Lorraine Tompkins
Veterinary Technician Student
VCA
“Once you accept that the only real failure is not trying in the first place, you can find the motivation to do what you've always wanted.”
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
Got my first degree simply because it was a subject I was interested in.
My first real job came about because of my degree, although it wasn't completely related to it. Worked as a systems engineer for a defense company in the UK.
Got my MBA through work because I thought it would help my career path.
Also became interested in group fitness classes and qualified to become an instructor.
Major life changes happened and I ended up moving from the UK to the US. Couldn't continue working in defense, so worked as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer.
Moved to various locations within the US and started getting more involved in animal rescue.
Eventually worked out that what I'd really wanted to do all along was work with animals, so enrolled in Penn Foster's vet tech program to enable me to do that.
Currently doing my externship and loving it, despite the many and varied challenges that it provides.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Physics & Astrophysics
Leeds University
Physics & Astrophysics
Leeds University
Graduate
MBA
Kingston University
MBA
Kingston University
Bachelor
Veterinary Technician
Penn Foster
Veterinary Technician
Penn Foster
Career
Veterinary Technician Student
Veterinary assistant
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Education
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
It can vary a lot, but it'll almost always involve restraining animals for blood or urine draws, nail trims, anal gland expressions, taking care of borders, cleaning and disinfecting cages and the treatment area. Sometimes it involves spending the last few minutes with a pet who is being euthanized but the owner doesn't want to be present.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Volunteering at a shelter or rescue. Also, trying to find a job (any job) at a veterinary clinic to get the exposure to the environment and start building up the practical skills.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Physics & Astrophysics
Physics & Astrophysics
Graduate
MBA
MBA
Bachelor
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"You won't be any good at that because you'll get too upset about neglected or mistreated animals and you don't deal with negative emotions very well."
Challenges I Overcame
Self-Esteem Issues
