Certified Veterinary Technician

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent– required.
Computer skills – required.
Customer service experience – required.

CRITICAL QUALITIES AND BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Exhibit practice values through established values-based behaviors
Bring your best self every day.
Pride and accuracy in the execution of tasks.
Accountability for behaviors and actions.
Willingness to learn.
Eagerness to teach clients and fellow team members.
Resilience.
Adaptability.
Confidence in decision-making and problem-solving.
Strength in listening and communication skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORTS

May be required to lift up to 40 lbs.
Will be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, bacteria, fungus, and viruses.
Will be exposed to animal bites, scratches, and contagious diseases.
Will be exposed to chemical and radiation hazards within regulatory limits and with appropriate exposure monitoring.
Must have the ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods.
Must have reliable transportation to and from work.
Must be able to handle stress with a professional demeanor.
Must be flexible in work schedule and accommodate the practice’s needs.
Must speak clearly and hear well to communicate with the veterinary team and clients.

FUNCTIONAL DUTIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Execute job functions with pride and accuracy.
Participate in regular communication with practice leaders to carry out expectations.
Contribute positively to the practice culture through communication and behaviours that align with practice values.
Provide compassionate care to patients by being a patient advocate.
Provide compassionate care to clients by being a client advocate and delivering exceptional service.
Increase the efficiency of the team by proactively preparing medical exam rooms and treatment areas for the specific needs of incoming patients.
Perform physical assessments on patients and communicate findings with veterinarians.
Know preventive care protocols and effectively communicate them with pet owners.
Maintain protocols for and oversee a clean and organized facility.
Maintain a positive relationship and resolve conflict with team members.
Administer medications and treatments as directed by a veterinarian (IV, IM SC PO, Topical, Intraaural).
Answer client inquiries with confidence.
Develop client estimates based on veterinarians’ recommendations and deliver to clients with confidence and pride.
Calculate dosages for medication, understand potential drug interactions, and can explain potential side effects to clients.
Assist the veterinarian in medical, surgical, and dental procedures; prep patients for surgery; administer anesthesia; monitor anesthesia; and recover patients.
Properly care for the surgical suite; clean, wrap, and autoclave surgical packs; maintain surgical inventories and equipment; maintain cleanliness and sterility.
Administer fluids subcutaneously and IV with the use of infusion pumps.
Properly perform emergency procedures as directed by a veterinarian, including CPR, IPPV, opening airways, vein catheterization, and controlling bleeding.
Obtain and administer blood products to patients.
Obtain patient lab samples (urine, blood, stool).
Ability to use and maintain standard medical equipment, such as anesthetic machines, patient monitoring machines, lab equipment, infusion pumps, X-ray machines, and an autoclave.
Perform laboratory diagnostic procedures as directed by the veterinarian, including (but not limited to) skin scrapes, cytology, fungal cultures, CBC, chemistry panels, and urinalysis.
Effectively position patients and obtain diagnostic radiographs.
Be familiar with common diseases and be able to communicate, educate, and provide recommendations to clients.
Review consent forms with clients and explain risks associated with the procedure the patient will undergo.
Admit patients to the hospital to ensure client consent and patient comfort.
Discharge patents from the hospital; clearly communicate release instructions and answer client concerns confidently.
Mediate client concerns immediately with compassion and empathy.
Maintain laboratory, radiology, anesthetic, surgery, and/or controlled substance logs in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Other duties assigned that make a positive impact on the practice.