Meet Veterinary Technology Faculty: Kyle Mathis, DVM
Contact Information:
Email: kmathis@yccd.edu
Phone: 530-740-1740 (office)
Office #812
Why Veterinary Nursing (also known as Veterinary Technology) is a great career option:
Many jobs allow you to work with animals. Only one allows you to be a healer, educator, and superhero: veterinary nursing. Veterinary nurses are also known as veterinary technologists or technicians, but the skills are the same: helping sick animals become healthy, and then helping to keep them that way. To do this, veterinary nurses perform physical examinations, obtain blood samples, run laboratory equipment, anesthetize patients, obtain radiographs, clean and bandage wounds, assist in surgeries, and much more.
Veterinary nurses work with animals of all shapes and sizes, and may work in a variety of different settings, from a neighborhood veterinary clinic to a major university, from a local animal shelter to a large corporation. The demand for veterinary nurses is strong, and is expected to grow.
Advice:
The job is rewarding but demanding. A sense of humor, a love of animals and of helping people, and the ability to work as a team are important to your success. You can find television shows, podcasts, and online videos that show veterinary nurses in action. You may also be able to volunteer at a local animal shelter or veterinary clinic. This would give you a taste of what veterinary nurses do, and if you think you would like it.
Experience:
I started working in the veterinary profession in 1995, as a veterinary assistant and receptionist. After graduating from UC Davis, in 2003, I have treated tens of thousands of dogs, cats, cows, goats, pigs, sheep, rabbits, rats, the occasional horse, and one camel.
I am personally grateful for the many amazing veterinary nurses I have worked alongside since 1995, and I consider it a great honor and responsibility to help train the next generation.
Education/Credentials:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), UC Davis, 2003.
Things I like to do outside of work:
Going for walks, gardening, cooking, and just hanging out with my wife and kids.