Veterinary Technician I - ECC

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.

This position qualifies for a $2,000 sign on bonus following successful completion of 6 months of employment for newly hired employees.

The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician III performs advanced and more specialized technical procedures with limited supervision from the attending veterinarian or supervising technician.

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.

As a Vet Tech II, ECC you will:

• Provide high quality patient care.
• 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. 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.

• Instruct veterinary students and student technicians in all technical aspects of patient care.

• Provide technical assistance in academic and clinical research including treating research/laboratory animals
• 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.

To be consistent with our Vet Tech Career Ladder, Veterinary Technicians at Foster Hospital for Small Animals at this level can expect to receive a minimum starting rate of $27/hr in this specialty department. Additionally, shift differentials are offered, depending on the day and scheduled shift, with an increased range from $2.00-$4.00/ hour.

The schedule for this position is an alternating weekends, Wed-Fri or Thur-Sat 5p-6a

Basic Requirements:

• Mastery of basic technical skills associated with your related service, including mandatory skills below.
• High School diploma or equivalent and 3 years of experience as a veterinary technician in a fast-paced hospital

OR

• Associate OR bachelor's degree from an AVMA-accredited institution providing training in veterinary technology, veterinary nursing, or veterinary science, and one year experience at a university hospital or large scale hospital.

OR

• Certified Veterinary Technician in good standing.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently when completing basic tasks and procedural skills, and the ability to conduct more advanced tasks under supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and veterinary pharmacology.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent service to both internal and external customers.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and ability to learn electronic medical record systems and other software systems used.

Minimum required technical skills:

• Safely restrain cats and dogs
• Assess the attitude and responsiveness of dogs and cats
• Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time.
• Be able to identify animals in pain or distress
• IV catheterization
• Phlebotomy (cephalic, saphenous, jugular)
• Dosage calculations for medications, fluid therapy, and continuous rate infusions.
• Set up of fluid therapy systems and fluid therapy monitoring
• Monitoring and identifying physiological parameters in patients under sedation and general anesthesia.
• Familiarity with sedatives and tranquilizers.
• Ability to use point of care machines.
• Describe steps required and be able to assist in CPR.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation

Preferred qualifications:

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