VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Job Duties
Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in the care of animals. They are responsible for most of the diagnostic and treatment procedures ordered by veterinarians. Technicians are responsible for vaccine assessment and administration, phlebotomy, radiology, patient restraint and handling, record keeping, patient monitoring, and surgical assistance. They may perform an initial evaluation of an animal's condition, assess and clean wounds, check vital statistics, and administer medication. They also perform basic lab work, including urinalysis and blood tests.
They help during patient examinations and surgical procedures by restraining animals when necessary, placing IV catheters, procedural prep of patients and doctors, stocking examination and surgery rooms with supplies, sterilizing tools and ensuring that equipment is in working order. Veterinary technicians are responsible for pre and post-operative patient care and recovery, as well as discharge information for in- or outpatient treatments. Technicians also communicate with pet owners and update patient files. They are responsible for general facility maintenance and cleanliness. Veterinary technicians may be required to work Saturdays. Veterinary technicians are expected to schedule appointments when necessary, answer the phone, and have the ability to finalize invoices and payments.
Necessary Skills
Veterinary technicians must have excellent communication skills, so that they may interact with pet owners and coworkers. Technicians are expected to have good personal hygiene, a strong measure of professionalism, and excellent customer service skills. They must have an understanding of animal behavior and basic to elementary clinical skills in order to aid in evaluating an animal's condition and provide treatment. They must be detail-oriented and well-organized so that they may take medical histories, carry out instructions, document patient statistics and update records. Technicians should be able to time manage and prioritize to balance work flow in the most efficient way possible per doctor instruction. It's also essential that they enjoy working with animals and have the ability to comfort, handle, and restrain large and small pets.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Provide top-notch customer service
- Maintain a professional appearance
- Being attentive to client and pet needs
- Identify and work compassionately with clients in various emotional states
- Work patiently with distressed, frustrated, or disgruntled clients
- Work patiently with distressed, anxious, fractious, or painful patients
- Assess and triage patients for routine appointments or emergencies
- Record a thorough history based on presenting complaint and relevant medical history
- Practice safe and expected methods of restraint for various procedures
- Answer and triage phone calls from clients when necessary
- Schedule appointments when necessary
- Monitor schedule and flow
- Client call backs and patient follow up when requested by the doctor
- Take messages for the doctors regarding medical questions or prescriptions
- Understand vaccinations and vaccination schedule, lab tests, common diseases, pet behavior, and hospital recommendations on over-the-counter treatments for physical or behavioral correction.
- General understanding of common medications and side effects
- Responsible for maintaining most of hospital cleanliness practices including but not limited to: exam rooms, treatment area, kennel rooms, radiology, surgery, and common areas.
- Identify patient needs based on presenting needs or complaints
- Problem solving and critical thinking ability; time management skills
- Maintain proper documentation in electronic and physical medical records
- Relay appropriate information to/from clients to doctors and/or management
- Computer skills: Able to use Windows based computer systems, word processing, email, web search and other skills needed to effectively use the practice management software program
- Ability to formulate discharge instructions based on veterinarian recommendation and patient needs
- Administering and filling medications.
- Must be over the age of 18
This job description does not necessarily cover every task or duty that might be assigned. There may be additional responsibilities assigned as necessary. If you have questions or concerns about this job description, contact the Owner and/or the Practice Manager.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour
Schedule:
Experience:
- Veterinary experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person