The Veterinary Technician is responsible for delivering exceptional patient care while supporting the Veterinarian in providing efficient, high-quality medical services. Veterinary Technicians perform technical nursing duties, coordinate patient care, communicate with clients, and contribute to the overall operational success of the hospital.
Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT/RVT/CVT) utilize advanced technical skills and clinical judgment to perform credentialed medical procedures within the scope of their state veterinary practice act. They also serve as mentors to the medical team while promoting high standards of patient care and hospital efficiency.
Essential Responsibilities
Clinical Patient Care
- Assist the Veterinarian during examinations, treatments, surgery, dentistry, and medical procedures.
- Prepare patients for examinations and surgery.
- Safely restrain patients for examinations and treatments.
- Perform efficient patient triage according to hospital protocols and patient needs.
- Monitor hospitalized patients and promptly report changes in physical or behavioral condition.
- Complete technician appointments, work-ins, walk-ins, and outpatient treatments under doctor supervision.
- Admit and discharge patients according to the Veterinarian's treatment plan.
- Monitor anesthesia patients throughout induction, maintenance, and recovery.
- Maintain accurate anesthesia monitoring records.
Advanced Technical Procedures
- IV catheter placement
- Venipuncture and blood collection
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Diagnostic radiographs
- Dental radiographs
- Dental prophylaxis
- ECG/EKG monitoring
- Laboratory sample collection
- Urinalysis
- Cytology preparation
- Skin scrapings
- Fecal examinations
- Fungal cultures
- Ear cytology
- Diagnostic sample preparation
- Vaccine administration
- Medication administration (oral, injectable, topical)
- Fluid administration
- Bandaging and wound care
- Catheter management
Surgery & Dentistry
- Prepare surgical suites and instruments.
- Assist with patient preparation and surgical positioning.
- Prepare sterile packs and surgical equipment.
- Monitor anesthetized patients.
- Recover surgical patients safely.
- Assist during dental procedures.
- Perform dental cleanings and dental radiographs when permitted by state law.
- Maintain surgery suite cleanliness and organization.
Medical Documentation
- Accurately enter all medical records into ezyVet.
- Record treatments, diagnostics, laboratory results, and doctor directives.
- Document anesthesia monitoring and recovery.
- Maintain complete and legally compliant patient records.
Laboratory Responsibilities
- Collect, prepare, and submit laboratory samples.
- Perform in-house laboratory diagnostics.
- Coordinate outside laboratory submissions.
- Verify laboratory results are entered into patient records.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.
Client Communication & Education
Educate clients regarding:
- Wellness care
- Vaccination schedules
- Preventative medicine
- Surgical aftercare
- Medication administration
- Recovery expectations
- Hospitalization updates
- Nutrition recommendations
- Parasite prevention
- Home monitoring instructions
Additional responsibilities include:
- Prepare treatment plans and estimates.
- Obtain informed consent.
- Explain payment plans and wellness plans.
- Process approved prescription refills.
- Ensure proper medication storage and handling.
Operational Responsibilities
- Coordinate workflow between Veterinarians, Veterinary Assistants, Animal Care Attendants, Groomers, and Client Service Specialists.
- Maintain efficient patient flow.
- Support appointment scheduling and technician appointments.
- Maintain exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgery suites.
- Ensure OSHA and infection control compliance.
- Stock medical supplies.
- Assist with inventory management.
- Report equipment maintenance needs.
- Complete opening and closing duties.
- Perform additional duties assigned by leadership.
Leadership Responsibilities
(Expected of Licensed Veterinary Technicians and senior Veterinary Technicians.)
- Mentor Veterinary Assistants and new technicians.
- Assist in onboarding and training.
- Demonstrate hospital medical standards.
- Promote teamwork and positive communication.
- Support workflow improvements.
- Serve as a clinical resource for the medical team.
Qualifications
Veterinary Technician
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Minimum two year of veterinary experience preferred.
- Knowledge of veterinary terminology.
- Knowledge of animal handling and restraint.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand, bend, walk, and lift throughout the day.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT/RVT/CVT)
In addition to the above:
- Active LVT/RVT/CVT license in good standing.
- Graduate of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Program.
- Maintain required continuing education.
- Demonstrated advanced clinical knowledge.
- Ability to perform licensed procedures according to state law.
- Ability to mentor and develop other team members.
Core Competencies
- Patient Advocacy
- Client Service Excellence
- Clinical Knowledge
- Critical Thinking
- Professional Communication
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Emotional Intelligence
- Initiative
- Attention to Detail
- Accountability
- Safety Awareness
- Compassion
- Continuous Learning
Career Development
Potential career advancement opportunities include:
- Veterinary Technician II
- Veterinary Technician III
- Lead Veterinary Technician
- Licensed Veterinary Technician
- Assistant Practice Manager
- Practice Manager
Distinguishing Responsibilities for Licensed Veterinary Technicians
Licensed Veterinary Technicians may additionally:
- Perform advanced nursing procedures within state law.
- Induce, monitor, and recover anesthesia independently where permitted.
- Perform dental prophylaxis and dental radiography.
- Provide advanced clinical judgment during patient care.
- Mentor and train medical staff.
- Lead quality improvement initiatives.
- Assist with protocol development and medical workflow improvements.
Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Veterinary technician: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Dallas, TX 75219 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
