How to Build Your Case for a Raise in Veterinary Medicine

A Guide for Veterinary Technicians to Strategize and Communicate Professionally for a Raise Based on Performance

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Veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants and client service representatives are essential parts of the animal care team, providing crucial support to veterinarians in providing quality care for pets and animals. If you are looking to build a case for a raise in pay, there are several factors that you can emphasize. Here are a couple suggestions:

1. Education, License, and Certification

One of the most critical factors that can help you build a case for a pay raise is your education, license, and certification. Most veterinary technician positions require a two-year associate degree, which provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to assist veterinarians in animal care. You can highlight your degree and mention any additional coursework you've completed that relates to your job. Additionally, most states require veterinary technicians to obtain licensure or certification before they can practice. If you hold a license or certification, it shows that you've passed an exam and met specific requirements in your state. This demonstrates that you are a skilled and qualified technician and can enhance your argument for a raise. Make sure your boss, and your boss's boss are looped in on your accomplishments too.

2. Experience and Skills

Another factor to emphasize in your case for a raise is your experience and skills. Time alone is NOT a reason for a raise. However, the more years you've worked in veterinary medicine, (hopefully) the more you've learned and the more valuable you are to your employer. You need to have a "how can I help" attitude and be excited to cross train in other departments. You can highlight your experience in various aspects of animal care, and client service. In addition to your experience, you can also emphasize your skills, such as your ability to handle difficult patients, your knowledge of animal behavior, and your proficiency in using veterinary equipment and software. These skills demonstrate that you are a competent and reliable technician who can be trusted to provide quality care.

3. Contribution to Revenue

Employers are always looking for ways to increase revenue and grow their business. As a veterinary technician, you can make a case for a raise by demonstrating how you've contributed to revenue generation. This might include recommending/selling products or services, such as wellness packages, vaccines or parasite prevention, or assisting with marketing efforts, such as social media or community events. You can also show how you've helped to improve operational efficiency, such as by streamlining procedures or reducing waste. By highlighting these contributions, you demonstrate that you are a valuable asset to the team and have a positive impact on the business's bottom line.

4. Willingness to Take on More Responsibility

Finally, you can build a case for a raise by expressing your willingness to take on more responsibility. This might include assisting with training new employees, taking on a leadership role, or developing new protocols to improve patient care. By demonstrating your commitment to the job and your desire to grow and learn, you show that you are invested in the success of the business and deserve to be compensated accordingly. Those that say things like "that's not my job" are likely not going to get a raise. The associates with a "how can I help" attitude are going to gain more knowledge, responsibility and ultimately a raise for their efforts.

Building a case for a pay raise as a veterinary technician requires a combination of education, experience, skills, and contributions to the business. By highlighting these factors and expressing your willingness to take on more responsibility, you can make a compelling argument for why you deserve a higher salary. Remember, the more valuable you are to your employer, the more likely they are to invest in you and your future.