Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician

Horton Animal Hospital - Discovery; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary hospital in Bradenton seeks a dedicated Veterinary Assistant or Technician to provide exceptional care for pets. Responsibilities include conducting exams, assisting in surgeries, and engaging with clients. Candidates should possess relevant technical skills, a compassionate approach to animal care, and a commitment to a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement plan options with employer matching

Paid time off and holiday pay

Continuing education opportunities

Discounted veterinary services for pets

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year experience in a small animal practice.
• Veterinary Technician License preferred, but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical exams and administer medications.
• Assist in surgeries and monitor patients.
• Communicate with clients regarding pet health.

Skills

Veterinary procedures

Anesthesia monitoring

Surgical assistance

Critical thinking

Client communication

Compassion for animals

Education

Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician

Department: Veterinary Technicians

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Bradenton, Florida

Compensation: $18.00 - $22.00 / hour

Description

Join Our Compassionate Veterinary Team at Ranch Animal Hospital

At Ranch Animal Hospital, we are a well-established small animal general practice dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care with a personal touch. Located in Bradenton, FL, we emphasize both the medical and emotional well-being of every pet that comes through our doors. Our team is committed to delivering the highest standard of veterinary services through advanced medical techniques, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and a compassionate approach to animal care.

As a Veterinary Assistant or Technician, you will play an integral role in delivering top-tier care to our diverse patient base. Your advanced technical expertise and hands-on experience will be essential in assisting with a wide variety of medical procedures, including routine surgeries, anesthesia administration, diagnostic imaging, and emergency interventions. Additionally, you will be expected to assist in the care of exotic animals, contributing your knowledge of specialized species to help ensure their well-being.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care:

• Conduct thorough physical exams and patient assessments to evaluate overall health, identify conditions, and ensure early detection of issues.
• Administer prescribed medications, vaccinations, and treatments accurately, following veterinary protocols to ensure safe and effective care.
• Monitor and manage patients through all stages of care, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative, with attention to vital signs, comfort, and recovery.
• Provide immediate emergency care and first aid for critical patients, including trauma, shock, or acute illness, ensuring rapid intervention and stabilization.

Surgical Assistance:

• Assist veterinarians in preparing patients for general surgeries, including ensuring proper sterile technique, draping, and patient positioning.
• Prepare, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment to uphold surgical asepsis and ensure smooth procedural flow.
• Perform pre-surgical assessments, such as patient history review and vital sign monitoring, and provide thorough post-operative care, including pain management and wound monitoring.

Anesthesia:

• Administer anesthesia agents, carefully monitor patients throughout the anesthesia process, and provide post-anesthesia recovery support.
• Adjust anesthetic dosages and anesthesia levels based on patient condition, surgical requirements, and veterinarian instructions to ensure patient safety.
• Document anesthesia protocols, including dosages, patient responses, and vital sign fluctuations, ensuring accurate and detailed anesthesia records.

Diagnostic and Laboratory Procedures:

• Perform diagnostic tests, including blood work, urinalysis, cytology, and parasitology, to assist in accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.
• Conduct radiographic and ultrasound imaging procedures, ensuring proper technique and accurate positioning for clear diagnostic results.
• Prepare and submit lab samples for analysis, interpret results, and communicate findings to veterinarians for treatment decisions.

Client Communication and Education:

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients about their pets' health, diagnoses, treatment options, and recovery plans, fostering trust and confidence.
• Provide client education on preventive care, nutrition, home treatment plans, and medication administration to promote long-term health and well-being.
• Address client concerns and inquiries with professionalism, empathy, and patience, ensuring they feel heard and informed throughout the care process.

Hospital Duties:

• Maintain a clean, well-organized, and sterile work environment, adhering to infection control protocols and ensuring a safe setting for patients and staff.
• Accurately document patient information, medical histories, treatments, and outcomes in electronic medical records to ensure continuity of care and compliance with regulations.
• Assist with inventory management, including ordering and restocking medical supplies, ensuring the clinic is always equipped to handle the full range of patient needs.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Associate's Degree or higher in Veterinary Technology from an accredited institution is preferred. Candidates with a High School Diploma or equivalent GED are required at a minimum.
• Licensure: Veterinary Technician License (LVT/RVT/CVT) in the state of Florida is preferred, but not mandatory. Candidates with licensure in other states or those working toward licensure are encouraged to apply.
• Experience: A minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience as a veterinary technician in a small animal practice, with proven expertise in general surgery, anesthesia, and post-operative care.
• Skills:

1. Proficient in performing a wide range of veterinary procedures, including diagnostics, anesthesia, surgical assistance, and routine clinical tasks such as venipuncture, catheter placement, and wound care.
2. Strong working knowledge of veterinary medical and surgical protocols, including aseptic techniques, surgical preparation, and post-operative care, ensuring a high standard of patient safety and comfort.
3. Excellent diagnostic and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess patient needs, interpret lab results, and make informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
4. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate with veterinarians, clients, and team members, ensuring all parties are well-informed and confident in the care being provided.
5. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, maintaining composure during busy or emergency situations while delivering efficient and compassionate care.

• Compassionate and patient-focused, with a genuine love for animals and a deep commitment to their well-being, always advocating for their care and comfort.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy in all aspects of patient care, from medical record keeping to treatment administration and surgical assistance.
• Ability to handle challenging situations—whether it's an anxious pet owner, an urgent medical crisis, or a complex surgical procedure—with professionalism, patience, and composure, ensuring the best outcome for both the patient and their family.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: Based on experience, ensuring that your skills and expertise are recognized and valued.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with additional health benefits to support your well-being.
• Retirement Plan Options: With employer matching, allowing you to plan for your future while enjoying peace of mind today.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay: Promoting a healthy work-life balance and time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Continuing Education Opportunities and Professional Development programs: Providing resources to help you grow in your career, stay current with industry trends, and advance your knowledge in veterinary medicine.
• Discounted Veterinary Services and Products: For your pets, ensuring that you and your family members benefit from the same high-quality care you provide to our patients.

If you're passionate about veterinary medicine, have strong clinical skills, and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we would love to welcome you to our team at Ranch Animal Hospital. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of the pets and families we serve.

About Ranch Animal Hospital

Ranch Animal Hospital, located in Bradenton, Florida, is a full-service, small veterinary hospital that has been providing care for dogs, cats, reptiles, and birds. We are a state-of-the-art facility that features a large reception area, eight exam rooms, an in-house laboratory, a pharmacy, a double surgical suite, a treatment area, a digital radiology suite, and separate wards for feline, canine and intensive care patients.

We provide a variety of medical services including wellness care for all life stages, vaccinations spays neuters, soft-tissue surgery including laser surgery, dental care, dermatology, in-house diagnostics, and acupuncture.

We are known for always providing our patients with compassionate and high-quality veterinary care and our clients with exceptional customer service. We have a team of veterinarians and support staff that truly enjoy what they do. From routine veterinary care to more complicated surgeries, we provide care with compassion and collaboration. We take every step to give pets the best possible care and the first step is our wonderful staff. Meet the team at Ranch Animal Hospital and take a sneak peek at who they are and what they have to offer.

Ranch Animal Hospital is a proud partner of Innovetive Petcare. Where we believe that you are the future of veterinary medicine. Cultivate, innovate, develop, and collaborate. Excellent pet care comes from exceptional teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer Policy

Ranch Animal Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.