Position Overview 

This position improves patient care quality by assisting veterinarians with patient care and treatment. 

Technicians monitor hospitalized pets, 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 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 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 daily direction from veterinarians. 

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 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 the 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 to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and outpatients. 

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

• Review 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. 

• Discusses with the client the reason for the visit, any symptoms or problems, and any procedures that may need to be completed (e.g., vaccinations or fecal or heartworm tests). 

• Uses a pre-exam checklist to ensure that all medical needs are covered. 

• Obtain lab samples that may be needed from the pet. Uses a fecal loop when necessary. Anticipates and prepares any medications or vaccines the veterinarian will need to treat the patient. 

• Notifies the veterinarian when patients in the exam room are ready to be seen. Advises the veterinarian about the nature of the visit, preventive procedures due, and necessary tests. 

• Assists the veterinarian with the exam by restraining the animal, preparing forms, and gathering instruments. Remains in the exam room until excused by the veterinarian. 

• Ensures that all procedures rendered during the visit are documented for proper billing. 

• Escorts the client and patient to the front desk and gives the medical record and patient visit form to the Client Service Representative. 

• 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 all hospital procedures, appropriately completing paperwork. 

• Accurately invoices clients for services. 

• Ensures that reminders are set correctly for every visit. 

Diagnostics and Laboratory Procedures 

• Accurately performs routine, in-house laboratory procedures. Collects, prepares, and handles specimens according to hospital protocols. 

• Prepares specimens for outside laboratory. Obtains results from the lab via phone or fax. 

• Monitors lab supplies, and orders additional 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. 

• Prepares patients for procedures. 

• Gives intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injections as directed. 

• Examine patients for fleas, skin irritations, and other obvious problems. 

Medication Dispensation 

• Understands usage and recommendations for prescription drugs, such as heartworm preventative and flea-control products. 

• Draws up vaccines, sets up syringes, and ensures that drugs and equipment are ready. 

• Maintains knowledge of drugs and their uses. 

• Calculates drug dosages and fills prescriptions accurately. 

• Prepares prescription labels and appropriately packages medications. 

• Documents controlled drug dispensation when required. 

• Ensures that medications are added to the patient’s record and appropriately charged to the client. 

Safety 

• Follows OSHA guidelines concerning the 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 the urinary catheter. 

Hospitalized Patient Care 

• Admits and discharges patients on the veterinarian’s orders, being especially careful to ensure that patients being discharged are well-groomed and in a medically appropriate state. 

• Assists with morning rotation of animals in kennels as needed. 

• Ensures that all animals receive needed medication. 

• Treats routine surgical patients from the previous day. Documents all services rendered. 

• Organizes daily patient status lists for front office staff and updates as needed. 

• Communicates with hospital attendants regarding patient needs. Review cases with other technical staff before shift changes. 

Client Relations 

• Demonstrates warmth, courtesy, and professionalism in all client interactions. 

• Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pets. 

• Calls back or otherwise follows up with clients concerning certain patients; recommends additional visits if patient’s progress does not appear satisfactory. 

• Educates clients regarding preventive medicine and vaccination 

• Requirements. Recommends laboratory procedures, such as pre-anesthetic profile, fecal analysis, urinalysis, heartworm check, and FeLV testing. 

• Instruct clients on pre-procedure instructions for pets, how to care for their pets after discharge from the hospital, and how to administer medications. 

• Generates accurate treatment plans and communicates the plan value to clients. 

• Provides accurate information to clients concerning fees, payment policies, and other hospital policies. 

• Efficiently manages the appointment schedule, ensuring that the patients’ and clients’ needs are met, and follows up as appropriate. 

• Schedules the next appointment/recheck for each patient. 

• Promotes the practice’s products, programs, and services. Utilizes “passive marketing.” Makes suggestions to clients about products appropriate for their pet’s condition. 

• Gives clients handouts and educational materials to take home to further their understanding of their pets’ health issues. 

• Gives clients promotional materials, such as leashes, pet bandanas, new client kits, and food samples as appropriate. 

Facility Maintenance 

• Cleans and straightens exam rooms, treatment areas, and lab areas. Assists other staff members to keep the public areas of the practice clean and well-maintained. 

• Restock exam rooms with supplies as needed. 

• Cleans and maintains all medical equipment as required. 

Personal Conduct 

• Adheres to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures, including uniforms, grooming, smoking, and personal calls, as stated in the hospital procedures manual. 

• Serves as a representative of the hospital, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and other staff members. 

• Demonstrates initiative in everyday duties by seeking other work during down times, assisting other employees, and filling in for other employees as needed. 

• Adheres to the posted work schedule. Arrives for work promptly and begins work at the start time.  

• Follow hospital policies for reporting lateness or absences. 

• Utilizes the time clock to clock in and out at the beginning and end of each day and during breaks. 

• Organizes work area and exercises time-management skills to maximize personal efficiency. 

• Prioritizes tasks and handles multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner. 

Additional Duties 

• Attends departmental and staff meetings. 

• Answers phone when the Client Service Representative (receptionist) cannot answer by the third ring. 

• Unpacking boxes of medical supplies, marking prices, checking expiration dates, and rotating stock. 

• Ensure all products and literature are identified with labels. 

Requirements 

• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT)   

• At least two years of recent experience in veterinary practice or medical environment, with increasing responsibilities. 

• Ability to perform routine veterinary medical procedures (e.g., collect samples, draw blood, administer vaccines, administer anesthetic induction drugs, monitor, and maintain patients under anesthesia. 

• Ability to maintain clear and accurate records and to charge clients for all products and services rendered. 

• Ability to properly restrain patients. 

• Knowledge of spelling and meaning of commonly used veterinary medical terminology and procedures. 

• Ability to complete assigned tasks in the time allotted without direct supervision. 

• Demonstrated ability to show empathy toward clients and treat animals with respect and compassion. 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills. 

• A commitment to outstanding client service. 

• Ability to lift objects weighing 40 pounds without assistance and objects weighing more than 40 pounds with assistance. 

• Ability to stay on task and work energetically for an entire shift, sometimes exceeding 10 hours per day.