Overview

The veterinary technician is the veterinarian’s primary medical support. They begin the examination procedure and continue to assist the doctor throughout the examination, diagnostic, and treatment phases. They aid the veterinarians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. They have a very significant role in educating and communicating with clients about their pet’s health.

Responsibilities

JOB DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Animal Care

• Restrain animals during examinations or procedures
• Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms
• Assist with physical examination by obtaining temperature, pulse, and respiration data
• Clip nails and flush ears
• Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions
• Prepare and administer vaccinations, medications, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian
• Administer anesthesia to animals under the direction of the veterinarian, and monitor animals’ responses to the anesthetics
• Prepare animals for surgery (intubation, preparing a sterile surgical site)
• Prepare procedure equipment and pass instruments to the veterinarian when needed
• Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery
• Administer emergency first aid
• Perform venipuncture and catheterization
• Perform dental work (cleaning, polishing, and extracting teeth)
• Dress wounds and apply bandages
• Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and disposal of remains

Client Communication

• Discuss medical health with clients, such as post-operative status
• Ask questions to clients to obtain a thorough patient medical history
• Explain medical discharge instructions and patient home care to clients
• Provide information or counseling with issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, and nutrition
• Answer client questions thoughtfully and accurately
• Explain treatment plans to clients
• Accurately calculate and quote services and procedures
• Schedule appointments and procedures
• Demonstrate polite and professional conduct

Laboratory and Diagnostics

• Collect, prepare, and label biological samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination
• Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, feces, and other samples to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient
• Prepare and take diagnostic radiographs using x-ray equipment
• Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers

Clerical Duties

• Create medical estimates
• Invoice services and products
• Record laboratory results and findings into the patient file
• Maintain inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies
• Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books

Personal Conduct/Attitude/Teamwork

• Maintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employees
• Display tact and respect with team members even when busy or hectic
• Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and their owners and for working in an animal care field

Organization/Time Management

• Work consistently and diligently in the presence of other staff members and clients
• Understand and execute oral and written directions

Maintenance

• Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, and examination rooms to control the spread of disease
• Prepare examination and treatment rooms by stocking them with the appropriate supplies
• Perform required maintenance procedures on all medical and laboratory equipment to ensure proper working condition
• Clean, maintain, and sterilize surgical equipment
• Prepare surgical suite for surgery

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL

• Ability to communicate effectively to all audiences
• Good visual acuity
• Close vision for computer work
• Comfortable around unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces
• Comfortable with exposure to animals including their actions and ailments
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Repetitive wrist movements on keyboard
• Ability to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time
• Ability to walk up and down stairs multiple times per day

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Veterinary Technician Certification (CVT) preferred but not required
• 2 years veterinary experience OR equivalent combination of experience and education
• Ability to participate in our online applicant and new hire onboarding process remotely
• Ability to complete computer-based training