Veterinary Technician III - ECC - 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. In addition, the hospital creates a positive learning experience for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University students and student technicians with regard to small animal ECC medicine and supports the training of specialized ECC technicians.

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

The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician III performs advanced and more specialized technical procedures with limited supervision from the attending veterinarian or supervising technician.

The Emergency and Critical Care 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 III, ECC you will:

• Monitor, manage and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians to insure prompt delivery of high-quality patient care.
• Assist clinicians with procedures.
• Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
• Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including bench-top lab tests.
• Instruct veterinary students and student technicians in all technical aspects of patient care. 
• Assist in training, orienting, and mentoring new Veterinary Technicians in all aspects of the department. 
• Coach and mentor junior staff members as directed by supervisory staff.
• Participate in provision of formal CE training.
• Assist in studies and projects as needed including treating research/laboratory animals.
• Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
• Clean and maintain clinical areas including nurses’ stations, wards, induction, intensive care unit, emergency room and operating rooms.
• 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.
• Effectively communicate with clients to provide education, explain treatment plans, and review discharge instructions including medication administration.

The schedule for this position will be a 3 day schedule:

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 5:00 PM - 6:00 AM

Compensation varies based on education, experience, and credentials. The minimum hourly rate of pay for this position is $31.

Shift differentials are offered, depending on the day and scheduled shift, with an increased range from $2.00-$4.00/hour.

Basic Requirements:

• Mastery of advanced technical and procedural skills associated with treating critically ill patients 
• Certified Veterinary Technician in good standing, with education or equivalent experience as outlined for Veterinary Technician II.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience as a certified veterinary technician in a University Hospital or in a similar environment functioning at a level consistent with a Vet Tech II.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently when conducting complex tasks, with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Excellent understanding of medical terminology and veterinary pharmacology, including knowledge of and ability to identify adverse drug reactions.
• Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional service to both internal and external customers, and to work collegially as part of a team.
• 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

Minimum required technical skills:

• Safely restrain cats and dogs
• 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:

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in Veterinary Technology preferred.
• Veterinary Technician Specialty Certification preferred.
• Credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Technician
• Fear Free level 1 certification preferred
• RECOVER basic and advanced life support certification preferred
• Exotic animal handling skills desirable.a