Veterinary Technician

Position Overview 

The purpose of this position is to improve the quality 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 assists veterinarians to the fullest possible extent, allowing them to achieve greater efficiency by relieving them of technical and administrative work. 

The Technician performs a variety of patient- and client-care duties, conducts patient assessments, anesthetizes patients, and performs procedures and treatments. Technicians maintain a high standard of patient care, communicating clearly with the veterinarians, other hospital personnel, and clients to ensure that patients receive the care they need. 

The Technician is friendly and flexible in the face of varying expectations from clients and co-workers. The Technician quickly prioritizes, changes focus, multi-tasks, and thinks creatively and must respond quickly and calmly to emergencies, leading others through necessary tasks. 

Technicians strongly believe in the quality of care provided and communicate this sense of assurance to clients. Technicians understand veterinary services and recommendations and clearly convey the value of the services to the clients, promoting a positive work environment and providing direction to and motivating coworkers. 

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

Reporting Structure 

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

Primary 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. 

• Maintains state-required continuing education requirements. 

• Keeps abreast of over-the-counter products and their usage, including flea-control products, skin products, vitamins, and pet foods. 

Patient Care 

• Provides compassionate patient care, including keeping patients clean, dry, and comfortable. 

• Alerts veterinarian to changes in patients’ condition. 

• Recognizes patients with contagious disease 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. Cages and removes animals as needed. 

• Exercises compassion and care in all interactions with patients. Properly handles fractious and fearful animals. 

Exam Room Assistance 

• Follows established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and outpatients. 

• Consults with veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day’s activities. Keeps veterinarians apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients, and other situations as necessary. 

• Reviews medical records and notes made by the admitting Client Service Representative (receptionist) to discern the nature of the visit and any tests or procedures that may be needed. 

• Stocks drawers in exam rooms and treatment areas. 

• Greets clients and patients and escorts them into an exam room. Places the patient on the exam table and prepares for the veterinarian to enter the room. Obtains base information (weight, temperature, etc.) for the pet. 

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