Veterinary Technicians Challenges & Opportunities NAVTA Demographic Survey

December 2007

Methodology
The Veterinary Technicians Challenges & Opportunities survey was conducted by mail for the National Association for Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) to gather opinions regarding issues and challenges veterinary technicians face in their careers, and to enable NAVTA to develop effective programs and services to better meet the needs of veterinary technicians. Irwin Broh Research mailed two versions of the survey on September 14, 2007, one version for NAVTA members and a 2nd version for nonmembers; sample files were provided by NAVTA. Completed surveys were accepted through November 13, 2007. In total, 1,725 useable surveys were returned for an overall response rate of 42.3%. The breakdown by version is shown below:
Total Surveys Mailed Completed Surveys Response Rate 4,080 1,725 42.3% NAVTA Members 3,080 1,455 47.2% NAVTA NonMembers 1,000 270 27.0%
2

Key Findings
Issues Facing Veterinary Technicians Low income is the key problem facing veterinary technicians; job burnout and lack of professional recognition are the next most prevalent issues.
Two-thirds of NAVTA members and three-fourths of non-members rank low income among the top 3 problems they face.

For about one-third of respondents, supervision of staff and client communications take up more time today than 3 years ago. Looking toward the next 5 years, employment, salary, and benefits is the primary issue that will affect veterinary technicians jobs. Roughly 4 in 5 veterinary technicians are either satisfied and will definitely stay or will probably stay in the field. Nine in 10 agree that only veterinarians or veterinary technicians should be allowed to perform certain tasks (e.g. take radiographs, induce anesthesia, perform dentals).
Eight in 10 agree they are so under-paid that feasibility of staying in the profession is declining.
3

Key Findings (Contd.)

Veterinary Technician Associations The average NAVTA membership length among respondents who are current members is 6.1 years.
Slightly less than one-third of current non-members have been a NAVTA member in the past, with an average membership length of 3.3 years.

The NAVTA Journal, including CE announcements, News for Members, four reviewed CE articles per issue, and opportunity to earn CE credit are considered very or somewhat important to more than 9 in 10 members.
Most NAVTA services are very or somewhat important to at least 7 in 10 members.

Among non-members, awareness is highest for the following NAVTA services: National Veterinary Technician Week, The NAVTA Journal, and the NAVTA website. Approximately one-third of non-members did not renew or never joined NAVTA due to unfamiliarity with NAVTA, too busy to get involved, and the cost of dues.
4

Key Findings (Contd.)

Veterinary Technician Associations (Contd.) NAVTA members are significantly more likely than non-members to be a member of their state veterinary technician association (64% versus 39%, respectively). CE meetings are more popular among NAVTA members.
Half of members attended at least one National meeting within the past year, compared to 35% of non-members. Roughly 2 in 5 members and non-members attended one or more state veterinary medical association sponsored CE meetings. Just under 40% of members and 27% of non-members attended at least one state veterinary technician association CE meeting. About 1 in 5 members and non-members attended at least one local veterinary technician association CE meeting.

Members are significantly more likely than non-members to indicate the current dues are about right (81% versus 50%, respectively).
Half of the members would be willing to pay higher dues to support added programs and services.
5

Key Findings (Contd.)

Veterinary Technician Associations (Contd.) Areas for NAVTA to work on include: increasing veterinarians awareness about utilization of veterinary technicians, assisting states with credentialing laws and requirements, and providing the public with information about the profession.

Employment, Economics and Career

Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician are primarily female and 38 years old, on average.
NAVTA members tend to be slightly older than non-members and work in larger communities.

Three fourths of non-members and about half of members are employed in companion animal practice. Nearly all members (99%) and the majority of non-members (88%) are certified, registered, or licensed, and about 9 in 10 are credentialed in the state where they are employed.
6

Key Findings (Contd.)

Employment, Economics and Career (Contd.) Nearly all use a computer at work, most often to maintain client records. NAVTA members are significantly more likely than non-members to have graduated from an AVMA-accredited program (88% versus 69%, respectively). On average, respondents have worked just over 11 years as a veterinary technician, about 7 years with their current employer, and with slightly fewer than 3 employers throughout their career. Full-time veterinary technicians earn $35,400, on average; NAVTA members earn significantly more than non-members.
Part-time employees earn about $15 per hour.

