Veterinary Technician

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.JOB DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSAnimal CareRestrain animals during examinations or proceduresObserve the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptomsAssist with physical examination by obtaining temperature, pulse, and respiration dataClip nails and flush earsPrepare feed for animals according to specific instructionsPrepare and administer vaccinations, medications, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarianAdminister anesthesia to animals under the direction of the veterinarian, and monitor animals responses to the anestheticsPrepare animals for surgery (intubation, preparing a sterile surgical site)Prepare procedure equipment and pass instruments to the veterinarian when neededCare for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgeryAdminister emergency first aidPerform venipuncture and catheterizationPerform dental work (cleaning, polishing, and extracting teeth)Dress wounds and apply bandagesProvide assistance with animal euthanasia and disposal of remainsClient CommunicationDiscuss medical health with clients, such as post-operative status Ask questions to clients to obtain a thorough patient medical historyExplain medical discharge instructions and patient home care to clientsProvide information or counseling with issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, and nutritionAnswer client questions thoughtfully and accuratelyExplain treatment plans to clientsAccurately calculate and quote services and proceduresSchedule appointments and procedures Demonstrate polite and professional conductLaboratory and DiagnosticsCollect, prepare, and label biological samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examinationPerform laboratory tests on blood, urine, feces, and other samples to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patientPrepare and take diagnostic radiographs using x-ray equipmentFill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containersClerical DutiesCreate medical estimatesInvoice services and products Record laboratory results and findings into the patient fileMaintain inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or suppliesMaintain controlled drug inventory and related log booksPersonal Conduct/Attitude/TeamworkMaintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employeesDisplay tact and respect with team members even when busy or hecticFeel and express a genuine liking for animals and their owners and for working in an animal care fieldOrganization/Time ManagementWork consistently and diligently in the presence of other staff members and clientsUnderstand and execute oral and written directionsMaintenanceClean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, and examination rooms to control the spread of diseasePrepare examination and treatment rooms by stocking them with the appropriate suppliesPerform required maintenance procedures on all medical and laboratory equipment to ensure proper working conditionClean, maintain, and sterilize surgical equipmentPrepare surgical suite for surgeryOtherPerform other duties as assignedPHYSICAL Ability to communicate effectively to all audiencesGood visual acuityClose vision for computer workComfortable around unpleasant odors, noises and animal fecesComfortable with exposure to animals including their actions and ailments Ability to lift up to 50lbs Repetitive wrist movements on keyboardAbility to sit/stand/walk for long periods of timeAbility to walk up and down stairs multiple times per dayQUALIFICATIONSHigh school diploma or equivalentVeterinary Technician Certification (CVT) preferred but not required2+ years veterinary experience OR equivalent combination of experience and educationAbility to participate in our online applicant and new hire onboarding process remotelyAbility to complete computer-based training