Career Diversity

in Animal HealthPresented by Raunnie Crawford

and Keleigh Rickman

11/09/20131

Diversity is everywhere… Careers

The people you work with

Types of animals

Small Animal

Large Animal

Production

Equine

Exotics

Different education levels and certifications

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Career ExamplesLarge Animal/ Small Animal

Veterinarian

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.

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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?

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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.

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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!!

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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!

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What is Raunnie’s day to day life like?

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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!

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Questions??

Please take a look at the implants and anesthetic

tubes!

You can hold and pet the rat; MUST SANITIZE HANDS

AND NOT SCREAM.

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