The Veterinary Technician is responsible for a variety of tasks related to customer service and patient care within the veterinary practice. Tasks include animal handling, hospitalized patient care, pre-, intra-operative, and post-operative patient care, creating and presenting financial options and estimates, accurately entering service charges into the client processing database, extensive client interaction, and handling and preparing medications. Veterinary Technicians are requested to work their scheduled shifts. Leaving early or any shift changes need to be approved by management.

Education and Experience

  • Required: Active state technician license
  • Required: High School graduate or equivalent

Knowledge and Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office software. (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Must be able to operate a computer, including basic typing skills.
  • Must be able to learn and operate various veterinary software applications.
  • Understanding of medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy, and anesthesia.
  • Effectively manage the multi-line phone system.
  • Effective interpersonal communication skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective in multi-tasking (prioritizing, accomplishing tasks, and delegating as needed).
  • Effectively handle stressful situations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities-(Functions an individual can perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)

  • Be on time and ready to work.
  • Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor in challenging/stressful situations.
  • Maintain and promote a positive work environment.
  • The ability to communicate and work collectively with team members.
  • Prepare and maintain exams, treatment, and surgical rooms.
  • Treat clients and patients in a friendly and professional manner at all times.
  • Be aware of behavioral cues in our patients and safely handle them.
  • Obtain patient history and updates from clients.
  • The ability to perform and/or assist with diagnostic procedures.
  • Maintain accurate and complete patient medical records.
  • The ability to enter service fees into the patient processing database.
  • The ability to calculate medication dosages, create accurate prescription labels prepare medications for clients.
  • Consistently use the double-check system to ensure the accuracy of prescription labels/avoid medication errors.
  • Review patient instructions with clients and distribute educational materials. Job Description for Licensed Veterinary Technician
  • The ability to learn how to create and review treatment estimates and payment options with clients.
  • Obtain blood samples-cephalic/saphenous/jugular.
  • Operate the x-ray units and send out radiology consultations.
  • Process and submit lab work both in-house and outside labs.
  • The ability to induce anesthesia, monitor/document surgical patients' vitals, and recover patients from anesthetic procedures.
  • Log controlled medications per hospital protocol and help count inventory.
  • Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments and surgical supplies. (gowns, towels, etc.)
  • The ability to properly run and maintain all hospital equipment. • Maintain order in public areas. (waiting room, exam rooms, kennel area, etc.)
  • Keep work areas clean, free from clutter, and trash, and organized.
  • Place IV catheters, properly position patients for radiographs, and give subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections.
  • Perform diagnostics, and medical treatments and administer medications as requested by DVM.
  • Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.
  • Critical thinking - Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Exhibit strong problem-solving and an organized approach to the position.
  • Be flexible with scheduling.
  • Assist in other departments of the hospital as needed.

Physical Duties and Responsibilities

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job

  • Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds from floor level and above at least several times per day.
  • The ability to work in a stationary position at a computer for long periods.
  • The ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, twist, kneel, and crouch for long periods.
  • The ability to physically restrain all sizes of pets on the floor and the exam table.
  • Must be able to grasp, hold, and manipulate objects.
  • Possesses vision abilities to detect, observe, and assess patients.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes; potential exposure to anesthetic gases and zoonotic diseases. Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.

Reporting Relationship

  • Reports to: DVM, Owners, and Practice Manager
  • *Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and/or responsibilities at any time.