Veterinary Outpatient Technician

Position Overview

The Veterinary Outpatient Technician is the veterinarian’s primary medical support. They begin the examination procedure and continue to assist the doctor throughout the examination, diagnosis, and treatment phases. They aid the veterinarians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. They have a very significant role in communicating with and educating clients about their pets.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Licensure Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Veterinary Technician Certification (CVT) is desirable but not required.
• Previous On-The-Job Training desirable when, not a CVT.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum two years experience as a veterinary technician or assistant.

Personal Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years old.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
• Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members.
• Has excellent client communication skills.
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods of time; frequently works in a bent position.
• Working conditions:
• Will be exposed to anesthetic gases. Will be exposed to radiation from x-ray machines. May be exposed to Chemotherapy drugs and Chemotherapy patients. May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases.

Duties/Tasks

• Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients.
• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Can legibly keep accurate medical records in accordance with hospital policy.
• Can prepare and maintain the treatment areas.
• Can perform physical assessments, record observations legibly on computer.
• Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult.
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean, or organize as part of normal job duty.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Gives SQ, IM, and IV injections.
• Can handle client’s medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate.
• Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions.
• Understands usage, dosage, and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients.
• Can assist the veterinarian in medical, surgical, and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; administers anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administer fluids.
• Can properly follow sterility guidelines; before, during, and after a procedure.
• Can maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies as determined by the inventory control system.
• Can maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies as determined by the inventory control system.
• Can properly care for all surgical materials; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
• Can properly follow sterility guidelines; before, during, and after a procedure.
• Can perform emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage.

• Can perform clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.
• Can effectively position for and take radiographs.
• Can perform electrocardiograms.
• Can place IV catheters and properly care for them. Understands the use and care of IV pumps as well.
• Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with hospitalized patients.
• Can prepare a patient and the machine for an ultrasound procedure.
• Can admit patients following hospital policy and doctors' written orders.
• Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well-groomed and in a medically appropriate state.

If you've got what it takes to be a Veterinary Outpatient Technician, apply today.