Veterinary Technician - Oncology

Thrive Pet Healthcare; Aliso Viejo (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Thrive Pet Healthcare in Aliso Viejo, CA, is seeking a Veterinary Technician Lead to safely prepare, handle, administer, and monitor chemotherapy treatments for oncology patients. You will work closely with veterinary oncologists, technicians, assistants, and client-service staff to deliver compassionate care while following strict safety protocols.

The role requires meticulous drug calculations, proper PPE use, accurate record-keeping, and clear client education about treatment plans and

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of clinical veterinary experience.
• Strong venipuncture and catheter placement skills.
• Experience with critically ill patients.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift and restrain animals up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Preferred: experience in veterinary oncology.
• Preferred: certification or advanced training in chemotherapy administration and hazardous drug handling.
• Experience with electronic medical record systems such as ezyVet.
• Familiarity with USP <800> standards and oncology safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with evaluation and treatment of cancer patients.
• Prepare patients for chemotherapy and diagnostic procedures.
• Monitor patients before, during, and after chemotherapy.
• Assess for adverse reactions and report to attending veterinarian.
• Collect blood, urine, and other samples.
• Perform venipuncture and place IV catheters.
• Administer medications, fluids, and treatments as prescribed.
• Safely calculate, prepare, and administer chemotherapy agents.
• Maintain chemotherapy logs and treatment records.
• Ensure labeling, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous medications.
• Follow OSHA, NIOSH, USP 800, and safety standards.

Skills

Venipuncture

Catheter placement

Critical care

Communication

Animal handling

Chemotherapy safety

Tools

ezyVet

Job description

The Veterinary Technician lead is responsible for the safe preparation, handling, administration, and monitoring of chemotherapy treatments for oncology patients. This role works closely with veterinary oncologists, veterinary technicians, assistants, and client service representatives to provide exceptional patient care while maintaining strict compliance with hazardous drug handling and safety protocols.
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, credentials, and qualifications, with a starting pay rate of $25+/ DOE per hour. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, skill set, certifications, and overall fit for the role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Assist veterinary oncologists with the evaluation and treatment of cancer patients.
• Prepare patients for chemotherapy treatments and diagnostic procedures.
• Monitor patients before, during, and after chemotherapy administration.
• Assess patients for adverse reactions and report concerns to the attending veterinarian.
• Collect blood, urine, and other diagnostic samples as directed.
• Perform venipuncture and place intravenous catheters.
• Administer medications, fluids, and treatments as prescribed.

Chemotherapy Preparation and Administration

• Safely calculate, prepare, and administer chemotherapy agents according to hospital protocols and applicable regulations.
• Utilize biological safety cabinets and personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous drugs.
• Maintain accurate chemotherapy logs and treatment records.
• Ensure proper labeling, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous medications and waste.
• Follow all OSHA, NIOSH, USP <800>, and hospital safety standards related to hazardous drug handling.

Client Communication

• Educate clients regarding chemotherapy protocols, potential side effects, home care instructions, and follow-up recommendations.
• Answer client questions regarding treatment plans and patient care.
• Provide compassionate support to clients during all stages of cancer treatment.

Medical Records and Documentation

• Maintain complete and accurate patient records.
• Document treatments, patient responses, laboratory results, and client communications.
• Ensure treatment sheets and chemotherapy calculations are reviewed and approved according to hospital policy.

Inventory and Equipment Management

• Monitor chemotherapy drug inventory and supplies.
• Assist with ordering medications, PPE, and oncology-specific equipment.
• Ensure biological safety cabinets, infusion pumps, and other equipment are maintained and functioning properly.
• Coordinate required safety certifications and maintenance schedules.

Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to all hazardous drug handling protocols.
• Participate in required safety training and competency assessments.
• Maintain a clean and organized treatment area.
• Report safety concerns, exposures, or incidents immediately.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 2 years of clinical veterinary experience.
• Strong venipuncture and catheter placement skills.
• Experience working with critically ill patients.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift and restrain animals weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance as needed.

Preferred

• Previous experience in veterinary oncology.
• Certification or advanced training in chemotherapy administration and hazardous drug handling.
• Experience with electronic medical record systems such as ezyVet.
• Familiarity with USP <800> standards and oncology safety protocols.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, and lifting.
• Ability to wear required PPE for prolonged periods.
• Ability to work safely around hazardous drugs and biological materials.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of chemotherapy safety procedures.
• Strong mathematical and drug calculation skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
• Compassionate approach to patient care and client communication.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in emotionally challenging situations.

Work Schedule

• Full-time position.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role is demonstrated by:

• Accurate chemotherapy preparation and administration.
• Compliance with all safety protocols.
• Excellent client communication and service.
• High-quality medical record documentation.
• Strong technical skills ability to assist in procedures.
• Effective collaboration with the oncology team.

This position plays a critical role in delivering safe, compassionate, and advanced cancer care to veterinary patients while maintaining the highest standards of oncology safety and clinical excellence.