More than 9 in 10 full-time veterinary technicians receive paid vacation; other benefits provided by about 4 in 5 employers include health insurance, free or discounted animal care, and CE registration.

Issues Facing Veterinary Technicians

Problems Facing Veterinary Technicians: Ranked Among Top 3

Low income is the key problem facing veterinary technicians, particularly among non-members of NAVTA.
Job burnout and lack of professional recognition are the next most prevalent issues.
Top 3 Problems Low income Job burnout Lack of professional recognition Lack of career advancement Competition with assistants trained on the job Total (1,725) 68% 43% 41% 30% 26% 25% 24% 8% 7% 5% 4% 4% 1% 1% Member (1,455) 67% 43% 43%* 29% 28%* 24% 24% 8% 8% 6% 4% 4% 1% 1% Non-Member (270) 75%* 41% 33% 36%* 19% 30%* 24% 7% 6% 4% 7%* 5% 2% 1%
9

Lack of employment benefits

Underutilization of my skills Relationships with other staff Problems with equipment and materials used Relationships with veterinarians Unavailability of continuing education

Client relations
Working with vendors or suppliers Lack of qualified help/hard to find LVTs/experienced staff

Which of the following are the three most significant problems that you face as a veterinary technician? * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Activities That Take Up More Time Today

For about one-third of respondents, supervision of staff and client communications take up more time today than three years ago.
Total (1,725) Supervision of staff Client communications Teaching Inventory/order 35% 33% 24% 23% Member (1,455) 34% 32% 25%* 21% Non-Member (270) 37% 38%* 20% 33%*

Dentistry
Laboratory testing Anesthesia Behavior Counseling Nutritional Counseling

22%
19% 17% 15% 13%

21%
18% 17% 15% 13%

26%*
21% 17% 13% 15%

Radiology
Surgery assisting Animal management Selling products Grief Counseling

13%
12% 10% 8% 4%

12%
12% 11%* 7% 5%*

14%
14% 7% 12%* 3%
10

Indicate any activities in your current employment situation that take up more of your time on the job today than three years ago. * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Issues Affecting Job Next 5 Years: Ranked Among Top 3

Employment, salary, and benefits is the primary issue that will affect veterinary technicians jobs in the next five years.
Specialization in veterinary technology is the next major issue, particularly among NAVTA members.
Top 3 Issues Employment, salary, and benefits Specialization in veterinary technology
Total (1,725) Member (1,455) Non-Member (270)

66% 41%

65% 43%*

68% 32%

Medical/computer technology
Credentialing for veterinary technicians Non-educational ways to earn the Veterinary Technician title Animal welfare consciousness Changing animal-owner demographics Availability of relevant continuing education programs Emerging zoonotic diseases Bioterrorism, related to nations food supply

36%
30% 29% 27% 20% 18% 16% 7%

36%
31%* 29% 27% 19% 18% 16% 7%

37%
24% 28% 29% 24%* 20% 17% 8%

As you look towards the next five years, what three issues do you believe will most affect your job? * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

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Career Satisfaction
Regardless of NAVTA membership, roughly 4 in 5 veterinary technicians are either satisfied and will definitely stay or will probably stay in the field.
100% 80% 60% 43% 43% 42% 40% 20% 0% I'm satisfied and I will probably stay I will probably I'm dissatisfied will definitely stay in veterinary change to another and will definitely in veterinary technology in the field in the future change to another technology future field Total Member Non-Member No answer 40% 39% 43%

13% 13% 11% 3% 3% 3% 1% 2% 1%

How satisfied are you with your career in veterinary technology? * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

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Agreement Statements Top 2 Box

Nine out of 10 veterinary technicians agree that only veterinarians or veterinary technicians should be allowed to perform certain tasks.
Non-members are significantly more likely than members to agree they are under-paid and frequently recommend pet products.
In addition to veterinarians, only veterinary technicians should be allowed to perform certain tasks, e.g., take radiographs, induce anesthesia, and perform dentals

