2024-01-04

POSITION SUMMARY The Veterinary Technician works hand-in-hand with veterinarians to ensure quality patient care, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work. The Veterinary Technician assists in multiple procedures providing care for animals including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia as well as client education, marketing and inventory maintenance. Technicians may also see their own appointments for procedures such as suture removal, nail trim, vaccine administration when a doctor exam is not required, labwork, surgery admission and discharge, and boarding entrance exams. This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations. This is an overview of the position and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position. The Veterinary Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Lead Veterinary Technician and Veterinarians. PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Technical: 65%

• Assist veterinarians with veterinary medicine and surgery in any appropriate capacity

• Obtain and record patient histories, vital signs, and weights

• Perform in-hospital lab testing and prepare specimens for reference labs

• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.

• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian; use and maintain IV pump. • Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian. • Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals. • Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery; clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.

• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.

• Communicate with and educate owners in a compassionate, tactful, professional manner

• Take radiographs – processes rads, demonstrates proper positioning techniques

• Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations in order to answer client questions, provide education on vaccines, flea and heartworm products, and assist in marketing veterinary services from which their pet would benefit, such as a dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter procedures, and boarding.

• Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.

• Perform client callbacks • Assist kennel staff

• Maintain legally defensible medical records in cooperation with veterinarian

• Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies

• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.

• Perform other duties as assigned. Technical - Lab:

• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems

• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment.

• Report diagnostic testing to veterinarians

• Maintain quality controls and record keeping on in-house lab equipment

• Complete proper sample preparation and paperwork for reference lab tests

• Fill prescriptions per veterinarians’ instructions; double-check for accuracy; have another employee sign (two signatures on each prescription that leaves our hospital) Technical - Surgery

• Admit patients scheduled for anesthetic procedures

• Keep surgical materials stocked; prepare gown and surgical packs or oversee this process

• Check oxygen lines and waste gas scavenger system; turn off scavenger system after surgical procedures are completed

• Prepare surgery suite for surgery in collaboration with surgery assistant

• Prepare instruments; know type of surgical instruments required for specific surgeries

• Perform induction/intubation and all pre-anesthetic procedures, including patient prep

• Monitor patients post-operatively

• Clean surgery suite and instruments following hospital sterilization protocols

• Keep accurate anesthesia/surgical medical records;

• Accurately calculate and record all medications and injections administered

• Ensure all surgery patients go home well-groomed and in an appropriate medical state Technical - Dentistry

• Clean, scale, and polish teeth using dental equipment and hand instruments

• Perform fluoride treatments

• Record dental problems in record and report to veterinarian

• Assist veterinarians with performing oral extractions or other dental procedures

• Take before & after photos to be sent to client

• Text client via ipad app when patient has woken up from surgery to advise the veterinarian will contact them soon but all went well

• Take dental radiographs for each tooth on each patient Technical - Medical Records

• Update medical records as needed

• Communicate with doctors and technicians through notations in medical records

• Record necessary (highlighted) information for hospitalized patients

• Create estimates/treatment plans and communicate them effectively and thoroughly, with confidence, to clients Housekeeping Duties: 10%

• Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms, surgery suite, treatment area; all surfaces • Maintain equipment cleanliness and longevity by vacuuming pet hair from wheels and equipment

• Keep food and drinks out of treatment area and surgery suite; any place not permitted by OSHA

• Discard syringes, vials, containers in appropriate containers Administrative Duties: 20% Inventory

• Log controlled drugs

• Assist with inventory physical count

• Know how to use inventory module in Cornerstone

• Unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slip, restock supplies Safety

• Follow OSHA requirements

• Follow practice’s health and safety protocols

• Maintain SDS manual and follow proper protocols

• Be knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA; ensure everyone is in compliance; inform Lead Veterinary Technician or Practice Manager of any regulatory issues Administrative

• Be proficient in using Cornerstone

• Assist CSRs when they need help

• Attend staff and department meetings Professional Growth Duties: 3%

• Attend continuing education for technicians, minimum of 10 hours annually

• Network with technicians from other practices

• Read veterinary and technician journals

• Belong to professional associations or forums CONTROLS OVER WORK The Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the Lead Veterinary Technician who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor. Completed work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures. Reports to: Lead Veterinary Technician

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE Education • High school diploma or equivalent • Prefer Associate’s degree in applied science, veterinary technology, but will consider at least 3 years of experience in lieu of degree. Skills • Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. • Critical thinking - Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. • Ability to assist veterinarians in the practice of medicine and surgery • Ability to remain calm in the face of various types of pressure, not allowing emotions to overwhelm attitude and/or performance • Strong client skills, especially verbal and written communication • Ability to foster positive work environment for colleagues Knowledge • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. • Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests. • Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment. • Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials. • Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide “tableside” assistance. • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction. • Knowledge of the hospital’s policies and procedures outlined in manual, as well as those that are implied within reasonable expectation. 

• The base salary range for this full-time position is $22.00- $30.00. Our salary ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.