REPORTS TO:       Hospital Manager

The veterinary technician is the veterinarian’s primary medical support. They begin the examination procedure and continue to assist the doctor throughout the examination, diagnosis, 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 communicating with and educating clients about their pets as well as maintaining a complete and accurate electronic medical record.

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Veterinary Technician Certification (RVT).
• Previous On-The-Job Training mandatory when not a RVT.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum two years experience as veterinary technician.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 18-years-old.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is comfortable with them even during times when they are stressed, ill, or in pain.
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
• Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members.
• Has excellent client communication skills.
• Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients.
• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Can write legibly and keep accurate electronic medical records in accordance hospital policy.
• Can enter documents, photographs, diagrams, and images into patient electronic record.
• Can prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Can perform physical assessments; record observations in computer.
• Can effectively restrain pets even when they are large or difficult to handle.
• Understands canine and feline vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain them to clients.
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility and does not hesitate to clean or organize themselves as part of a normal job duty.
• Maintains positive and cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Gives SQ, IM, and IV injections.
• Can place and maintain IV catheters.
• Can handle clients' medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate.
• Can prepare estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients while supporting hospital financial policies.
• Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions.
• Understands usage, dosage, and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients.
• Can maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies as determined by the inventory control system.
• Can assist the veterinarian in medical, surgical, and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; administers anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids.
• Can properly care for all surgical materials; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
• Can perform emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage.
• Can perform clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.
• Can effectively position patients and take radiographs.
• Can perform electrocardiograms.
• Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with hospitalized patients.
• Can prepare a patient and the machine for an ultrasound procedure.
• Can operate MedRx, dental unit and dental radiograph, anesthetic machines, anesthetic monitoring equipment, blood pressure equipment, tonometery, microscope and digital radiography as well as any additional equipment added to the clinic with appropriate training.
• Can admit patients following hospital policy and doctors' written orders.
• Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well-groomed and in a medically appropriate state. 
• Can perform other duties as assigned.

• 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, noises and animal eliminations, including feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

Pay Range of $37,000-52,000, depending on education and experience. Full benefits package included.