90% 92% 92%

Veterinary technicians are so under-paid that feasibility of staying in the profession is declining

85% * 79% 80%

I frequently recommend to clients which pet products to use

90% * 77% 79% 0% 20% Total 40% Member 60% 80% 100%

Non-Member
13

Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. (Scale: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree) * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Agreement Statements: Top 2 Box (Contd)

Non-members also agree significantly more than members that they are happy with the level of recognition and support provided by professional organizations and that the NAVTA mission statement should include more representation for assistants.
78% 76% 77%

The veterinarian listens to my opinion regarding product and equipment purchases

As a technician, I am currently happy with the level of recognition and support given to veterinary technicians by professional veterinary organizations

50% * 43% 44%

The NAVTA mission statement should be changed to include more representation for assistants

23% * 17% 18% 0% 20% Total 40% Member 60% 80% 100%

Non-Member
14

Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. (Scale: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree) * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Product Recommendation: Ranked Highest Priority

CE seminars have the strongest affect on product recommendations.
NAVTA members are significantly more likely to select CE seminars, while non-members are more likely to select sales reps and program incentives as having the greatest affect on product recommendation to clients.

64% CE seminars on products 72% * 71% 22% * Sales representatives 14% 15% 9% * 4% 5% 2% 2% 2% 0% 20% Total 40% Member 60% Non-Member
15

Program incentives

Advertisements in trade journals

80%

100%

Rank which of the following most effect your recommendation of a product to clients. (1=highest priority, 2, 3, 4=lowest priority) * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Veterinary Technician Associations

16

Past NAVTA Membership Among Non-Members

Fewer than one-third of current non-members have been a NAVTA member in the past.
The average NAVTA membership length among current non-members is 3.3 years.

No answer, 2%

Non-Members

Yes, 30%

How many years? 1 year or less 2-3 years 4-5 years 6-9 years 10 or more years No answer Average (years)

(82) 35% 37% 14% 2% 7% 5% 3.3

No, 68%

Have you ever been a NAVTA member? If yes, for how many years? Base: Non-members only

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NAVTA Membership Length

Two in 5 current NAVTA members have been a member for 3 years or less.
The average NAVTA membership length among current members is 6.1 years.
NAVTA Members
5% 16%

Average: 6.1 years

21% 1 year or less 2-3 years 4-5 years 6-9 years 10 or more years No answer

24% 15%

19%
How many years have you ever been a member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)? Base: Members only 18

Importance of NAVTA Services Among Members: Top 2 Box

The NAVTA Journal and its articles are considered very or somewhat important to nearly all members. Importance scores for all other NAVTA services and programs are shown on the following page.
CE announcements 96%

News for Members Four reviewed CE articles per issue The NAVTA Journal Opportunity to earn CE credit 0% 20% 40% 60% Member 80%

95%

94%

93%

91%

100%

How important are each of the following NAVTA services and programs? (Scale: Very Important, Somewhat Important, Not Important, No Opinion, Not Familiar) Base: Members only

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Importance of NAVTA Services Among Members: Top 2 Box (Contd.)

Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties Website Liaison with American Association of Veterinary State Boards National Veterinary Technician Week AVMA/NAVTA Liaison Committee State Representative Network Student Chapters Discounts (Stethescope, Hotel, Car, Movie) Members Only Section on Website PR brochures, Career DVD Health Insurance program NVTW poster, button

88% 87% 85% 84% 83% 82% 79% 75% 71% 69% 63% 53% 20% 40% 60% Member 80% 100%

0%

How important are each of the following NAVTA services and programs? (Scale: Very Important, Somewhat Important, Not Important, No Opinion, Not Familiar) Base: Members only

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Awareness of NAVTA Services Among Non-Members

Non-members are most aware of National Veterinary Technician Week, The NAVTA Journal, and the NAVTA Website.

