Veterinary Technician

Position Overview: Our Client is an American Animal Hospital Association accredited practice committed to the highest standard of care for patients and excellent customer service for clients.
All veterinary technicians must have a broad knowledge of animal science, a basic understanding of pharmacology, and sufficient mathematical skills to ensure the accurate administration of drugs and fluids. In addition to restraining animals and completing other technical skills, veterinary technicians are also expected to handle reception tasks as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform weight checks on pets coming in for appointments
• Adhere to all OSHA and hospital safety requirements
• Take accurate patient histories during appointments
• Perform TPR (temperature, pulse, and respiration) on patients
• Accurately enter charges and appointment notes in practice management software
• Safely restrain patients of various sizes and temperaments
• Perform accurate radiographs using personal protective equipment and safety precautions
• Collect urine and fecal samples using standard techniques
• Accurately identify, count, and label medications for patient use
• Safely clean excrement and blood from surfaces throughout the hospital
• Administer oral medications to patients and boarding pets
• Perform basic cleaning and housekeeping throughout the hospital
• Perform sanitary grooming for patients
• Perform surgical suite cleaning
• Perform end-of-day cleaning
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Technical Duties:

• Prepare and administer vaccines
• Knowledge of vaccine schedule and the diseases each vaccine is used for
• Perform fecal tests and read results
• Collect ear cytology samples and read results
• Collect urine samples and perform urinalysis
• Perform jugular and cephalic venipuncture
• Accurately prepare and log blood samples to be sent to an outside lab
• Accurately prepare, log, and run blood diagnostics with in-house diagnostic equipment
• Perform subcutaneous injections
• Accurately provide subcutaneous fluids to patients
• Place IV catheters
• Stain slides for diagnostic testing
• Perform heartworm tests
• Perform FIV snap tests
• Administer IV and IM injections with the supervision of a veterinarian
• Calculate dosages of medication to be dispensed
• Calculate controlled drug doses and anesthesia dosages for surgery
• Accurately complete controlled drug logs in compliance with DEA requirements
• Monitor vitals and patient physical condition during surgical procedures
• Assist the doctor with instruments and patient during surgical procedures
• Clean instruments and pack them for sterilization
• Perform dental radiographs
• Perform dental cleanings
• Use an autoclave for sterilization

Administrative Duties:

• Accurately enter charges for appointments
• Accurately enter VCP charges
• Accurately enter retail items for client purchase
• Check customers out using practice management software
• Accurately create and discuss surgical or medical estimates for clients
• Enroll clients in VCP Plans
• Communicate with outside pharmacies and submit accurate medication information to them
• Approve prescriptions in online pharmacies with the approval of a doctor

Client Education & Marketing Duties:

• Educate clients on in-house and VCP wellness packages
• Explain the importance of wellness services
• Explain the differences between preventions and why they are important
• Explain medical and surgical procedures to clients
• Accurately convey doctor communication to clients
• Review and respond to hospital follow-up list

Educational Requirements:

• Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology and an RVT in the state of Missouri

Skills Needed:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Computer literacy
• Understanding of veterinary terminology
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Ability to keep accurate medical records and perform clerical work
• Ability to educate clients
• Ability to promote hospital products and services
• Ability to support team members

Physical Requirements:

• Lift 50 lbs at regular intervals
• Stand, stoop, and walk intermittently for 10 hours
• Stand from a seated position on the ground