Recent AVMA analytics reveals that veterinary hospitals with more technicians and other non-DVM staff are likely to operate more efficiently. The optimal mix of non-DVM and DVM staff depends on several factors, including:
- practice type and size
- the demand for veterinary services in an area
- the availability of qualified veterinary professionals: professional and non-professional
Source: Veterinary Economics, September 8, 2019. Link. The analysis indicates the most efficient practices have more than six non-DVMs on staff for every DVM. Well-trained technicians are capable of a wide range of clinical tasks. Many have specialty training in areas ranging from dental care to anesthesia to behavior.
INSIGHTS: Increasing the use of veterinary technicians and lay staff in areas they have training or passions for pays huge dividends.
NOTE: National Veterinary Technician Week is October 13-19. Remember to honor these valuable team members, celebrate all they do for the profession and spend time discussing more for them to handle.