Veterinary Technician

JOB SUMMARY

The Veterinary Technician is responsible for a variety of tasks related to customer service and patient care within the veterinary practice.  Tasks include animal handling, pre and post-operative patient care, creating and presenting financial options and estimates, accurately entering service charges into client processing database, extensive client interaction, and preparing medications.  Hours typically vary and may include after-hours and/or on-call responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

·       Required:        2 years previous veterinary office experience

·       Preferred:        Active state technician license

·       Preferred:        High School graduate or equivalent

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office software (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

·       Must be able to operate a computer, including basic typing skills

·       Must be able to learn and operate various veterinary software applications

·       Proficient operation of various office equipment (copier, scanner, fax machine)

·       Basic filing skills

·       Effectively manage multi-line phone system

·       Effective interpersonal communication skills

·       Effective in multi-tasking (prioritizing and accomplishing tasks)

·       Effectively handle stressful situations

·       Maintain a positive work environment

·       Excellent verbal and written English communication skills

·       The ability to work collectively with team members

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Functions that an individual can perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)

·       Maintain professional and courteous demeanor in challenging/stressful situations

·       Prepare and maintain exam, treatment, and surgical rooms

·       Greet clients and patients

·       Obtain patient history and updates from clients

·       The ability to perform and/or assist with diagnostic procedures

·       Maintain accurate and complete patient medical records

·       The ability to learn to enter service fees into the patient processing database

·       The ability to calculate medication dosages and prepare instructions for clients

·       Review patient instructions with clients and distribute educational materials

·       The ability to learn how to create and review treatment estimates and payment options with clients

·       Obtain blood samples-cephalic/saphenous/jugular

·       Process and submit lab work both in house and to outside labs

·       Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments and surgical supplies (gowns, towels, etc.)

·       The ability to properly run an autoclave and Anprolene gas sterilizer

·       Clerical duties such as filing, copying, and faxing

·       Maintain order to public areas (waiting room, exam rooms, kennel area, etc.)

·       Place IV catheters and assist with surgical equipment monitoring (anesthesia, ventilator, fluid pump, etc.)

·       Provide general aspects of after-hours and on-call service, if applicable

·       Assist in medical trial studies and resident projects as requested

·       Available to work in other ECFA area offices, if needed

·       Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds from floor level and above at least several times per day

·       The ability to work in a stationary position at a computer for long periods of time

·       The ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, twist, kneel, crouch, and climb for long periods of time

·       The ability to physically restrain all sizes of pets on the floor and on the exam table

·       Must be able to grasp, hold, and manipulate objects

·       Possess vision abilities to detect, observe and assess, including: close, distance, color, and peripheral vision as well as depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

·       Potential for exposure to anesthetic gases with proper protective measures

·       Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases

  REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

·       Reports to: Practice Leader and/or DVM