for some of these courses you have to go on site for laboratories.

Classes include Gross Anatomy, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology Terminology, Surgery labs, Radiology labs, Anesthesia labs.

Lot’s of hard work but a lot of fun and learning!

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

12

What is Raunnie’s day to day life like?

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

13

Benefits of being a Vet Tech The pay may not be the best, but the position is so

rewarding! You are a crucial part to the practice staff, you get to work with humans and animals, and truly impact the lives of your patients and their families.

Sometimes you are on call, sometimes you are not. The position leaves you time for your family, friends, and hobbies.

Potential stepping stone to other careers in animal health.

Can enter into the field quickly and then decide to spend more time on education or if the Vet Tech position is for you!

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.

14

Questions??Please take a look at the implants and anesthetic tubes!

You can hold and pet the rat; MUST SANITIZE HANDS AND NOT SCREAM.

11/09/2013

Raunnie C. & Keleigh R.