Veterinary Animal Technician
Job Summary:
The position is essential to achieving exceptional veterinary care and customer service. Responsibilities include a broad range of duties, such as assessing animal needs, conducting exams and lab tests, assisting with surgical operations, providing nursing care, attending to feeding and patient wellbeing, managing medical supplies and equipment, supervising patient release and admission, and keeping meticulous medical records.
Key Responsibilities:
- Comprehending the physiological needs of animals necessitates proper examination, which includes evaluating their body functions, reactions, and responses.
- Providing care entails the careful monitoring of vital signs, giving medicine and vaccines, addressing wounds, and collecting samples.
- Assist veterinarians during pet exams and procedures by managing supplies, handling patients with care, and following all provided instructions. Provide exceptional animal care with an in-depth understanding of physiology, pharmacology, illness, and equipment usage.
- The team responsible for medication procurement and authentication ensures that the medications are procured and verified in accordance with the requirements of relevant authorities.
- To keep patients healthy and safe, regular cleaning and proper nutrition are critical components of care. Additionally, caregivers must remain vigilant for any signs of illness and act quickly to prevent the spread of infection.
- Accurately administer and document drugs, incorporating controlled substances.
- Maintain a legal, sanitized, and bacteria-free setting by disinfecting equipment, cleaning surfaces, and abiding by regulations.
- Timely updates to detailed medical records can provide essential information for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions.
- Inform pet owners about the patient's status as directed.
- Maintain equipment effectiveness and replenish inventory as needed.
- Keeping up-to-date with industry developments through education and relevant literature can help you to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive.
- It is mandatory to release the animals to their owners in good health and physical state.
- Follow instructions and perform additional tasks as required.
Assignment to the specialty medical areas listed below may require the following job functions:
Cardiology:
- Secure and transport laboratory materials.
- Distinguishing different types of cardiac issues and irregular heart rhythms.
- Modify and improve machines to assess pressures in the circulatory system.
- Comprehend pacemaker fundamentals.
Dentistry:
- Execute dental hygiene measures, specifically cleaning, polishing, and taking intraoral x-rays.
- Administer nerve blocks.
- The assistant's primary responsibilities may include preparing the patient for treatment, monitoring vital signs, and maintaining a sterile environment.
Dermatology:
- Dispense therapeutic substances through distinct routes.
- Offer gentle ear cleansing and minor irrigation services.
- Obtain tissue samples from the skin and ear for further investigation.
- Medical practitioners are tasked with administering anesthesia and keeping a close watch on its impact.
- Insert intravenous catheters.
Emergency:
- When emergencies arise, veterans need extra support to help them navigate through these challenging situations. If you want to make a difference in their lives, there are many ways you can assist them. You can offer your time, donate funds or goods, or participate in community outreach programs.
- Monitoring crucial signs, inserting catheters, and performing radiologic exams.
- Attending to wound management and cast installation.
- Inject medication and acquire blood samples.
Imaging:
- Aid in the utilization of diagnostic techniques such as digital radiography and ultrasound.
Integrative:
- Record data on integrative healthcare treatments to evaluate the outcomes.
Internal Medicine:
- One crucial aspect of preventive medicine is educating individuals on healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent chronic diseases.
Neurology:
- Provide aid for technical tasks including assisting with anesthesia, placing IVs, and performing EMG tests.
Oncology:
- Our goal is to provide comprehensive assessments, treatments, and tender care for animals.
- In addition to administering chemotherapy, veterinary practitioners play a vital role in educating pet owners about the process of treatment, including its benefits, risks, and side effects.
Ophthalmology:
- Express your gratitude towards veterans by showing your presence during their eye exams and diagnostic screenings.
Radiology:
- Support in conducting radiological exams to determine diagnoses.
Surgery:
- Support the surgical team by assisting during procedures, preparing animals, and maintaining medical tools.
Qualifications:
- Completing high school studies and achieving a diploma or GED boost one's self-esteem and sets an individual on the path to success.
- Demonstrates over two years of proficiency in veterinary appointment scheduling, surgical interventions, and personalized nursing care delivery to patients in critical care situations.
- The role requires a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), or Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT) designation, which is highly recommended or may be mandatory depending on the state in which the position is located.
- The evaluation of equivalence may involve weighing education, certification, training, and/or experience together.
Position Requirements:
- Dealing with the surgical care of pets requires in-depth understanding and skill. This encompasses taking charge of pre-surgery arrangements, keeping a close check during the surgery, and offering timely after-surgery care.
- Ability to competently perform operations including catheter insertion, blood drawing, emergency care, and digital X-ray imaging in accordance with established protocols.
- Properly managing the risks of bites, scratches, and injuries is a vital component of animal handling, and handlers must have the knowledge to minimize these hazards.
- Collaborating with a veterinarian to manage medications and oversee sedation protocols.
- Being comfortable working with sick animals, dangerous chemicals, cleaning solvents, gas sedatives, and unpleasant odors.
- On the other hand, empathy is key to connecting with your pet and understanding their needs, particularly when they are experiencing discomfort or illness.
- Approaching work duties in a professional and responsible manner, and ensuring clear communication is established and maintained.
- A willingness to work non-traditional hours, including weekends and holidays, through flexible scheduling options.
- The position involves regular lifting, continuous movement, and the completion of cleaning tasks.
- Depending on the assignment, tasks may require individuals to remain seated or on their feet for a lengthy period and could entail physical activities such as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crawling.
- Moderate physical activity is necessary for certain obligations, like lifting animals with a weight of up to 50 pounds. Furthermore, answering phone queries and providing assistance with different hospital tasks is part of the job.
- Carrying out extra tasks as directed by the Manager or practice leadership.
About Us:
At PetVet Care Centers, Inc., we're driving real change in the veterinary care industry, with a network spanning over 450 hospitals across multiple states. Our team of over 11,000 professionals, including over 800 highly-trained veterinarians, is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships between our hospitals and our company to deliver top-tier medical care to every beloved pet in our care.
EEO Statement:
At PetVet, we take affirmative action to promote equal employment opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. We understand that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters innovation and creativity.