Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician Overall: 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 assist the veterinarians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. Technicians also play a significant role in communicating with and educating clients about their pets.

General Knowledge:

• Familiar with breeds and coat colors of patients.

• Use of proper medical terminology and abbreviations when communicating.

• Familiar with infectious and zoonotic diseases, prevention, and transmission.

• Familiar with Pennsylvania law as it pertains to veterinary medicine.

• Understand regulations regarding controlled drug usage and documentation.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

General Tasks:

• Respect clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all times.

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and patients care.

• Train and assist in onboarding new technicians and assistants.

• Assist in maintaining inventory alerting the inventory manager if items are running low.

Technical/Nursing Tasks:

• Proper restraint of animals.

• Accurate history from owner documented for each patient.

• Properly review and accurately complete patient’s treatment sheet and medical record.

• Collect blood, samples ensuring proper packaging and storage.

• Calculate, draw, and administer medications as directed by the doctor.

• Knowledge of in-house laboratory equipment and how to properly run samples.

• Evaluate blood smears and urine sediments using the microscope.

Client Related Tasks:

• Ensure clients are seen timely and delays are explained to clients.

• Compassionately talk with angry or grieving clients in a calm, reassuring manner.

• Ensure clients are comfortable with procedures & testing to be performed.

• Confirm clients have signed consent forms and DNR request.

• Answer clients’ questions in compliance with what a Vet Tech is allowed to provide.

Financial Tasks:

• Assist doctor with updating clients on their current bill.

• Properly enter patient’s treatments, bloodwork, and prescriptions on the invoice.

• Answer any questions that clients may have with regards to their invoice.

Medical Record Tasks:

• Maintain a basic understanding of the practice management software.

• Accurately enter patient’s vitals, bloodwork, and notes into medical record.

• Accurately log all client communication in Practice Management Software

• Retrieve results for Idexx reference laboratories.

Facilities and Equipment Tasks:

• Ensure that common client areas remain clean and disinfected.

• Alert a Lead of nonfunctional or defective equipment.

• Assist with cleaning of exam rooms ensuring a non-contagious environment, free from fur, dirt, offensive odors, and any leftover treatment equipment.

• Assist with laundry as needed.

Personal Growth Expectations:

• Complete yearly goals set out during annual review.

• Attending one relevant continuing education conference annual.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.

• Basic math, reading and writing skills.

Preferred Experience:

• CVT license

• 2 years of experience working in a veterinary environment

Physical requirements:

• Able to be active sitting, walking, standing for 8 hours or more a day.

• Able to work well under pressure and at high levels of stress.

• Able to lift 40 pounds.

• Flexible with work hours

Required skills/personal attributes:

• Organized

• Punctual

• Friendly

• Compassionate

• Team player