Veterinary Assistant

Position: Veterinary Assistant

Education and Work Experience

  • Experience in a veterinary setting preferred, but not required
  • Veterinary Assistants enrolled in an accredited Veterinary Technician school may perform the duties of an RVT with direct supervision

 Position Requirements

  • Can lift up to 50lb

  •  Can bend, stoop, lift

  • Can stand or walk for long periods of time

  • Is aware of potential exposure to risks and hazards and the steps required to protect oneself

    • Ionizing radiation

    • Anesthetic gases and waste

    • Rescue disinfectant cleaner and other potentially irritating or harmful chemicals

    • Bites and scratches

    • Potentially contagious pathogens, including Rabies

    •  Cold laser therapy

    • Laser scalpel

    • Extended periods of loud noises (barking)

    • Repetitive use of extremities

    • Sharp objects such as needles and surgical instruments


Duties and responsibilities

  • Soft Skills

    • Speak professionally with clients, regardless of the client’s temperament, tone, or language.

    • Relay medical information to clients using language they can understand

    •  Perform tasks within an allotted time frame or deadline

    •  Prioritize tasks so that more critical or time-sensitive treatments are performed before less critical tasks

  • Technical Skills

    • Obtain patient data (vital signs, history)

    • Recommend appropriate treatment items for wellness appointments (vaccines, bloodwork, prevention, etc)

    • Collect specimens, such as ear cytology, free catch urine, or other noninvasive specimens

    • Process laboratory samples

    • Intramuscular injections

    • Subcutaneous injections

    •  Administer oral medications

    •  Prepare patients for surgery

    • Apply wound dressings, casts, or splints

    •  Perform therapeutic cold laser treatments

    •  Perform dental digital radiography

    • Clean and prepare instruments for sterilization

    •  Perform nail trims

    • Perform radical nail trims

    • Perform Anal gland expression

    • Set up and maintenance of IV Fluids

    •  Implant microchips

    • Acquire radiographs

    • Venipuncture

    • Monitor and assess vital signs of anesthetized patients

    • Ensure the well-being of patients throughout the anesthetic recovery process

    •  Provide assistance during dental extractions

    • Remove sutures, drains, and staples

    • Calculate medication dosages prescribed by a DVM

    • Dispense medications prescribed by a DVM

    •  Understand medical records to carry out DVM orders

    • Schedule future appointments according to hospital protocols

    • Keep thorough and up-to-date medical records

    • Review discharge information with clients prior to sending their pet home

    • Restrain pets, including the use of restraint equipment when appropriate

    •  Input and review financial information with clients

    • Clean and disinfect all areas of the hospital following proper protocols for disease prevention

Benefits

Full-time team members enjoy:

  •  Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Floating holiday for your birthday 
  • 401(k) with up to 4% employer match
  • Major medical insurance plans
  • Employee discounts on products and services
  •  Uniform stipend
  • Continuing Education (CE) stipend