Veterinary Technician

About the Role

The Veterinary Technician improves the quality of patient care by assisting veterinarians with patient care and treatment. Technicians monitor hospitalized pets, maintain inventory, prepare prescriptions, perform routine in-house lab work, educate clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assist with surgical procedures. The Technician performs a variety of patient- and client-care duties, conducts patient assessments, anesthetizes patients, and performs procedures and treatments while maintaining a high standard of patient care.

The role requires flexibility, quick prioritization, multitasking, and creative problem-solving, especially in emergencies. Technicians must communicate clearly with veterinarians, staff, and clients to ensure patients receive the care they need and convey the value of veterinary services.

Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises, and may be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste, and contagious diseases.

Directly reports to the Lead Technician and/or the Practice Manager, and may also receive direction from veterinarians on a daily basis.

Responsibilities

• Veterinary Knowledge
  • Maintains and uses an appropriate level of veterinary medical knowledge.
  • Takes advantage of in-house educational materials and continuing education provided by the hospital.
  • Maintains knowledge of the hospital’s programs, products, and services.
  • Keeps abreast of over-the-counter products and their usage, including flea-control products, skin products, vitamins, and pet foods.
  • Maintains state-required continuing education requirements.
• Patient Care
  • Provides compassionate patient care, including keeping patients clean, dry, and comfortable.
  • Alerts veterinarian to changes in patient’s condition.
  • Recognizes patients with contagious diseases and follows applicable procedures.
  • Medicates patients as required.
  • Performs basic emergency care, CPR, and intensive care as needed.
• Animal Handling
  • Restrains animals in a safe, efficient, and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures.
  • Assists with transport of animals to different areas of the hospital as needed.
  • Exercises compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
  • Properly handles fractious and fearful animals.
• Exam Room Assistance
  • Assists veterinarians with examinations and facilitates the flow of clients and outpatients.
  • Consults with veterinarians daily to plan activities and keeps them apprised of potential problems or client discussions.
  • Reviews medical records to discern the nature of the visit and any tests or procedures needed.
  • Stocks drawers in exam rooms and treatment areas.
  • Greets clients and patients, escorts them into an exam room, and prepares the patient for the veterinarian.
  • Obtains base information (weight, temperature, etc.) and discusses the reason for the visit with the client.
  • Uses a pre-exam checklist to ensure all medical needs are covered and obtains lab samples as needed.
  • Prepares medications or vaccines the veterinarian will need and notifies the veterinarian when the patient is ready.
  • Assists the veterinarian with exams by restraining animals, preparing forms, and gathering instruments.
  • Ensures all procedures are documented for proper billing and escorts clients to the front desk.
  • Prepares the exam room for the next visit.
• Medical Records
  • Ensures accurate and efficient documentation of all vaccinations, procedures, and notes in the medical record.
  • Admits and releases patients for hospital procedures, completing paperwork accurately.
  • Accurately invoices clients for services and ensures reminders are set correctly.
• Laboratory
  • Accurately performs routine in-house laboratory procedures.
  • Collects, prepares, and handles specimens according to hospital protocols.
  • Prepares specimens for outside laboratory and obtains results via phone or fax.
  • Monitors and orders lab supplies as needed.
  • Takes, develops, and maintains radiographs using proper techniques and positioning.
• Treatment and Other Procedures
  • Performs routine suture removals, nail trims, and weight checks.
  • Applies bandages and splints.
  • Sterilizes instruments and prepares patients for procedures.
  • Administers intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injections as directed.
  • Examines patients for fleas, skin irritations, and other obvious problems.
• Medication Dispensation
  • Understands usage of and recommendations for prescription drugs, such as heartworm preventatives and flea-control products.
  • Draws up vaccines, sets up syringes, and ensures drugs and equipment are ready.
  • Calculates drug dosages and fills prescriptions accurately.
  • Prepares prescription labels and packages medications appropriately.
  • Documents controlled drug dispensation when required.
  • Ensures medications are added to the patient’s record and appropriately charged.
• Safety
  • Follows OSHA guidelines concerning safety and handling of hazardous materials.
  • Follows established hospital safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled drugs, and animal handling.
• Surgical Assistance
  • Properly cleans, packs, and autoclaves all used surgical materials.
  • Keeps the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
  • Monitors anesthesia and assists veterinarian as assigned in surgery and dentistry.
  • Provides support to surgical technicians as needed.
  • Administers intravenous fluid therapy and monitors vital signs and oxygen saturation.
  • Places and maintains urinary catheters.
• Hospitalized Patient Care
  • Admits and discharges patients on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring discharged patients are well-groomed and medically stable.
  • Assists with morning rotation of animals in kennels as needed.
  • Ensures all animals receive needed medication and treats routine surgical patients.
  • Documents all services rendered and organizes daily patient status lists for front office staff.
  • Communicates with hospital attendants regarding patient needs and reviews cases with other technical staff before shift changes.
• Client Relations
  • Demonstrates warmth, courtesy, and professionalism in all client interactions.
  • Communicates with clients regarding the medical status of their pets and follows up as needed.
  • Educates clients on preventive medicine, vaccination requirements, and laboratory procedures.
  • Instructs clients on pre-procedure instructions, post-discharge care, and medication administration.
  • Generates accurate treatment plans and communicates their value to clients.
  • Provides information on fees, payment policies, and hospital policies.
  • Manages the appointment schedule efficiently and schedules follow-up appointments.
  • Promotes the practice’s products, programs, and services, and provides educational materials to clients.
• Facility Maintenance
  • Cleans and straightens exam rooms, treatment areas, and lab areas.
  • Assists in keeping public areas clean and well-maintained.
  • Restocks exam rooms with supplies as needed.
  • Cleans and maintains all medical equipment.
• Personal Conduct
  • Adheres to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures, including uniforms, grooming, and personal conduct.
  • Displays courtesy, tact, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and staff.
  • Demonstrates initiative by seeking additional work during downtime and assisting other employees.
  • Adheres to the posted work schedule, arriving promptly and utilizing the time clock appropriately.
  • Organizes work area and prioritizes tasks to maximize efficiency.
• Additional Duties
  • Attends departmental and staff meetings.
  • Answers phones when the receptionist is unavailable.
  • Maintains appropriate inventory of supplies and informs the Office Manager when items need to be ordered.
  • Unpacks, prices, and rotates stock of medical supplies, ensuring all products are labeled.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Willingness to pursue further education leading to Licensed Veterinary Technician status.
• At least one year of recent experience in veterinary practice or a medical environment, with increasing responsibilities.
• Ability to perform routine veterinary medical procedures (e.g., collect samples, draw blood, administer vaccines).
• Ability to maintain clear and accurate records and charge clients for all products and services rendered.
• Ability to properly restrain patients.
• Knowledge of commonly used veterinary medical terminology and procedures.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks in the time allotted without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated empathy toward clients and respect and compassion for animals.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a commitment to outstanding client service.
• Ability to lift objects weighing 40 pounds without assistance and objects over 40 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to stay on task and work energetically for the entire shift.