Veterinary Technician Assistant

Position Overview

The Technician Assistant works under general supervision of the Patient Care Technicians. The veterinary technician assistant is the technician’s primary support. They assist in restraining pets and test set up for the examination procedure. They aid the technicians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of some of the routine work. They have a very significant role in freeing up the technicians to assist the veterinarian with medical procedures.

Position Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Licensure Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous On-The-Job training desirable, but not necessary

Experience Requirements

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.
• Have excellent client communication skills.
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting, carrying and restraining animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or 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.

Salary Range

The range for the position is $9.00 per hour to $11.00 per hour.
Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage.

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 hospital policy.
• Can prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Can set up dental tables and clean dental area as needed.
• Can set up for elective procedures.
• Can perform physical assessments; record observations legibly in files or computer.
• Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult.
• Knows all common vaccines and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients.
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Can prepare estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies.
• Can explain necessary followup and homecare instructions.
• Can properly care for all surgical materials and equipment; cleaning and preparing instruments for sterilization.
• Keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
• Can set up clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, ear cytology and fungal cultures; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.
• Can draw blood and collect additional samples for laboratory tests.
• Can effectively position for and take radiographs.
• Can prepare a patient and the machine for an ultrasound procedure.
• Understands the use and care of IV pumps.
• Can assist Patient Care Tech with patient care and post-operative care.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned including assisting in other areas: lab, pharmacy, and kennels.

If you've got what it takes to be a veterinary technical assistant, apply today.