Veterinary Technician I - Inpatient Medicine - Tufts University

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.  The hospital also serves as the primary clinical training environment for veterinary students, interns, and residents.

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

Under the direct guidance of a senior veterinary technician or veterinarian the Inpatient Medicine Veterinary Technician I is responsible for providing high quality nursing care and performing basic technical skills and procedures on a variety of patients.

As part of our highly competitive benefits package, we offer a liberal continuing education allowance and tuition reimbursement program to all technicians employed in Foster Hospital for Small Animals in order to promote personal and professional growth.

The Inpatient Medicine 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 I, Inpatient Medicine you will:

• Monitor, manage and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians to insure prompt delivery of high-quality care to inpatient, acute care, exotic and isolation cases.
• Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care in a high-volume environment.
• Identify and communicate changes in patient condition to members of the patient care team.
• Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including bench-top lab tests.
• Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
• Handle control substances according to written SOPs as required.
• Clean and maintain clinical areas including treatment and patient housing areas.
• Facilitate the maintenance of clinical equipment by identifying malfunctioning equipment and scheduling service.
• Instruct veterinary students and student technicians in all technical aspects of patient care.
• Assist in studies and projects as needed including treating research/laboratory animals.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and assistant supervisor including:
• 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 $24.60/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 anticiapted schedule for this position is Sunday-Tuesday 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a High school diploma (or equivalent), and 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician, or similar technical experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and familiarity with veterinary pharmacology.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities for several patients within a busy clinical setting.
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to learn the electronic medical record system.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Required technical skills include:

• Safely restrain all species treated in the hospital.
• Assess the attitude and responsiveness of patients being treated.
• Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time.
• Phlebotomy and catheter placement
• Dosage calculations for oral and injectable medications
• Fluid therapy monitoring
• Ability to administer oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications.
• . Demonstrated ability to instruct students, as determined by student feedback.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and electronic medical record systems
• Be able to independently initiate steps to perform CPR in absence of an attending veterinarian.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or associate degree from an AVMA accredited institution
• Certified Veterinary Technician eligible
• Experience in a specialty or academic hospital setting
• Basic skillset in phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, fluid administration, pain identification, anesthetic recovery, and animal handling and restraint.
• Exotic animal handling skills. Exotic animals include birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents, special small mammals (such as chinchillas or hedgehogs), reptiles, and amphibians.