Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician Job Description

Classification: Non-Exempt / Hourly
Reports To: Practice Manager and Medical Director

Objective

As a member of the Blue Oasis Pet Hospital team, the Veterinary Technician plays a vital role in delivering high-quality medical care and exceptional client service. Veterinary Technicians build positive, professional relationships with clients, patients, and team members while supporting veterinarians in all aspects of patient care.

A Veterinary Technician is a licensed veterinary professional who has graduated from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and successfully passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The technician must hold and maintain an active veterinary technician license and demonstrate extensive veterinary medical knowledge and technical proficiency.

General Knowledge

The Veterinary Technician is expected to:

• Understand the range of services and species treated by the practice
• Be familiar with common breeds, coat colors, and medical terminology
• Use proper medical terminology when speaking and writing
• Know standard medical and business abbreviations
• Understand OSHA standards and quickly locate Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Understand common parasites, their life cycles, pathology, and preventatives
• Understand zoonotic diseases and methods of prevention
• Be familiar with hospital policies including stray animal care, deposits, payments, pet insurance, and finance fees
• Communicate effectively in written and spoken English

General Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and prepared for each scheduled shift
• Maintain accurate time records
• Maintain a professional appearance, including clean, unwrinkled scrubs
• Maintain a positive, friendly, and professional demeanor
• Perform duties efficiently while maintaining quality and patient safety
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a positive work environment
• Manage stress calmly and professionally
• Assist with emergency or critical care cases as needed, including staying late or working through breaks
• Treat clients, coworkers, and pets with respect at all times
• Promote preventive care, nutrition, husbandry, and pet insurance
• Lift up to 50 pounds independently and assist with team lifting over 50 pounds
• Remain productive during slow periods and assist team members without prompting
• Stock and monitor hospital inventory and remove expired products
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and performance evaluations
• Maintain strict client and patient confidentiality
• Respond appropriately to pet, facility, or weather-related emergencies
• Follow established opening and closing procedures

Essential Functions

Under the supervision of the Practice Manager and Training Coordinator, the Veterinary Technician performs the following duties:

Front Office Support

• Answer phones and assist clients when CSRs are unavailable
• Use Cornerstone Practice Management Software to access and update records
• Process payments and issue receipts
• Cross-train and assist with reception duties as needed

Client Interaction

• Greet clients and patients by name
• Educate clients on medical procedures, policies, treatment plans, and preventive care
• Discuss nutrition, behavior, wellness, and disease processes
• Provide accurate information on OTC products
• Explain delays and ensure client comfort
• Manage aggressive or high-FAS pets appropriately
• Assist grieving or upset clients with empathy and professionalism

Patient Identification

• Scan for microchips, tattoos, and identification
• Record patient markings accurately
• Educate clients on pet identification options

Patient Discharge

• Prepare and dispense medications as directed
• Review discharge instructions and home care
• Schedule recheck appointments
• Assist clients with transportation and emotional support as needed

Medical Management

• Maintain accurate medical records using SOAP format
• Monitor alerts such as allergies, FAS, and dietary restrictions
• Record all relevant client communications

Patient Care

• Restrain patients using Fear Free techniques
• Obtain and record vital signs
• Administer vaccines and medications (SQ, IM, IV)
• Perform venipuncture, catheter placement, lab sample collection, and routine diagnostics
• Conduct in-house laboratory testing and cytology
• Monitor hospitalized patients and report changes
• Provide medical grooming and nursing care
• Perform radiographic positioning
• Recognize pain and administer pain management as directed

Emergency Care

• Provide basic life support, CPR, oxygen therapy
• Control bleeding and apply bandages or splints
• Assist with heatstroke and other emergencies

Surgical & Anesthesia Nursing

• Prepare patients and surgical suites
• Administer preoperative medications and assist with intubation
• Monitor anesthesia and recovery
• Maintain surgical instruments, packs, and autoclave
• Assist surgeons with aseptic techniques

Competencies

• Positive attitude and compassion
• Strong technical and clinical skills
• Attention to detail
• Ethical conduct
• Effective communication
• Team collaboration
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Conflict resolution skills

Work Environment

This position operates in a veterinary hospital environment with exposure to animals, clients, medical equipment, and potential health hazards. Routine use of computers, phones, and office equipment is required.

Physical Demands

Requires prolonged standing, walking, bending, crouching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds per shift.

Position Type & Schedule

Full-time position. Availability by phone or email for emergency-related matters may be required.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED - required
• Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program - preferred
• Active veterinary technician license - preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of veterinary experience
• Fear Free Certification Level 1 encouraged (provided after 90-day probationary period)
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Uniform allowance

Ability to Commute:

• Mount Juliet, TN 37122 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Mount Juliet, TN 37122: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25