Certified Veterinary Assistant

Job Description

Position Title: Veterinary Technician
Reports To: Lead Veterinary Technician / Hospital Manager / Veterinarian
Department: Medical Team
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

• Compensation
• Base hourly rate of $15 to $18

Position Summary

The Veterinary Technician (Non-Certified) supports veterinarians and licensed technicians in providing high-quality patient care and excellent client service. While not credentialed, this role requires strong hands-on skills, safe patient handling, and the ability to assist in medical procedures, diagnostics, treatments, and recordkeeping under the supervision of a veterinarian or LVT.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care & Handling

·        Safely restrain and handle patients for examinations, treatments, and procedures.

·        Provide comfort, monitoring, and nursing care to hospitalized patients.

·        Assist with induction and monitoring of anesthesia under LVT/DVM supervision.

·        Perform dental charting and assist with dental cleanings as trained.

Medical Support

·        Maintain exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgical suites.

·        Assist veterinarians and LVTs during exams, procedures, and surgeries.

·        Collect and process samples (blood, urine, fecal, cytology) as trained.

·        Run in-house diagnostics (bloodwork, urinalysis, fecals, SNAP tests).

·        Fill prescriptions accurately and safely, under supervision.

·        Accurately enter medical notes and charges in the practice management system.

Client Service

·        Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients about patient care, treatment plans, and discharge instructions (as directed by the doctor).

·        Provide education on preventative care, nutrition, and medications under the guidance of the DVM/LVT.

Hospital Operations

·        Clean, sterilize, and maintain equipment and instruments.

·        Maintain hospital cleanliness and organization, including treatment and kennel areas.

·        Stock and rotate supplies; notify leadership when items are low.

·        Follow infection control, safety, and AAHA standards.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·        Compassion for animals and people, with empathy and strong communication skills.

·        Ability to restrain animals safely and confidently in various situations.

·        Skilled in sample collection, diagnostics, and treatment assistance (as trained).

·        Strong teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

·        Basic computer and record-keeping skills.

·        Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, including entering coherent and professional statements in patient records.

·        Knowledge of basic pharmacology and ability to fill prescriptions accurately under supervision.

Education & Experience

·        High school diploma or equivalent required.

·        Previous veterinary assistant or technician experience required.

·        Formal credentialing (LVT/CVT/RVT) not required.

·        Fear Free certification or willingness to obtain preferred.

Physical Requirements

·        Ability to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods.

·        Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (with assistance available for larger patients).

·        Exposure to allergens, zoonotic diseases, anesthesia, radiation, and cleaning chemicals with appropriate PPE provided.

Core Values Alignment

·        Hospital-Oriented: Supports the team and fosters a positive environm