Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistant

Tufts V.E.T.S. is a multispecialty emergency and critical care VECCS level 1 certified facility in New England. We are an affiliate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, at Tufts University, providing a unique environment that integrates learning into a busy private practice setting.  We are committed to providing the highest standard of patient care from a wide range of specialty services including emergency and critical care, anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, radiology and diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, and urgent care.  We are continually seeking to unite highly skilled professionals in veterinary medicine to provide a collaborative environment that strives to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond.    

 

Tufts V.E.T.S. strives to be a community where diversity and inclusion are a priority. 

 

REPORTS TO: Specialty Technician Supervisor

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistants are essential, hands-on contributors to the success of our specialty service. As integral members of the veterinary care team, they support exceptional patient care, attentive husbandry, and compassionate client service. In this role, you will help ensure seamless daily operations by assisting with patient flow, supporting diagnostics and procedures, and maintaining clear, accurate medical documentation.

This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, medically complex environment. Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistants directly support our veterinary technicians and veterinarians during patient care, appointments, and procedures, helping deliver a smooth, organized, and patient-centered experience for both clients and the medical team.

By combining clinical support with clerical expertise, the Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in elevating the efficiency, proficiency, and overall success of the Internal Medicine service.

 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITITES

To be eligible for this role you must be a Veterinary Assistant Level 2. Veterinary Assistants in this role are expected to actively work toward and complete Level 3 Veterinary Assistant skill signoffs as part of their professional development. See Veterinary Assistant Skills List for detailed requirements.

 

Internal Medicine Specific Responsibilities

• Performs general husbandry of all day cases, including walking dogs, changing litter boxes and food/water bowls.

• Start appointments, collect a patient history from the owner, obtain a TPRW, begin a SOAP, and relay information to the internist.

• Assist with prescription refills**Level 2, Must always be second checked.

• Assist with packaging and signing out lab work**Must always be second checked.

• Works with technician(s) to complete daily/weekly/monthly department checklists.

• Can comprehensively utilize our electronic medical record to increase doctor’s efficiency with medical records (help scribe SOAPs, record discussions in rooms between doctor/clients, start discharge reports, enter in TPRW, print patient label, enter in patient history, look-up patient/client, enter client communications, look-up appointments, review invoices/estimates, complete patient treatment- must be overseen by technician or doctor, etc.).

• Work with the team to prioritize and distribute client concerns throughout the day.

• Communicate with referring veterinarians and other specialty practices as needed. 

• Can effectively and safely restrain pets for blood draws, catheter placement, procedures, treatments, or general examinations.

• Can assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications.

• Assist in set-up for any IM procedures in the procedure area or ECC as indicated.

• Assist with setup, use, and maintenance of patient monitoring equipment and warming devices.

• Assist technicians with anesthetic or sedation procedures during pre-op, intra-op and recovery.

• Aseptically prep patients for procedures.

• Assists with cleaning and storage of IM scope equipment- following appropriate SOP’s.

• Carry out basic in-house laboratory testing (PCV/TS, chemistry, CBC, Coags, and all snap tests).

• Submit samples to outside laboratories.

• Can collect non-sterile urine and fecal specimens for laboratory submission.

• Effectively position for and take radiographs with technical assistance.

• Maintains cleanliness and stocking of IM exam rooms, IM treatment area and IM procedure area.

• Assist with inventory control.

• Create estimates for procedures and submit for clinician approval.

• Communicate with referring veterinarians and other specialty practices as needed.

• Assist with call backs, confirmation calls, and follow up calls.

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills when talking with clients to assess concerns, urgency, and interventional needs.

• Follow through with client conversations to ensure appropriate action has taken place and questions have been answered.

• Record all client communications in communication log.

• Ensure doctors receive all messages from clients.

• Understands the importance of prioritizing tasks and keeps oneself busy and productive during work shifts.

General Expectations

• Assist in training new team members and veterinary students. 

• Collaborate effectively with veterinary staff to provide comprehensive patient care.  

• Participate in continuous education to stay updated with advancements in veterinary practices.   

• Participate in regular team meetings.  

• Follows appropriate leadership structure when communicating, reporting, and resolving concerns and issues.  

• Maintain an optimistic attitude and follow TVETS policies including the Employee Code of Conduct. Your conduct and interaction with team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated.  

• Adhere to all hospital policies and standards as required by the employee manual.  

• Serve as a representative of the hospital. Display courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and team member.  

• Adhere to your work schedule. Be on the floor ready to work at the start of your shift.  

• Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in your duties each day.  

• Demonstrate professionalism and discourage gossip/rumors.  

• Maintain strict confidentiality.  

• Follow all hospital safety protocols.  

• Providing compassionate care to patients and clients.  

• Conducting oneself in a professional and confident manner, even under pressure.  

• Maintaining positive, cooperative working relationships with all team members.  

• Communicate openly, effectively, and regularly with all management/supervisors and specialists.  

• Maintain positive rapport between all hospital team members and clients.  

• Maintain open, positive, and productive communications.  

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Specialty Technician Supervisor. 

 

Personal conduct and interpersonal skills are very important.  Interaction with hospital team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated. 

**Position responsibilities may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the service or business without it being specifically included in the job description.

 

SCHEDULE

Part-time, three, 10-hour shifts. Shifts TBD. Schedule subject to change at management’s discretion to meet the needs of the service. This position is considered essential and is therefore required to work as scheduled during inclement weather (i.e., during snowstorms).

 

Compensation: Is based on education, experience, credentials, and skill level.

 

 

 

Benefits: Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401K, flexible spending accounts, PFML, Employee Assistance Program, paid maternity leave, paid vacation/sick/personal time, employee pet discount, apparel reimbursement, CE opportunities and allowance, and paid holidays.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Degree in Veterinary Technology and/or Animal Science preferred

• Certification as a Veterinary Assistant preferred

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 2 year working in the veterinary field as a Veterinary Assistant 

• Prior experience working in specialty medicine preferred  

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 18 years old.

• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and can treat them compassionately even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.

• Must support and foster an environment of diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and empathy.

• Must have excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills.

• Can multi-task in a fast-paced working environment.

• Can stay calm and efficient under pressure.

• Is detail oriented and reliable.

• Has a high commitment to providing exceptional patient/client care.

• Has excellent communication skills.

• Must be professional, approachable, and maintain an optimistic outlook.

• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs.).  Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.

• Working conditions:  May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noise, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases.

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

• Advanced training and credentialing are strongly encouraged. 

• Required to attend in-hospital training and CE as assigned. 

Salary : $20 - $25