Veterinary Assistant- Small Animal Oncology

The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy; Grafton (MA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join the Oncology service. The role involves supporting integrated clinical care, assisting with chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and helping manage appointments and patient flow in a high-quality, team-based environment.

The position emphasizes laboratory tasks, documentation, and maintaining equipment and safety protocols while delivering compassionate care to small animals and exotic pets.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and 1 year of related experience.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and animal behavior.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Engaged, motivated learner and team player.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and EMR.

Responsibilities

• Assist with appointments, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
• Support patient admissions, discharges and overall workflow in oncology.

Skills

Low-stress handling

Client communication

Team collaboration

Laboratory support

Education

Bachelor's in animal science

NAVTA veterinary assistant program

Tools

Microsoft Word

Electronic Medical Records

Job description

Overview

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provides 24-hour care for pets 365 days of the year. Since 1985, we have offered high quality medical care, consultation, referral and emergency veterinary services for the care of dogs, cats and exotic pets. In addition, the hospital creates a positive learning experience for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University students and student technicians.

What You'll Do

The Veterinary Assistant in oncology works as a part of an integrated clinical care team to provide high-quality care to inpatient and outpatient oncology patients. The service offers chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments to cancer patients in an integrated, team-based environment. The Veterinary Assistant will assist with overall workflow in the oncology service including assisting with appointments, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, facilitating patient radiographs and other diagnostic tests, the physical examination process, patient admissions and discharges as well as expediting patient care and treatments while in the care of the hospital. In addition, the assistant will assist with laboratory work, record keeping, documentation, and stocking/cleanliness of all section treatment and exam areas. Exceptional patient handling, multi-tasking and prioritization skills will be needed to ensure patients and clients receive exceptional care and service.

• Veterinary Assistance:
  • Work closely with team members to ensure timely client service and excellent patient care
  • Assist with physical examinations of inpatients and outpatients utilizing low stress handling techniques
  • Work in coordination with other departments to coordinate and prioritize patient care
  • Admit and discharge patients
  • Assist with chemotherapy and radiation treatments
  • Maintain a working knowledge of all department equipment and supplies
  • Submission of various lab samples
  • Assist technicians and expedite patient care and diagnostics in inpatient and outpatient services
  • Collaborate and communicate with client service representatives and hospitals liaisons
  • Enter patient charges and communicate with the front desk to ensure accurate and timely checkouts
• Cleaning/Stocking/Equipment Maintenance:
  • Coordinate and prioritize daily husbandry care of patients and maintain adequate inventory for the service
  • Clean/stock/maintain service areas
  • Process soiled laundry and ensure adequate supply of clean laundry for the service
  • Maintain equipment and ensure that all equipment is kept in good working order
  • Establish and maintain cleaning protocols for the service areas
  • Handle and properly discard of all medical waste following medical and chemotherapy waste safety protocols
• Other:
  • Provide coverage for other shifts and sections of the Hospital as needed
  • Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required
  • Complete other tasks as assigned by supervisor
  • Assist in clinical trials, studies and projects as needed including treating research/laboratory animals

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
• One year of related experience
• Familiarity with medical terminology and animal behavior
• Ability to restrain small animals in a safe, compassionate manner
• High emotional intelligence and team player
• Engaged learner - highly motivated to improve knowledge base and skill set
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and electronic medical records
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in an animal science or other animal biology related field
• One or more years' experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary hospital
• Successful completion of a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Program
• Knowledge in veterinary oncology
• Experience working in a specialty hospital
• Veterinary Assistant Certification Credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Assistant

Pay Range

Minimum $19.35, Midpoint $22.60, Maximum $25.90

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.