The Business of Practice: Utilizing Licensed Veterinary Technicians 

In this episode, practice owner Hailey Mueller, DVM, talked about her experiences utilizing licensed technicians to their fullest potential. She shared that as a teenager, she worked at a local veterinary practice, where she “cleaned cages and was paid in snacks.” It was during this early experience that she realized “every person on the team mattered.” 

Fast-forward to her first job as an associate veterinarian, where she was given freedom to train team members. She also had a teaching position at a community college program for veterinary technicians, and she was passionate about empowering them in their work. Mueller started her own practice as a “one-man band” but soon made her “best business decision ever” in hiring a veterinary technician who increased her efficiency and quality of life immeasurably. 

Mueller encouraged listeners to use their technical staff to the height of their license in the state in which they practice. She recommended increasing trust, letting go of the need to “be the one,” providing supportive training, and empowering staff to grow. As a result of this trust and support, her practice team is engaged and satisfied. Finding and keeping team members has been easy because of the practice culture, she said. “People just seem to fall into my lap.” 

In closing, Mueller reminded listeners that “nobody likes to be micromanaged.” Standing behind your team, learning from mistakes, and communicating with trust and integrity allow people to grow in their roles.  

You can contact Mueller at haileymuellerdvm@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to learn more about utilizing licensed technicians in your practice. 

About Dr. Hailey Mueller 

Hailey Mueller, DVM, grew up in Overbrook, Kansas, where she was active in 4-H throughout her youth. After earning a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and industry with minors in entrepreneurship and biology from Kansas State University in 2014, she entered veterinary school at KSU and graduated in 2018. She began her career as an associate at a mixed animal practice in Southeast Kansas and after two years formed her own ambulatory mixed animal practice. The practice has a new building in progress, where she and her team will see all species.

When she is not working, Mueller enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening, running, shotgun sports, and fostering and adopting sighthounds.  

Related Reading

• How Vet Tech Development Enhances Your Equine Practice
• Business Briefs: Increasing Efficiency in Your Equine Practice
• So You Want to Be an Equine Veterinary Technician?

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