National Veterinary Technician Week

84%

The NAVTA Journal

77% 63%

The NAVTA Web site

Liaison with American Association of Veterinary State Boards

40% 34%

AVMA NAVTA Liaison Committee

State Representative Network

34%

Health Insurance Program

7% Non-Member 6% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

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Discounts (Stethescope, Hotel, Car, Movie)

0%
Are you aware of the following NAVTA services and programs? Base: Non-members only

Reasons for Not Renewing/Joining NAVTA

Roughly one-third of non-members did not renew or never joined NAVTA due to unfamiliarity with NAVTA, too busy to get involved, and expensive dues.
Not familiar with NAVTA Too busy to get involved NAVTA dues are too expensive NAVTA membership is not a good value relative to dues NAVTA programs are not relevant to me Dont intend to stay in veterinary technology Not employed in veterinary technology No answer 0% 6% 3% 1% Non-Member 10% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
22

36% 33% 30% 13%

Which of the following best describes your reason for not renewing your membership or never joining NAVTA? Base: Non-members only

Primary Reason for Leaving Field*

Among the 7 non-members not currently employed as a veterinary technician, reasons for leaving the field include burnout, low pay, prefer to be a stay-at-home mom, and lack of respect.
Burn-out 29%

Low pay Prefer to be a stay-athome mom Lack of respect from vet(s) No answer

14%

14%

Currently employed as: Pet sitter/boarder Stay-at-home mom Mixed animal practice Personal attendant

14%

43%

0%

20%

40%

60% Non-Member

80%

100%

If you are not currently employed as a veterinary technician, which reason below expresses your primary reason for leaving the field? In what type of work are you currently employed? Base: Non-members not currently employed as a veterinary technician *Caution: Extremely small base size (n=7)

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State Veterinary Technician Association

NAVTA members are significantly more likely than non-members to be a member of their state veterinary technician association, and to have served as an officer or committee member.
100%

80% 60% 60% 39% 64% *

40%

20%

13%

14% * 5%

14%

16% * 6%

0% State Association member Total Served as an officer Member Non-Member Served as a committee member

Are you a member of your state veterinary technician association? Have you ever served in any of the following capabilities? As a State Association officer? As a State Association committee member? * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

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CE Attendance: Local Veterinary Technician Association

About 1 in 5 NAVTA members and non-members attended at least one local veterinary technician association sponsored CE meeting within the past 12 months.
100%

80%

60%

54% 55% * 48%

40% 17% 18% 24% 22% 14% 4% 4% 4% 0% 0 1-2 Total 3-6 Member 7 or more Non-Member 1% 1% 2%

32% *

20%

No answer

Within the last 12 months who sponsored the CE meetings you attended and how often did you attend? Local Veterinary Technician Association 25 * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

CE Attendance: State Veterinary Technician Association

State veterinary technician association CE meetings are more popular with NAVTA members; 39% of members attended at least one meeting within the past year, compared to only 27% of non-members.
100%

80%

60% 42% 42% 44% 40% 34% 35% * 25% 20% 3% 3% * 1% 0% 0 1-2 Total 3-6 Member 7 or more Non-Member No answer 1% 1% 1% 20% 19% 29% *

Within the last 12 months who sponsored the CE meetings you attended and how often did you attend? State Veterinary Technician Association 26 * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

CE Attendance: State Veterinary Medical Association

Roughly 2 in 5 NAVTA members and non-members attended one or more state veterinary medical association sponsored CE meetings in the last year.
100%

80%

60% 40% 41% 40% 37% 38% * 31% 25% * 20% 5% 4% 6% 0% 0 1-2 Total 3-6 Member 7 or more Non-Member No answer 1% 1% 1% 17% 16%

37%

Within the last 12 months who sponsored the CE meetings you attended and how often did you attend? State Veterinary Medical Association * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

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CE Attendance: National
NAVTA members are significantly more likely than non-members to attend a National sponsored CE meeting; half of the members attended at least one meeting within the past year, compared to 35% of nonmembers.
100%

80%

60% 38% 37% 42% 41% 44% * 29% 23% * 20% 5% 5% 4% 0% 0 1-2 Total 3-6 Member 7 or more Non-Member No answer 1% 1% 2% 15% 13%

