Veterinary Technician job description

A Veterinary Technician is a skilled animal healthcare professional who assists veterinarians in providing medical care to animals, performing tasks such as administering medications, conducting laboratory tests, and assisting in surgeries. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of veterinary practices by delivering high-quality patient care and supporting both the medical team and pet owners.

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What is a Veterinary Technician?

A Veterinary Technician, often referred to as a vet tech, is a licensed and educated professional in the field of animal healthcare. They work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to provide medical and surgical support for animals. Vet techs are trained to handle a variety of tasks, from clinical procedures to client education, and they must complete an accredited program and pass a credentialing exam, such as the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam), to practice in the United States. This role is essential in veterinary medicine, bridging the gap between veterinarians and pet owners while ensuring the well-being of animal patients.

What does a Veterinary Technician do?

Veterinary Technicians perform a wide range of duties to support animal care in clinical settings. Their responsibilities include administering medications and vaccinations, collecting and processing laboratory samples (such as blood, urine, and tissue), assisting with diagnostic imaging like X-rays, and monitoring animals during surgery and recovery. They also educate pet owners on topics like postoperative care, nutrition, and preventive health measures. Additionally, vet techs may manage anesthesia, maintain medical records, and provide compassionate nursing care to hospitalized animals. Their work ensures efficient and effective veterinary services, contributing to positive health outcomes for pets and other animals.

Job Overview

A Veterinary Technician is a skilled animal healthcare professional who assists licensed veterinarians in providing high-quality medical care to animal patients. This role requires a combination of medical knowledge, technical skills, and compassion for animals. The Veterinary Technician performs critical clinical tasks, supports diagnostic procedures, educates pet owners, and ensures the smooth operation of the veterinary practice while adhering to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) standards and state-specific regulations.

Veterinary Technician responsibilities include:

1. Perform venipuncture, catheter placement, and administer medications, fluids, and vaccinations under veterinarian supervision. 2. Conduct diagnostic tests including hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, cytology, and parasitology using in-house laboratory equipment. 3. Assist veterinarians with surgical procedures by preparing surgical suite, maintaining sterile technique, monitoring anesthesia, and providing surgical assistance. 4. Obtain and process radiographs using digital radiography systems while following proper radiation safety protocols. 5. Provide nursing care including wound management, bandage changes, physical therapy, and emergency first aid. 6. Maintain accurate electronic medical records using practice management software (e.g., Cornerstone, ImproMed). 7. Educate clients on animal health, nutrition, medication administration, and post-operative care. 8. Manage inventory of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment while ensuring proper storage and documentation. 9. Restrain animals safely and humanely using appropriate techniques for various procedures. 10. Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and medical equipment following OSHA guidelines.
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Must-Have Requirements

1. Associate degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA-accredited program. 2. Current certification as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). 3. Minimum 2 years of clinical experience in small animal practice. 4. Proficiency in veterinary medical terminology and calculations. 5. Demonstrated skills in anesthesia monitoring, surgical assistance, and emergency care. 6. Strong knowledge of animal behavior and safe restraint techniques. 7. Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in team environment. 8. Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology or related field. 2. Certification in specialized areas such as dentistry, anesthesia, or emergency care. 3. Experience with exotic animals or specialized veterinary practices. 4. Proficiency with digital radiography and ultrasound equipment. 5. Previous experience in emergency or critical care veterinary medicine. 6. Knowledge of AAHA accreditation standards and requirements. 7. Bilingual skills (Spanish-English) for client communication. 8. Experience mentoring or training veterinary assistants.

Bonus Skills

1. Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in emergency/critical care, anesthesia, or dentistry. 2. Proficiency in advanced diagnostic imaging interpretation. 3. Experience with veterinary dental prophylaxis and oral surgery procedures. 4. Knowledge of complementary therapies such as physical rehabilitation or acupuncture. 5. Previous experience in veterinary practice management or supervisory role. 6. Certification in Fear Free practices or low-stress handling techniques. 7. Experience with veterinary telehealth platforms and remote consulting. 8. Participation in veterinary emergency response teams or disaster relief organizations.

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