Veterinary Technician I- Emergency & Critical Care

Tufts University; North Grafton (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician I at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provides high-quality nursing care to inpatient and emergency patients as part of an integrated clinical care team. The role includes supervising veterinary students on rotations and maintaining a supportive learning environment.

Responsibilities include assisting with procedures, diagnostic testing, teaching, and research support; coordination with a diverse team; and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of veterinary assistant/technician experience or equivalent.
• Ability to restrain all species treated in the hospital.
• Ability to assess patient status and vital signs.
• Ability to obtain vital signs (temp, pulse, resp, capillary refill).
• Phlebotomy and catheter placement.
• Ability to calculate dosages for oral/injectable meds.
• Fluid therapy monitoring experience.
• Ability to administer multiple administration routes (oral, SC, IM, IV).
• Solid medical terminology and pharmacology knowledge.
• Ability to multitask in a busy clinical setting.
• Able to work with a diverse clinical/administrative team.
• Basic computer skills including EMR usage.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians.
• Assist clinicians with procedures.
• Coordinate patient care with team members.
• Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians.
• Provide technical assistance for clinical, academic and research activities.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
• Clean and maintain clinical areas and operating rooms.
• Instruct veterinary students and technicians on patient care.
• Support teaching and research activities in the hospital.
• Provide coverage for other hospital sections when needed.
• Complete at least 6 hours of RACE-approved CE annually.

Skills

Veterinary patient care

Nursing assistance

Emergency care

Vital signs

Phlebotomy

Medical terminology

Teamwork

EMR literacy

Education

High School Diploma

AVMA-accredited degree

Tools

EMR system

Job description

Overview

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 with regard to small animal ECC medicine and supports the training of specialized ECC technicians.

What You'll Do

The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician I works as part of an integrated clinical care team to provide high quality nursing care to inpatient, outpatient, critically ill and emergent patients. In addition, the Veterinary Technician supervises and instructs veterinary students on each rotation. The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician is considered an essential employee within the hospital and the schedule may include providing University and calendar holiday coverage on a rotating basis.

• Patient Care - Provide high quality patient care including the following:
  • Monitor, manage and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians to insure prompt delivery of high-quality patient care.
  • Assist clinicians with procedures.
  • Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
  • Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including bench-top lab tests.
  • Provide technical assistance for clinical, academic and research.
• Maintenance - Clinical maintenance includes:
  • Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
  • Clean and maintain clinical areas including nurses' stations, wards, induction, intensive care unit, emergency room and operating rooms.
• Teaching - Teaching responsibilities include:
  • Instruct veterinary students and student technicians in all technical aspects of patient care.
• Research - Provide technical assistance in academic and clinical research including treating research/laboratory animals
• Miscellaneous - Other duties as assigned by supervisor and assistant supervisor.
  • Provide coverage for other sections of the hospital as needed.
  • Participate in service and hospital wide initiatives as required.
  • Complete at least 6 hours of RACE approved CE annually.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician, or similar technical experience
• Safely restrain all species treated in the hospital
• Assess the attitude and responsiveness of patients being treated
• Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time
• Phlebotomy and catheter placement
• Dosage calculations for oral and injectable medications
• Fluid therapy monitoring
• Ability to administer oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and familiarity with veterinary pharmacology.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities for several patients within a busy clinical setting.
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to learn the electronic medical record system.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an AVMA accredited institution
• Associate's Degree from an AVMA accredited institution
• Experience in a specialty or academic hospital setting
• Exotic animal handling skills
• Certified Veterinary Technician eligible

Pay Range

Minimum $25.20, Midpoint $30.10, Maximum $34.90

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