40%

Within the last 12 months who sponsored the CE meetings you attended and how often did you attend? National (e.g. AVMA, NAVC, WVC) * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

28

Choice of CE Meetings: Ranked Highest Priority

Speakers/topics and location have the strongest affect on attendance at CE meetings.
NAVTA members are significantly more likely than non-members to choose to attend a meeting based on the speakers/topics.
32% Speakers/topics 41% * 39% 39% 37% 37% 14% 12% 12% 11% 9% 9% 0% 20% 40% Total Member 60% Non-Member
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Location

Fulfill CE requirements

Price

80%

100%

Rank which of the following most affected your choice of meetings. (1=highest priority, 2, 3, 4=lowest priority) * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Veterinary Technology Presentation

NAVTA members are significantly more likely than non-members to have given a presentation about veterinary technology within the past year; almost one-fourth of members have given a presentation compared to 1 in 10 non-members.
Member
No answer, 1%

Non-Member
No answer, 2% Yes, 10%

Yes, 23% *

No, 76% No, 88% *

Within the past 12 months, have you given a presentation about veterinary technology? * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

30

NAVTA Dues
NAVTA members are significantly more likely than non-members to indicate that the current dues are about right; 8 in 10 members share this opinion, compared to only half of non-members.
Half of the NAVTA members would be willing to pay higher dues to support added programs and services.
100% 81% * 80% 76%

50% of members would be willing to pay higher dues to support added programs/services
50%

60% 39% *

40% 21% 20% 1% 1% * 0% 0% Low About right Total Member High

17% 11% * 2% 1%

No answer

Non-Member
31

In your opinion, are the current NAVTA dues ($50 per year) low, about right, or high, when compared to benefits of NAVTA membership? Would you be willing to pay higher dues to support added NAVTA programs and services? (Base: Members only) * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Areas NAVTA to Work On: Ranked Highest Priority

One-third of veterinary technicians want NAVTA to work on increasing veterinarians awareness about utilization of veterinary technicians.
More than 1 in 5 feel NAVTA should be working on assisting states with credentialing laws and requirements and providing the public with information about the profession.
Total (1,725) Member (1,455) Non-Member (270)

Ranked Highest Priority Increase veterinarians awareness about utilization of veterinary technicians Assist states with credentialing laws and requirements Provide the public with information about the profession Continuing education program development Recruitment of students for veterinary technology programs Implementation of certification process for assistants

34% 23% 21% 17% 3%

34% 25%* 21% 17% 4%

36% 17% 20% 16% 2%

2%

1%

5%*

Rank from 1 to 6 the areas that NAVTA should be working on. (1=highest priority, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6=lowest priority) * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

32

Employment, Economics and Career

33

Employed as Veterinary Technician

The vast majority of respondents are currently employed as a veterinary technician.

Member
No, 1% No answer, 2%

Non-Member
No, 4% * No answer, 1%

Yes, 97%

Yes, 95%

Are you currently employed as a veterinary technician? * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

34

Age, Gender & Community Size

Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician are primarily female and 38 years old, on average.
NAVTA members tend to be slightly older than non-members and work in larger communities.
(Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician) Average Age Gender Male Female No answer Community Size 2,500 or less 2,501 to 50,000 50,001 to 500,000 500,001 or more No answer 4% 34% 36% 21% 5% 4% 32% 37%* 23%* 4% 6% 47%* 30% 12% 5% 3% 95% 2% 3% 95% 2% 3% 95% 2% Total (1,648) 38.0 Member (1,385) 38.3* Non-Member (263) 36.7

What is your age? What is your gender? What is the size of the community in which you work? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

35

Employment Category
Non-members are significantly more likely to be employed in companion or mixed animal practice, while NAVTA members tend to work as veterinary technicians in other capacities.
(Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician) Companion animal practice Total (1,648) 52% Member (1,385) 48% Non-Member (263) 75%*

Mixed animal practice

Specialty practice Emergency practice Veterinary technology education Veterinary school Diagnostic or research laboratory Humane shelter Other university or college employment Equine practice Zoo/zoological Federal, state, local government

