Veterinary Technician II – Emergency & Critical Care

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provides 24-hour care for pets 365 days of the year. Since 1985, we have offered high quality medical care, consultation, referral and emergency veterinary services for the care of dogs, cats and exotic pets. In addition, the hospital creates a positive learning experience for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University students and student technicians with regard to small animal ECC medicine and supports the training of specialized ECC technicians.

Responsibilities

• Patient Care – Provide high quality patient care including:
  • Monitor, manage and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians to ensure prompt delivery of high-quality patient care.
  • Assist clinicians with procedures.
  • Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
  • Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including bench-top lab tests.
• Teaching – Teaching responsibilities include:
  • Instruct veterinary students and student technicians in all technical aspects of patient care.
  • Assist in training, orienting, and mentoring new Veterinary Technicians in all aspects of the department.
• Research – Provide technical assistance in academic and clinical research including treating research/laboratory animals.
• Maintenance – Clinical maintenance includes:
  • Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
  • Clean and maintain clinical areas including nurses’ stations, wards, intensive care unit, and emergency room.
• Miscellaneous – Other duties as assigned by supervisor and assistant supervisor including:
  • Provide coverage for other sections of the hospital as needed.
  • Participate in service and hospital-wide initiatives as required.
  • Complete at least 6 hours of RACE-approved CE annually.
  • Effectively communicate with clients to provide education, explain treatment plans, and review discharge instructions including medication administration.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree from an AVMA-accredited institution providing training in veterinary technology, veterinary nursing, or veterinary science.
• 3 years of experience as a veterinary technician in a fast-paced hospital.
• One year of experience at a university hospital or large-scale hospital.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently when completing basic tasks and procedural skills, and the ability to conduct more advanced tasks under supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and veterinary pharmacology.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent service to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to learn electronic medical record systems and other software systems used.
• Safely restrain cats and dogs.
• Assess the attitude and responsiveness of dogs and cats.
• Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time.
• Be able to identify animals in pain or distress.
• IV catheterization.
• Phlebotomy (cephalic, saphenous, jugular).
• Dosage calculations for medications, fluid therapy, and continuous rate infusions.
• Set up of fluid therapy systems and fluid therapy monitoring.
• Monitoring and identifying physiological parameters in patients under sedation and general anesthesia.
• Familiarity with sedatives and tranquilizers.
• Ability to use point-of-care machines.
• Describe steps required and be able to assist in CPR.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Technology.
• Four or more years of ECC veterinary medicine experience.
• Exotic animal handling skills.
• Credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Technician.
• Fear Free certified.
• Rescue basic life support and advanced life support certified.

Schedule

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:30pm–7am.

Pay

Pay range minimum $27.85, midpoint $33.15, maximum $38.50. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.