Veterinary Technician Assistant

Job description:

AVECCC is a 24‐hour veterinary emergency and critical care hospital in Gilbert, AZ. We have the most skilled doctors in the state and provide significantly complex treatments in the western US. Our Veterinary Technicians and Technician Assistants have amazing opportunities to learn and participate in procedures such as dialysis and total plasma replacements. Our clinical team works closely with neurologists, internists, dermatologists, oncologists and a surgical team to provide the highest quality care to our patients.

AVECCC is an organization that prides itself on its core values to drive a dynamic culture. We offer a unique training program that offers many opportunities to learn and grow from Technician Assistant to our Senior Veterinary Technicians, shift leads, supervisors, and managers. AVECCC has a commitment to health and wellness, not only for our patients, but also for our staff. To help manage burnout and compassion fatigue, employees have access to an onsite social worker dedicated to their personal wellness. We offer a sign on bonus for experienced emergency technicians, competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, CE allowance, full benefit packages, 401K with a company match, overnight pay differential, and Paid Time Off.

AVECCC is partnered with NVA Compassion First (NVA-CF), the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1300 locations worldwide. NVA Compassion First is rapidly growing and competes in a $25 billion industry. Learn more about us at

Job Purpose: The purpose of the Veterinary Technician Assistant is to provide high quality medical support and nursing care to companion animal patients. All teams are under the direction of the doctor on staff. The doctor is the lead, and will be prioritizing patients, directing the team and is the ultimate decision maker for all medical treatments. The Shift Leads are the leads for managing the floor and its flow.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Telephone Triage and Client Relations

• Recognize and respond appropriately to veterinary medical emergencies.
• Demonstrate effective client communication and customer service skills.
• Demonstrate professional and appropriate appearance and language.
• Perform follow-up calls to determine patients’ post-treatment status.

2. Maintain basic cleanliness and orderliness of a veterinary facility

• Restock supplies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic cleaning techniques of animal kennels and bedding, examination rooms, hospital facilities, and surgical suites.

3. Pharmacy and Pharmacology

• Recognize general types and groups of drugs and use proper terminology.
• Differentiate prescription drugs from over-the-counter drugs and describe proper prescription label requirements.
• Label and package dispensed drugs correctly.
• Restocking of supplies and checking expiration dates.

4. Animal Nursing

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Utilize patient and personnel safety measures.
• Identify potential Zoonotic diseases.
• Describe and follow proper isolation procedures.
• Be familiar with OSHA standards.
• Determine and record TPR.
• Provide routine record-keeping and observation of hospitalized patients.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of common diseases and medical conditions.
• Monitor/restrain patients for fluid therapy and record observations.
• Administer oral tablets and capsules (dog, cat).
• Perform therapeutic bathing and basic grooming.
• Prepare food and prescription diets - be aware of any special dietary needs.
• Walk dogs.
• Clean and disinfect cages and kennels.
• Provide care and maintenance of nursing equipment.
• Ensure proper care of strays including feeding, walking, cleaning, and interacting with local shelters.

5. Restrain Patients

• Place and remove small animals from cages.
• Place and restrain small animals on tables.
• Apply dog and cat safety muzzles.
• Apply Elizabethan collars.
• Demonstrate standing, sitting and lateral restraint positions.

6. Surgical Preparation and Assisting

• Prepare surgical equipment/supplies.
• Clean and sterilize instruments and supplies using appropriate methods.
• Identify common instruments.
• Assist with preparation of patients using aseptic technique.
• Aid with physical monitoring of recovering surgical patients.
• Perform post-surgical clean up.
• Fold surgical gowns and drapes.

7. Assistance in the laboratory

• Collect voided urine samples.
• Assist in the collection of blood samples for procedures.
• Assist in necropsy procedures.

8. Aftercare

• Be familiar with the euthanasia process and post mortem care.
• Make memorial paw prints and prepare pets for cremation.

9. Radiology

• Assist in the completion of diagnostic radiographs and ultrasound.

10. General Skills

• Interact professionally with members of medical treatment team.
• Demonstrate excellent communication with employees and customers.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned by supervisor.
• Participate in company work groups as indicated.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Current enrollment in or completion of an accredited veterinary technology program or related animal health science degree. An individual may be considered qualified if she/he has clinical experience in lieu of formal education. Computer proficiency required. Ability to multitask. Knowledge of medical terminology. Punctual. Works well with others. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to work holidays, nights, and weekends.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person