12%
9% 8% 6% 4% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%

11%
10%* 10%* 7%* 5%* 3%* 2%* 2%* 1%* 1%* 1%*

18%*
7% 2% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Industry or sales
Food animal practice Other

1%
1% 2%

1%
1% 2%

0%
0% 0%
36

Which category best describes your employment? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Allocation of Work Time

NAVTA members spend significantly more of their work time in animal nursing and teaching, while non-members spend more time in laboratory, surgical assisting, inventory/ordering, selling products, and meeting sales reps.
Average % of Time Spent in Each Function (Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician) Animal nursing Anesthesia Client communication Laboratory Teaching Surgical assisting Supervision of staff Radiology Inventory/ordering Selling products Meeting sales reps Total (1,648) 17.2 14.0 12.3 10.4 10.2 9.3 9.0 7.8 5.4 3.1 1.4 Member (1,385) 17.9* 14.1 12.1 10.3 11.3* 8.7 9.0 7.7 5.0 2.8 1.3 Non-Member (263) 13.4 13.4 13.5 11.5* 4.3 12.1* 9.2 8.2 7.8* 4.6* 2.3*
37

Estimate what percentage of your work time is spent in each of the following functions? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Certification, Registration & Licensing

Nearly all NAVTA members and the majority of non-members are certified, registered, or licensed (in 1.3 states, on average). About nine in 10 are credentialed in the state where they are employed.
Average number of states: Total (1,600) 1.3 Member (1,370) 1.3

NonMember (230) 1.3

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

97%

99% * 88%

93%

93%

91%

Certified, registered, or licensed Total Member

Credentialed in state employed Non-Member

Are you certified, registered, or licensed in veterinary technology? If yes, in how many states? Are you credentialed in the state where you are currently employed? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician 38 * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Others in Practice
Veterinary technicians in private practice work with approximately 5 veterinarians, 5 graduate/credentialed veterinary technicians, and 6 assistants, on average.
NAVTA members tend to work in larger practices than non-members.

(Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician) Average number of Veterinarians Graduate/credentialed veterinary technicians Assistants

Total (1,648)

Member (1,385)

Non-Member (263)

5.2 4.8 5.9

5.7* 5.3* 6.3*

3.1 2.5 3.7

If you work in private practice, how many veterinarians, technicians, and other assistants work in the practice? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

39

Computer Usage
Nearly all respondents use a computer at work, most often to maintain client records.
NAVTA members are significantly more likely to use the computer for Internet access and word-processing, while non-members are more likely to use it for client records and inventory.

(Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician) Personally use computer at work Primary Functions Client records Internet access Word-processing Inventory

Total (1,648) 96% (1,586) 88% 66% 61% 49%

Member (1,385) 96% (1,333) 87% 68%* 62%* 47%

Non-Member (263) 96% (253) 97%* 53% 55% 59%*

Do you personally use a computer in your work? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician If yes, for what primary functions do you use the computer? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician and use computer at work * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

40

Internet Usage
NAVTA members use the Internet both at work and at home more frequently than non-members.
Internet Usage... At Work (Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician and use computer at work) Multiple times/day Once a day Once a week Never No answer At Home (Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician) Total (1,586) 44% 17% 11% 26% 2% (1,648) Member (1,333) 47%* 16% 9% 26% 2% (1,385) Non-Member (253) 30% 23%* 22%* 25% 0% (263)

Multiple times/day
Once a day Once a week Never No answer

42%
32% 13% 11% 2%

44%*
32% 12% 10% 2%

30%
36% 17%* 15%* 2%

How often do you use the Internet at work? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician and use computer at work Do you use the Internet at home? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

41

Education
NAVTA members are significantly more likely than non-members to have graduated from an AVMA-accredited program.
Over three-fourths hold an associate degree and one third a baccalaureate degree, members significantly more so than non-members.
(Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician) Graduate of AVMA-accredited program Year of Graduation 2000-2007 1990-1999 1980-1989 1970-1979 No answer Total (1,648) 85% (1,396) 51% 28% 15% 5% 1% Member (1,385) 88%* (1,214) 52% 27% 15% 5% 1% Non-Member (263) 69% (182) 46% 32% 14% 6% 2%

