Vet Technitian

Technician
Position Overview

The purpose of this position is to improve the quality patient care by assisting veterinarians with patient care
and treatment. Technicians monitor hospitalized pets, maintain inventory, 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 the 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 clearly 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 veterinarian. May also receive direction from
Practice Manager on a daily basis.
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 patients’ condition.
• Recognizes patients with contagious disease 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 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 in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the
flow of clients and outpatients.
• Consults with veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day’s activities. Keeps veterinarians apprised
of potential problems, discussions with clients, and other situations as necessary.
• Reviews medical records and notes made by the admitting Client Care Specialist (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.
• Obtains 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 Care Specialist.
• 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.
• Examines patients for fleas, skin irritations, and other obvious problems.

Medication Dispensation

• Understands usage of and recommendations for prescription drugs, such as heartworm preventative
products 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 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. Reviews cases with other technical
staff before shift changes.
Client Relations
• Demonstrates warmth, courtesy, and professionalism in all client interactions.
• Communicates with clients regarding the medical status of their pets.
• Calls back or otherwise follows up with clients concerning certain patients;
recommends additional visit 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.
• Instructs 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.
• Restocks 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 but not limited to 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.
Follows 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 Care Specialist (receptionist) cannot answer by the third ring.
• Maintains appropriate inventory of all supplies as dictated by the inventory control system. Informs
Office Manager when items need to be ordered.
• Unpacks boxes of medical supplies, marks prices, checks expiration dates, and rotates stock.
• Ensures all products and literature are identified with labels.
Requirements

• Education equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
• Willingness to pursue further education leading to Licensed Veterinary Technician status.
• At least one year 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, and
administer vaccines).
• 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 entire shift, sometimes
exceeding 10 hours per day.
• Preferred: Education equivalent to two years of college (pre-veterinary
curriculum) or Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).
• Preferred: Three years’ recent experience in a veterinary practice, with increasing responsibilities.