Radiation Oncology Veterinary Assistant

VCA Veterinary Care Referral Center is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Veterinary Technician/Assistant to join our newly established Radiation Oncology specialty service at our well-established, multi-specialty veterinary practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We recently moved into a brand-new state-of-the-art facility and will begin treating Radiation Oncology patients in fall 2024. Our Varian Halcyon® Radiotherapy System allows for precise and accurate delivery of image-guided radiotherapy modalities, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT).

About the role

As a Radiation Oncology Veterinary Technician, you will work closely with a Radiation Therapy Technician (RTT) and demonstrate the following:

• Understand the different types of radiation energies/modalities and their appropriate uses
• Perform RT patient set-ups under the supervision of radiation oncologists
• Discharge Oncology patients from the hospital, including basic client education
• Admit Oncology patients and obtain thorough history, including current medications, dosages, response to treatment, side effects, intensity, and duration
• Assist veterinary technicians in procedures outside of radiation administration, such as CT simulations
• Assist in the preparation and delivery of radiation therapy treatments
• Monitor and induce anesthesia plans for patients during radiation therapy sessions and provide post-treatment care
• Collaborate with veterinarians and other team members to ensure accurate treatment plans and patient safety
• Maintain accurate medical records and documentation of treatments

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of veterinary technician/assistant experience
• IV catheter placements and venipuncture
• Safe restraint of cats and dogs (exotics a plus)
• Anesthesia monitoring for critical patients
• Critical thinking and detail-oriented
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong desire to provide exceptional client experience
• Flexibility for schedule availability
• Ability to multitask, handle stressful and emotional situations
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and self-starting with a professional and positive attitude

Physical Demands

• Required to stand, walk, and sit
• Required to use hands to handle, feel, and manipulate
• Required to reach with hands and arms
• Required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Requires vision and hearing corrected to normal ranges
• Reasonable accommodations available to enable disabled individuals to perform essential functions

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid vacation and sick days (for full-time employees)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous employee pet care discounts
• Continuing education, specialization, and leadership opportunities