Degree
Associate degree Baccalaureate degree Graduate degree Other No answer

(1,648)
77% 34% 4% 4% 1%

(1,385)
79%* 37%* 5% 4% 1%

(263)
68% 21% 3% 7%* 2%
42

Are you a graduate of an AVMA-accredited program in veterinary technology? Year of graduation? What educational degrees do you have? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Employment
On average, respondents have worked just over 11 years as a veterinary technician, about 7 years with their current employer, and with slightly fewer than 3 employers. They work an average of 39.2 hours per week, 49.7 weeks per year.

(Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician) Average... Years worked as veterinary technician Years worked with current employer Number of employers Hours per week Weeks per year

Total (1,648)

Member (1,385)

Non-Member (263)

11.6 7.1 2.8 39.2 49.7

11.5 6.9 2.9 39.4 49.6

12.2 8.4* 2.4 38.5 50.0

How many years have you worked as a veterinary technician? How many years have you worked with your current employer? How many employers have you had as a veterinary technician? In your current position, how many hours do you work per week? How many weeks do you work per year? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

43

Income
Full-time veterinary technicians earn $35,400, on average; NAVTA members earn significantly more than non-members. Those employed part-time earn about $15 per hour.

Total Annual Income (Base: Respondents working 40+ hours/week as a veterinary technician) Average Median Hourly pay (Base: Respondents working <40 hours/week as a veterinary technician) Average Median (1,209) $35,400 $33,000 (422) $15.4/hr $15.3/hr

Member (1,029) $36,100* $33,800 (341) $15.5/hr $15.4/hr

Non-Member (180) $31,100 $29,100 (81) $14.8/hr $14.8/hr

Regarding your current income, please indicate the dollar interval that approximates your annual gross income (i.e., before payroll deductions). If you work less than 40 hrs/wk, considered part time, which of the following most closely represents your hourly pay? Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician 44 * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

Employer-Provided Benefits
More than 9 in 10 full-time veterinary technicians receive paid vacation from their employer; other benefits provided by about 4 in 5 employers include health insurance, free or discounted animal care, and CE registration.
As shown below and on the following page, NAVTA members are significantly more likely than non-members to receive several of the employer-provided benefits.
(Base: Respondents working 40+ hours/week as a veterinary technician) Paid vacation Health insurance Free or discounted animal care CE registration Paid legal holidays Paid overtime Retirement/pension plan Paid sick leave Total (1,209) 93% 83% 82% 79% 75% 74% 66% 66% Member (1,029) 93% 85%* 81% 80% 76% 74% 68%* 67%* Non-Member (180) 94% 70% 91%* 74% 70% 71% 53% 55%

Please mark each of the following benefits that are provided by your current employer. Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician and work 40+ hours/week. * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

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Employer-Provided Benefits (Contd.)

(Base: Respondents working 40+ hours/week as a veterinary technician) Uniform/equipment allowance CE time off CE travel and lodging Dental insurance State association dues Credentialing fees NAVTA dues Life insurance Disability insurance Profit-sharing Incentive pay Malpractice insurance Pet Insurance Housing/apartment Total (1,209) 65% 62% 57% 49% 40% 36% 34% 32% 29% 22% 10% 4% 2% 0% Member (1,029) 65% 65%* 59%* 52%* 43%* 38%* 39%* 35%* 31%* 23%* 10% 4% 2% 0% Non-Member (180) 62% 46% 45% 31% 26% 29% 7% 17% 17% 16% 8% 3% 2% 1%

Please mark each of the following benefits that are provided by your current employer. Base: Respondents currently employed as a veterinary technician and work 40+ hours/week. * Indicates a significant difference at the 90% confidence level when comparing members to non-members.

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Geographic Region
Total
1% 6% 14% 9% New England Middle Atlantic East North Central West North Central South Atlantic East South Central West South Central Mountain Pacific Hawaii/Alaska

12%

5% 4% 20%

15% 13%

In what state are you employed?

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