Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

National Veterinary Associates; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates seeks a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) to support veterinarians in exams and surgeries, monitor anesthesia, and deliver high-quality nursing care. You will work in both exam and surgical settings, maintain records, and guide clients on care and treatments.

The role emphasizes collaboration, meticulous documentation, and leadership in a fast-paced hospital environment, with comprehensive benefits and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT) license in good standing.
• Knowledge of anesthesia, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, and patient nursing care.
• Strong communication and client education skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with veterinary medical records and practice management software.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients and provide nursing care in exam and surgical settings.
• Perform in-house laboratory testing and submit samples to outside labs.
• Administer medications, place IV catheters, and monitor anesthesia.
• Assist veterinarians during examinations, treatments, and surgeries.
• Educate clients on medications, home care, and preventive care.
• Maintain accurate medical records in the PMS.
• Prepare and assist with surgical procedures and anesthesia monitoring.
• Monitor recovery and provide discharge instructions to clients.
• Support training and mentoring of veterinary assistants.

Skills

CVT license

Anesthesia knowledge

Pharmacology

Laboratory procedures

Nursing care

Communication skills

Multitasking

Practice management software

Tools

Practice management software

Job description

Join our dynamic veterinary team as a Veterinary Technician, where your passion for animal care and technical expertise will make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners. In this vital role, you will assist veterinarians in providing top-tier medical care, perform diagnostic procedures, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for animals. Your energetic approach and attention to detail will help us deliver exceptional service while fostering a compassionate atmosphere for our furry patients.

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) – Surgery & Exam Room Technician

Position Title: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Reports To: Medical Director / Practice Manager
Department: Clinical Team

Position Summary

The Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is responsible for providing high-quality patient care, supporting veterinarians during appointments and procedures, performing technical nursing duties, and ensuring safe anesthesia and surgical patient management. This role combines responsibilities in both exam room and surgical settings and serves as a key clinical resource within the hospital.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Exam Room Responsibilities

Patient Assessment & Nursing Care

• Obtain accurate patient histories and document findings in the medical record.
• Perform patient assessments including:
• Weight
• Temperature
• Pulse
• Respiratory rate
• Behavioral observations
• Identify patient concerns and communicate findings to the veterinarian.
• Assist veterinarians during examinations and treatments.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples including:
• Blood
• Urine
• Fecal samples
• Cytology samples
• Perform in-house laboratory testing.
• Prepare and submit samples to outside laboratories.
• Review laboratory results and notify veterinarians of abnormalities.

Treatments & Procedures

• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Place and maintain intravenous catheters.
• Administer intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections.
• Perform radiographs and assist with diagnostic imaging.
• Assist with wound care, bandage changes, and nursing treatments.
• Monitor hospitalized and outpatient treatment patients.

Client Communication & Education

• Review treatment plans and estimates with clients.
• Educate clients on medications, home care instructions, and preventive care.
• Provide discharge instructions and answer client questions.
• Ensure clients understand recommended diagnostics and treatments.

Medical Records

• Maintain accurate and complete medical records.
• Document diagnostics, treatments, medications, and patient responses.
• Complete assigned tasks and follow‑ups within the practice management system (PIMS).

Surgery Responsibilities

Surgical Preparation

• Review surgical schedule and patient records.
• Verify consent forms and treatment plans.
• Perform pre‑anesthetic patient assessments.
• Collect and process pre‑operative laboratory work.
• Calculate anesthetic and surgical drug dosages.
• Place intravenous catheters and initiate fluid therapy.
• Induce anesthesia under veterinary supervision.
• Prepare and clip surgical sites utilizing aseptic technique.

Anesthesia Monitoring

• Monitor patients throughout anesthesia and recovery.
• Record and track:
• Heart rate
• Respiratory rate
• Blood pressure
• Temperature
• Anesthetic depth
• Identify and respond appropriately to anesthetic complications.
• Adjust anesthetic support as directed by the veterinarian.

Surgical Assistance

• Maintain sterile technique at all times.
• Prepare and organize surgical instruments and supplies.
• Assist with patient positioning and surgical setup.
• Ensure all equipment is functioning properly before procedures.

Recovery & Post‑Operative Care

• Closely monitor patient recovery from anesthesia.
• Administer post‑operative medications as prescribed.
• Assess pain levels and patient comfort.
• Document recovery observations and treatments.
• Provide discharge instructions to clients.

Surgical Suite Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect surgical and treatment areas.
• Sterilize instruments and maintain surgical packs.
• Monitor surgery inventory and supply levels.
• Ensure compliance with hospital sanitation and safety standards.

Leadership & Team Support

• Serve as a clinical resource for assistants and support staff.
• Assist with training and mentoring veterinary assistants.
• Promote efficient patient flow and hospital operations.
• Maintain professionalism and a positive team environment.
• Support hospital initiatives, protocols, and standards of care.

Qualifications

• Current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT) license in good standing.
• Knowledge of anesthesia, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, and patient nursing care.
• Strong communication and client education skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with veterinary medical records and practice management software.

Performance Expectations

A successful CVT consistently:

• Provides safe and effective anesthesia monitoring.
• Maintains accurate and timely medical records.
• Demonstrates strong technical nursing skills.
• Supports veterinarians efficiently during appointments and surgery.
• Delivers exceptional patient care and client service.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and compliant clinical environment.
• Contributes positively to team culture and workflow efficiency.

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.