Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)

Abqpetcarehospital; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

Abqpetcarehospital in Des Moines, Iowa is seeking a diligent Veterinary Technician to assist veterinarians in providing animal care. Responsibilities include gathering patient histories, performing laboratory tests, administering medications, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. The ideal candidate will have an Associate degree in Veterinary Technology, strong communication skills, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Join a supportive workplace with comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental coverage, and a 401k with employer match.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs and common diseases.
• Strong communication skills with clients.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and record patient histories.
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Dispense medications and administer treatments as prescribed.

Skills

Knowledge of procedures for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients

Knowledge of sterilization techniques

Critical thinking

Education

Associate degree in Veterinary Technology or equivalent

Job description

Introduction

The Veterinary Technician assists the doctors at Ingersoll Animal Hospital to the fullest possible extent, improving the quality of care and aiding the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work.

The Veterinary Technician assists in multiple procedures, providing care for animals including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia, client education, marketing, and inventory maintenance.

This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases, their symptoms, transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations. It is an overview and does not encompass the entire position.

The Veterinary Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Veterinary Technician Team Leader and veterinarians.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Obtain and record patient histories.
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Administer fluids and blood products 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 and process radiographs.
• Communicate with and educate owners.
• Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations and answer client questions; provide education on vaccines, flea and heartworm products, and assist in marketing veterinary services such as dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter, and boarding.
• Educate clients on products and medications sold, including dietary products, and answer questions regarding purchase/use.
• Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies.
• Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA, inform the veterinary hospital administrator of any regulatory issues.
• Work well with all team members and support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Controls Over Work

The Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the Veterinary Technician Team Leader, who indicates general assignments, limitations, and priorities. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor. Completed work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures.

Skills and Knowledge

• 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 to sterilize various instruments and materials.
• Knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide “tableside” assistance.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services, including client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluating client satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and accept direction on given assignments.
• Critical thinking – understand logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Physical Demands

• Stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell – regularly throughout the work day.
• Lifting: up to 10 pounds – regular; up to 25 pounds – regular; up to 50 pounds – regular; up to 100 pounds – with assistance; more than 100 pounds – with assistance.
• Requires moderate strength, manual dexterity, and the ability to focus on vision (close, distance, color, peripheral, depth) while performing tasks.

Work Environment

Employees may be exposed to aggressive patients, infected animals, controlled substances, unpleasant odors and noises, bites, scratches, animal wastes, and possible contagious diseases. The workplace is subject to federal and state animal health laws and regulations, including OSHA and DEA.

Essential Functions

• Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion, and care including monitoring during anesthesia, administering fluids, assisting in diagnosing, surgery and general and specialized nursing care.
• Accurately perform laboratory tests.
• Accurately dispense and administer medications and vaccines.
• Input data into computer software system.
• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness.
• Strong communication and client service skills with considerable tact and diplomacy.
• Work well with all team members and support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
• Stand, walk, stand for long periods, use hands to manipulate, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently lift, carry, and handle dogs weighing 50 lbs.

Benefits

National Veterinary Associates 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. For positions based in Colorado, employees receive paid sick and safe leave, and public health emergency leave in accordance with the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

Equal Opportunity Employer

National Veterinary Associates 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.