Veterinary Technician

Overview

Veterinary Technician assists the veterinarians with patient care and treatments, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia, as well as client education, marketing and inventory maintenance at North Haledon Veterinary Care. This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations.

This is an overview of the position and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position.

$20.00/hr - $27.00/hr

• Obtain and record patient histories.
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures.
• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Administer fluids as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.
• Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery.
• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment.
• Take radiographs.
• Communicate with and educate owners.
• Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations to answer client questions and educate on vaccines, flea and heartworm products; assist in marketing veterinary services (e.g., dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay/neuter, boarding).
• Educate clients on products and medications sold and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.
• Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies.
• Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment and materials.
• Remain knowledgeable about related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA; ensure hospital compliance; inform hospital administrator of regulatory issues.
• Work well with all team members and ensure that actions support the hospital, doctors and practice philosophy.

• Knowledge of procedures for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques for instruments and materials.
• Knowledge of instruments, materials, and procedures used in treatments to provide assistance.
• Knowledge of client service principles, including needs assessment, quality standards, and patient/client satisfaction.
• Knowledge of commonly used veterinary terminology and ability to enter information into patient records.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to take direction.
• Critical thinking to analyze problems and determine appropriate solutions.

• Frequent bending, standing, stooping, walking, sitting, talking and listening; standing for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity and ability to handle animals; lift up to 50 pounds; assist with larger dogs with animal handlers.

Work involves potential exposure to hazards associated with aggressive patients, infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to odors, noises, bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases. Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.

• Monitor anesthesia, administer fluids, assist in diagnosing, surgery and nursing care.
• Performa laboratory tests and dispense/administer medications and vaccines.
• Input data into computer software system and maintain professional communication with clients.
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness; provide high level of client service and teamwork.
• Present oneself professionally and work collaboratively with the team to support hospital goals.
• Perform physical activities required by the role and assist with animal handling as needed.
• Present yourself in a clean and orderly fashion, properly uniformed.