Introduction:

The Veterinary Technician assists the doctors to the fullest possible extent, to maintain and improve the quality of care given to the patients and to aid the doctors in achieving the greatest efficiency by relieving them of technical work responsibilities at Anchor Animal Hospital.

The Veterinary Technician assists in multiple procedures providing care for patients, including physical examinations, dental and surgical procedures, vaccinations, laboratory testing, euthanasia, patient nursing care, as well as client education, marketing, and inventory. This is an overview of the position. The job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position and will vary based on changes in veterinary medicine. The Veterinary Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Veterinarian and Management Team.

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Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Obtain and record patient complete medical histories (include nutritional supplements, potential problem clients don’t realize

• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests related to hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems and routine screens.

• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as ordered by veterinarians.

• Recognize potential adverse reactions from treatment and alert veterinarian if noted.

• Clean exam rooms after each visit and prepare for the next client and patient. Ensure supplies are always available and adequately stocked in exam rooms and treatment areas.

• Prepare and sanitize surgery suites. Clean and sanitize (between patients) cages, maintain patient bedding and related housing supplies.

• Properly maintain equipment according to maintenance schedule. Ensure that monitoring and equipment, such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes, breathing apparatus, oxygen cage, ultrasound, x-ray, dental x-ray, are in good working condition. Report any problems immediately.

• Assist veterinarian in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures including monitoring of the patient. Including, routine, triage, emergency and CPR.

• Properly and safely restrain patients by using stress-relieving techniques, reliably and with compassion to prepare for procedures performed by technicians and/or veterinarians. Always conscious of patient comfort needs.

• Observe patients throughout the day for signs of illness, parasites and disease control, adverse reactions, assessment of change in patient status. Report any abnormalities or concerns to the veterinarian in charge.

• Anticipate painful clinical procedures.

• Recognize signs of pain and alert a veterinarian.

• Contact clients following exam to respond to questions and concerns.

• Communicate with pet owners using a professional, cheerful, and helpful attitude, using knowledge of preventative health care recommendations to accurately answer questions and relay doctor’s information.

• Assist receptionists with out-patients, grooming and hospitalized patients from admission to discharge with clerical and administrative work, including knowledge of patient folders, vaccine schedules, proper phone etiquette, and other front desk procedures.

• Follow patient treatment plans, as ordered by Veterinarian. Immediately report concerns. Under the direction of veterinarian, administer medications. Always ask if unsure or need clarification.

• Unpack, label and stock hospital supplies; stock janitorial and office supplies, stock kennel supplies. Maintain kennel food stock and check expirations.  

• Prep patients for surgery, assist when needed.

• Assist with operation of anesthesia machine and other applicable equipment.

• Properly position patient and take and process radiographs. Submit for radiologist review.

• Prepare surgery packs and surgery drapes.

• Clean, maintain, and autoclave surgical instruments and packs. Thoroughly clean autoclave per hospital; schedule.

• Ensure that literature is always available for you or the doctor to give the client.

• Knowledge of NSAH preventative healthcare recommendations and services to correctly answer client questions, provide education on vaccines, flea/tick and heartworm products and assist with marketing veterinary services from which their pets would benefit.

• Feed, exercise, and groom patients. Treat patient as if they are your own.

• Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.

• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the medicine that we practice.

• Follow OSHA and DEA regulations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Contact clients next day following exam to see if questions or concerns

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Control Over Work:

The Veterinary Technician works under the Veterinarian and Management team. The Veterinarian(s) provide continuing or individual assignments indicating what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines and priority of assignments. The practitioner provides additional, specific instructions for new, difficult or unusual assignments in animal health care, including suggested work methods or advice on source materials available.

The Veterinary Technician uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the practitioner for decision or help. The practitioners assure that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures. Review of the work increases with more difficult assignments, if the veterinary technician has not previously performed similar assignments.

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Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.

• Knowledge of patient handling and safety

• Knowledge of the use, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.

• Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.

• Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide “tableside” assistance.

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.

• Critical thinking- understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Exhibit strong problem solving and an organized approach to the position.

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Physical Effort:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.

• Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, and listen, frequently working in a bent position.

• Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle or feel; will reach with hands and arms.

• Use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 lbs. Assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.