VETERINARY TECHNICIAN (RVT)
REPORTS TO: Practice Owner or Hospital Manager
POSITION OVERVIEW
The veterinary technician is the veterinarian’s primary medical support. They begin the examination procedure and continue to assist the doctor throughout the examination, diagnosis and treatment phases. They aid the veterinarians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. They have a very significant role in communicating with and education clients about their pets.
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Veterinary Technician Certification (RVT)
• Previous On-The-Job Training required.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Minimum five years experience as veterinary technician or assistant.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Minimum of 18 years old.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
• Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members.
• Has excellent client communication skills.
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.
• Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.
WAGE RANGE
The range for the position is $15.00 per hour to $27.00 per hour.
Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
• Can assist the veterinarian in medical, surgical and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; administers anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids.
• Can perform basic dental extractions and full mouth dental radiographs.
Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients.
• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Can legibly keep accurate medical records in accordance with hospital policy.
• Can prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Can perform physical assessments; record observations legibly in files or computer.
• Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult.
• Understands all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients.
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Gives SQ, IM and IV injections.
• Can handle client’s medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate.
• Can prepare estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies.
• Can explain necessary follow up and homecare instructions.
• Understands usage, dosage, and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients.
• Can maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies as determined by the inventory control system.
• Can properly care for all surgical materials; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
• Can perform emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage.
• Can perform clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.
• Can effectively position for and take radiographs.
• Can perform electrocardiograms.
• Can place IV catheters and properly care for them. Understands the use and care of IV pumps as well.
• Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with hospitalized patients.
• Can prepare a patient and the machine for an ultrasound procedure.
• Can admit patients following hospital policy and doctors written orders.
• Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state.
• Able to guide assistants and prioritize care.
• Willing to teach others methods to provide better nursing care.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $15.00 - $27.00 per hour
COVID-19 considerations:
We will be maintaining a curbside status until at least middle of this year. Additionally, all staff members wear masks and maintain social distancing while in the hospital. If an in-person euthanasia is needed, the client wears a gown, gloves, and mask.
Required:
- Minimum of 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous on-the-job training
- Minimum five years experience as a veterinary technician or assistant
Preferred:
- Veterinary technician certification (RVT)
- See "Physical Effort" in Personal Requirements Section
- See "Working Conditions" in Personal Requirements Section
Are outlined in the employee manual but include professional services discount, vacation time, uniform allowance, medical, dental, and vision insurances, and Simple IRA with a matching contribution option.
At Blue Cross Veterinary Hospital, our friendly and compassionate staff is proud to offer state of the art superior vet medicine. We understand that pets are a beloved part of the families of our clients and we treat every patient as our own pet. We strive to offer the best care and options and to not just be a vet, but to be an advocate for these pets and listen to the needs of the entire family. Our mission is to strive with the utmost integrity, devotion, and compassion to provide clients and pets with the best possible health care and customer service.
Our highly trained and experienced staff consists of two main veterinarians:
- • Dr. Lynda Guenther, Veterinarian, Co-Owner, who started work as a vet in 1994.
- • Dr. Ralph D. Sellman II, Veterinarian, Co-Owner, who completed his small animal medicine and surgical internship in 1997.
Together, we offer a full range of comprehensive veterinary care including dentistry, microchipping, radiology, surgery, ultrasound, dermatology, cardiology, pet insurance, emergency care, prescriptions, laser therapy, boarding, grooming, vaccines, preventative care, wellness, parasite prevention, and nutrition counseling. Our services provide full in house diagnostics and treatment so you and your pet can experience a low stress, fear free environment. We’re proud to serve the community and foster strong relationships with families to help provide great care. We want to ensure these pets enjoy a happy and healthy life and our job isn’t finished until all of our client's questions are fully answered.
