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Veterinary Technician Job Description

What Does a Veterinary Technician Do?

A veterinary technician is a medical professional who works alongside a veterinarian to assist with medical care and treatment of animals. Common duties of a veterinary technician include taking medical histories, administering medications, performing laboratory tests, and monitoring vital signs.

Veterinary Technician Job Description Example

Cleveland Animal Care is looking for an experienced and compassionate Veterinary Technician to join our growing team. We are a full-service veterinary hospital providing quality care for pets in the Greater Cleveland area. As a Veterinary Technician, you will be responsible for providing superior care and a high level of client service to our clients and their pets. Our Veterinary Technicians are highly valued team members in our clinic and we are looking for a strong individual to contribute to the satisfaction of our clients and the success of our practice.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assisting veterinarians with medical treatments, surgeries, and consultations
Taking blood and other laboratory samples and performing in-clinic laboratory tests
Preparing and administering medications as directed by the veterinarian
Collecting and recording patient histories
Monitoring patients undergoing treatment and sedation
Handling animals and providing basic care
Performing electrocardiography, radiography, and ultrasound tests
Setting up and maintaining necessary equipment and supplies
Educating clients on proper animal care
Cleaning and sterilizing instruments
Assisting in the preparation of medical reports

Work Hours and Benefits:

The Veterinary Technician position will require a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, as needed. We offer a competitive salary and benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, PTO, and more.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent
Two years of veterinary technician experience preferred
Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory procedures
Ability to handle and restrain animals in a gentle and safe manner
Ability to understand and follow instructions
Outstanding customer service and communication skills
Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment

Training and Education:

A Veterinary Technician diploma or degree is preferred and must be obtained prior to starting. Experience in the veterinary field is a plus.

Join the Cleveland Animal Care team today and become part of something bigger. We look forward to hearing from you!

What to Include on a Veterinary Technician Resume or Job Posting

Common veterinary technician responsibilities

Administering medications and treatments to animals as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Monitoring vital signs of animals, such as temperature, pulse, and respiration.
Collecting and processing laboratory samples, such as blood, urine, and feces.
Assisting veterinarians in performing medical procedures, such as radiography, ultrasounds, and endoscopies.
Educating clients on animal health care, nutrition, and preventive medicine.
Maintaining medical records and filing paperwork.
Restraining animals for examination and treatment.
Cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment.
Preparing and administering anesthesia to animals.
Assisting in emergency and critical care situations.

Qualities & traits

Compassion: Veterinary technicians should be compassionate and empathetic to both animals and their owners.
Attention to Detail: Veterinary technicians should be detail-oriented and have excellent observational skills to accurately assess an animal’s condition.
Communication Skills: Veterinary technicians should be able to effectively communicate with pet owners and other veterinary staff.
Patience: Veterinary technicians should be patient and understanding when working with animals, which can be unpredictable and difficult to handle.
Physical Strength: Veterinary technicians should be physically strong and able to lift and restrain animals when necessary.
Problem-Solving Skills: Veterinary technicians should be able to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to problems.
Interpersonal Skills: Veterinary technicians should be able to work well with others and be a team player.
Time Management: Veterinary technicians should be able to manage their time efficiently and prioritize tasks.
Flexibility: Veterinary technicians should be flexible and able to adapt to changing situations.
Knowledge: Veterinary technicians should have a thorough understanding of animal anatomy, diseases, and treatments.

What a typical day looks like for a veterinary technician

Veterinary technicians typically have a multifaceted job that varies from day to day. On any given day, they may be responsible for providing routine treatments and nurse care for animals, assisting veterinarians in diagnostics and minor surgical procedures, monitoring anesthetic procedures, collecting and processing laboratory samples, and educating animal owners on proper care and nutrition. They may also monitor vital signs, administer medication, perform dental cleanings, take radiographs, and aid in euthanasia. Veterinary technicians can also be delegated responsibilities such as maintaining medical records, ordering supplies, cleaning and disinfecting instruments and animal cages, and managing inventory.

Compatible jobs and work history

When considering an applicant for a veterinary technician position who lacks experience in the field, employers should look for backgrounds in related roles and industries. Examples may include positions in fields such as animal care, laboratory work, customer service, and emergency response. Veterinarian assistants, laboratory assistants, kennel technicians, animal care technicians, research assistants, customer service professionals, and emergency responders all have experience that is applicable to the veterinary technician role.

Below is a list of job titles that are compatible with becoming a veterinary technician:

Veterinarian Assistant
Laboratory Assistant
Kennel Technician
Animal Care Technician
Research Assistant
Customer Service Professional
Emergency Responder
Veterinary Receptionist
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Animal Behavior Technician

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