Spotlight: Rachel White, LVT, VTS (Neurology)
Welcome to a truly terrific Tuesday ✨ day three of National Veterinary Technician Week, and we’re here to continue showing off the AMAZING veterinary technicians in our community ❤ currently working as an In-Patient Lead Nurse for the UGA Neurology Service, please meet Rachel White LVT and shiny new VTS in neurology! *drum roll please* Rachel has entered the chat :)
“As I grew up with cats and dogs and eventually started riding and showing horses, I believed from a young age that I would one day become a veterinarian. I set out on that path, starting my undergraduate career as a biology major, but when I began taking psychology classes I fell in love with behaviorism. With this transition, I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ball State University, in Indiana. During my undergraduate program I participated in an externship that I loved – working as a behavior technician teaching life skills to children and early teens with Autism. This turned into a part time job, and then a full-time job once I graduated.
Although I loved that career path, life’s journey brought my husband and I to Georgia and unfortunately, I was unable to continue working as a full-time behavior technician in Athens. I started to research Master’s degree programs thinking I would continue in the Psychology field, but couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. Then, I saw that Athens Technical College offered an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. I enrolled, and graduated from Athens Technical College in 2017. I started working at the University of Georgia right out of school – first with the Cardiology Service, and then transitioned to the Neurology Service.
As I have worked in Neurology, I have realized that I am able to bring together behaviorism, psychology, and veterinary medicine. I enjoy the hands-on nursing care aspect of my job, along with the client communication and education portion. I enjoy every step of the neurologic exam: evaluating mentation, gait, and looking for subtle neurologic deficits which help lead a patient’s care team to a neurolocalization. Once a neurolocalization has been made the list of differentials can be generated and presented to the client to help make an informed decision on how to proceed. Even though the same clinical approach is followed for each patient, subtle nuances make every patient and family’s story slightly different.
In the fall of 2022, I started to investigate the requirements to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Neurology. I looked into the process as a way to continue to expand my knowledge base and to hopefully foster continued professional growth. With the help and encouragement of friends and coworkers, I started on the application. During the application process I learned so much, connected with other technicians working towards specializations, and solidified my love for Neurology. The process truly renewed my thirst for knowledge when I thought I had begun to become stagnant in my current position.
I am proud to say that in June of this year, I passed my VTS exam and I am now 1 of 35 Neurology VTS technicians! I’m excited to continue learning and to see what more develops from obtaining my VTS credentials. After having completed the process, I encourage anyone who is interested in pursuing a VTS to do it! It has made my love for the profession that much stronger. My biggest piece of advice in the process is to be sure to have a great network of support because, you cannot do that journey alone. I am so grateful to those who have supported me along the way.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my dogs and husband. We all love being outside working on landscaping or going on hikes. My husband and I like to go to the gym and host friends at our house – but I will also never say no to a night out for Mexican food!”
Congratulations Rachel on becoming one of 35 LVTs with a VTS in neurology! You are incredible and this world is a better place with you in it. Thank you for all that you do! Happy Vet Tech Week Rachel ❤
