Veterinary Technician II - Diagnostic Imaging - Tufts University

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts 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 Diagnostic Imaging service provides clinical support to the Foster Hospital for Small Animals and the Hospital for Large Animals.  The service also supports the teaching mission of the Department of Clinical Sciences.  Modalities covered by the diagnostic imaging service include small animal and large animal radiology, small animal ultrasound, fluoroscopy and interventional radiology, CT, MRI and nuclear medicine.

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

The Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging technician provides exceptional level imaging quality for primarily small animal and exotic Radiology, fluoroscopy and small animal ultrasound with assistance as needed and additional training provided in all modalities. This position requires the ability to multitask and excellent prioritization of cases to manage a varying caseload. The Radiology technician has exceptional communication skills to be able to teach students, interns, residents and other fellow technicians in Fear-free restraint, positioning, imaging technique and safe sedation practices. The Veterinary Technician II performs complex and diverse clinical duties in veterinary patient nursing care and performs more complex technical procedures

The Veterinary Technician II 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, Diagnostic Imaging you will:

• Provide high quality diagnostic imaging a timely manner as ordered by clinicians to insure prompt delivery of high-quality patient care.

• Collaborate with colleagues, co-workers, faculty, house officers and students to effectively manage a high-volume clinical workflow without direct supervisory oversight.
• Provide care to patients and support to co-workers and students that are consistent with hospital standards of minimizing fear, anxiety, stress and pain in our patients.  
• Safely administer IV sedation to patients and monitor sedated patients throughout procedures
• Position and restrain patients in a calm, professional and compassionate manner using Fear Free techniques
• Work with clinicians to perform specialty examinations .
•    Work efficiently, professionally and cohesively either independently or as a part of a team
•    Ensure all patient safety and departmental protocols are being followed.
• Effectively communicate with internal customers to provide education, diagnostic imaging options and results.
• Actively seek opportunities to provide support and coverage to all modalities within the section as needed.
• Monitor, manage, and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians to insure prompt delivery of high-quality patient care.
• Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
• Routinely perform technical tasks with supervision once trained.
• Cross train in multiple modalities to increase depth of coverage for the department.
• Maintain IACUC and RECOVER certifications as needed.
• Contributes to the teaching and instruction of veterinary and technician students performing diagnostic imaging skills.
• Clinical instruction of basic procedures for veterinary students, interns, residents and student technicians throughout anesthesia rotation.    
• Assist in training, orienting, and mentoring new veterinary technicians in all aspects of the service
• Engage students to ensure they are receiving a successful and fulfilling education in the department
• Cleaning and stocking of supplies and equipment in all areas of diagnostic imaging
• Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
• Ensure all treatment areas are maintained in good condition, submit requests for improvements or work orders as needed or scheduling service.
• Provide coverage for other shifts and modalities as needed.
• Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required.
• Assist faculty with ongoing research projects.

Basic Requirements:

• Mastery of basic technical skills associated with anesthesia, 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.
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a professional attitude.
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and veterinary pharmacology.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent service to both internal and external customers.
•    Knowledge of Diagnostic Imaging in a veterinary setting, particularly small animal radiography.
•     A desire to teach.  This includes sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues throughout the Small and Large Animal Hospitals as well as students.  Teaching also requires a commitment to ongoing professional development such as participation in Continuing Education and maintenance of credentials and certifications.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and ability to learn electronic medical record systems and other software systems used.  

Required technical skills include:

• Safely restrain cats, dogs and exotic patients
• 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:

• Demonstrated leadership skills and resourcefulness.
• Certified Veterinary Technician designation preferred.
• Experience with electronic medical records.
• Prior experience in diagnostic imaging including small animal radiography and small animal ultrasound
• Excellent understanding of medical terminology and familiarity with veterinary pharmacology
• Excellent interpersonal skills in relating to co-workers, clinicians, students, staff and clients.
• Interest to learn advanced diagnostic imaging techniques in radiography and ultrasound
• Fear Free Certification
• RECOVER Certification
• Exotic Animal Handling Experience