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Veterinary Technician

Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinic
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The purpose of this training program will be to give you an overview of the job requirements of a Licensed Veterinary Technician and to provide insight into the normal daily tasks that you will be asked to perform. By the end of this training program we hope that you will have learned some of the most common and basic tasks, as well as some more specific procedures, associated with your position. Your objective during your training is to observe certain procedures by shadowing a veterinarian/veterinary technician and to have learned enough to be able to thoroughly explain and/or perform a task yourself. You will be working with many of our staff members, but your proficiency in the required tasks will be signed off by your assigned supervisor(s). This training manual will serve as a guideline as to what you should expect to learn during this program and what you should be able to perform at the completion of this program. We hope you thoroughly enjoy yourself during this process and learn all that you hope to and more.

Sincerely,

The Doctors and Staff of Boght & Oakwood Veterinary Clinics

Physical and Intellectual Requirements for Licensed Veterinary Technicians

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensure that qualified applicants have the ability to pursue employment. However, the candidate must meet the essential skills and technical standards to perform functions required of the profession.

  • Vision, with or without correction, must allow the determination of minute areas of detail, very small variations in color and adequate depth perception (size, shape and texture), including differentiation of details as viewed through a microscope.
  • Speech and hearing must permit clear and effective communication with colleagues, clients, faculty and staff without lip reading.
  • Candidates must be able to read, write, speak and report accurately and effectively in English. 
  • Candidates must possess the physical ability to tolerate walking and standing for sustained periods of time, be capable of lifting and/or carrying up to 50 pounds without assistance from floor to waist level frequently, and be capable of handling, positioning, and restraining live animals.
  • Candidates must possess fine motor movements in order to perform the essential functions of the profession.  This includes the dexterity to manipulate small equipment, adjust resistance on equipment, manage syringes, catheters, and common surgical instruments. 
  • Candidates should be able to have sustained contact with multiple species of animals and be amenable to learning the safe handling, restraining, and working with these animals.  An individual should not be allergic to domestic animals to the extent that would prohibit working in a facility that has them. 
  • Candidates must possess a willingness to assist with and perform a wide variety of routine medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures common to the veterinary setting; including humane euthanasia.  
  • Candidates must demonstrate socially appropriate behavior; maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close human and animal contact.  
  • Candidates must be able to interact appropriately with clients and all members of the veterinary healthcare team.


 

JOB DESCRIPTION

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

REPORTS TO: Dr. David Wagoner, Owner, Management Staff

POSITION OVERVIEW

The veterinary 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/REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  •  Valid NYS Veterinary Technician License

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum two years experience as veterinary technician but not required.

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 40lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.
  • Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.





 

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

  • 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 keep accurate medical records in accordance with hospital policy.
  • Can prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas.
  • Can perform physical assessments; record observations accurately in files on computer.
  • Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult.
  • Understands all common vaccinations 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.
  • Gives SQ, IM and IV injections.
  • Can handle client's medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate.
  • Can prepare estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies.
  • 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; administers fluids.
  • Can properly care for all surgical materials; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
  • 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 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 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.