Summary
The Primary Care (GP) Veterinary Technician supports the Companion Animal Clinic of the Animal Health Institute by providing high-quality, patient-focused care in a general practice setting. This role includes assisting veterinarians and students with outpatient appointments, diagnostics, minor procedures, client communication, and student teaching. The ideal candidate demonstrates clinical competency, adaptability, compassion, and a strong commitment to education in a teaching hospital environment.
Technicians are placed into a Level I, II, and III role based on demonstrated clinical competency, experience, leadership, and teaching proficiency. Advancement through levels reflects increased autonomy, technical mastery, case management responsibility, and contribution to student education and hospital operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (all levels)
- Assist students and veterinarians with physical exams, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures during outpatient appointments.
- Collect and process diagnostic samples (blood, urine, feces, cytology, etc.).
- Administer medications and help students with vaccinations and treatments as needed.
- Help ensure students obtain patient histories and communicate with clients in a timely manner.
- Monitor students’ timeliness with patient records and ensure compliance with hospital protocols.
- Perform and teach radiography, bandage changes, and basic nursing care to students.
- Perform dental prophylaxis to include radiography, anesthesia monitoring, and patient recovery.
- Support students with patient discharge and client education.
- Maintain inventory and cleanliness of exam rooms, treatment areas, and supplies.
- Help veterinarians train and mentor veterinary students in general practice skills, time-management, and professional communication.
- Coordinate referrals to specialty services such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, or other services.
- Other duties as assigned.
Level I – Developing Technician
In addition to Core Responsibilities:
- Performs routine outpatient technical skills with supervision (restraint, venipuncture, catheter placement, and sample collection).
- Assists with basic anesthesia monitoring.
- Performs routine dental prophylaxis with oversight.
- Demonstrates developing proficiency in radiography and lab processing.
- Builds foundational teaching skills while assisting students.
Level II – Proficient Technician
In addition to Core Responsibilities:
- Performs routine outpatient technical skills without supervision.
- Independently performs anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery for routine cases.
- Demonstrates proficiency in dental radiography and advanced dental procedures.
- Maintains outpatient workflow efficiency and assists in case coordination.
- Guides students through procedures with moderate autonomy.
- Recognizes anesthetic complications and initiates appropriate interventions.
- Assist in training Level 1 technicians.
- Contributes to improving workflow and operational efficiency.
Level III – Advanced Technician
In addition to Core Responsibilities:
- Manage complex procedures or higher-risk anesthesia cases independently.
- Serves as a clinical resource for anesthesia, dentistry, nursing care, and outpatient procedures.
- Provides high-level student instruction in technical skills and professional communication.
- Assists with onboarding, training, and competency validation of technicians.
- Identifies process improvement opportunities and participates in protocol development.
- Acts as liaison between faculty, students, and support staff when needed.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but may assist in training and mentoring veterinary students and junior staff.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have regular, predictable, in-person attendance and be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
Other Qualifications
- Proficiency in general veterinary nursing and outpatient clinical procedures.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with clients and students.
- Dedication to team-based care, client service, and patient well-being.
- Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.
- Ability to adapt in a dynamic teaching environment.
Education and/or Experience
- High school diploma or GED required.
Level I:
- CVT preferred
- 1-2 years of clinical experience in general practice or small animal medicine.
Level II:
- CVT preferred
- Minimum 2-4 years of progressive clinical experience.
- Demonstrates competency in anesthesia, dentistry, and outpatient case management.
Level III:
- CVT strongly preferred
- 5+ years of progressive clinical experience
- Demonstrated advanced anesthesia proficiency and leadership capability
General Knowledge
- Understand the scope of general practice veterinary services and common small animal conditions.
- Be reasonably familiar with breeds and coat colors.
- Follow OSHA standards. Be able to find Material Safety Data Sheets quickly.
- Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations.
- Use proper medical terminology and spelling when speaking and writing.
- Be familiar with infectious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission. Know the most common zoonotic diseases (infections from animals to humans).
Computer Skills
Ability to learn veterinary practice information management software. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Physical Demands
Must be able to stand for long periods and lift animals or equipment up to 40 pounds without assistance. Assist in lifting or moving heavier animals with team support.
Animal Allergies Statement
No inhibiting allergies to animals, hay, or dust.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.
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