Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Veterinary Technician

Join our dynamic veterinary team as a Veterinary Technician, where your passion for animal care and technical expertise will make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners. In this vital role, you will assist veterinarians in providing top-tier medical care, perform diagnostic procedures, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for animals. Your energetic approach and attention to detail will help us deliver exceptional service while fostering a compassionate atmosphere for our furry patients.

Position Title: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Reports To: Medical Director / Practice Manager

Department: Clinical Team

The Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is responsible for providing high-quality patient care, supporting veterinarians during appointments and procedures, performing technical nursing duties, and ensuring safe anesthesia and surgical patient management. This role combines responsibilities in both exam room and surgical settings and serves as a key clinical resource within the hospital.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Exam Room Responsibilities

Patient Assessment & Nursing Care

• Obtain accurate patient histories and document findings in the medical record.
• Perform patient assessments including: weight, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, pain assessment, behavioral observations.
• Identify patient concerns and communicate findings to the veterinarian.
• Assist veterinarians during examinations and treatments.

Diagnostics

• Collect and process diagnostic samples including: blood, urine, fecal samples, cytology samples.
• Perform in-house laboratory testing.
• Prepare and submit samples to outside laboratories.
• Review laboratory results and notify veterinarians of abnormalities.

Treatments & Procedures

• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Place and maintain intravenous catheters.
• Administer intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections.
• Perform radiographs and assist with diagnostic imaging.
• Assist with wound care, bandage changes, and nursing treatments.
• Monitor hospitalized and outpatient treatment patients.

Client Communication & Education

• Review treatment plans and estimates with clients.
• Educate clients on medications, home care instructions, and preventive care.
• Provide discharge instructions and answer client questions.
• Ensure clients understand recommended diagnostics and treatments.

Medical Records

• Maintain accurate and complete medical records.
• Document diagnostics, treatments, medications, and patient responses.
• Complete assigned tasks and follow-ups within the practice management system (PIMS).

Surgery Responsibilities

Surgical Preparation

• Review surgical schedule and patient records.
• Verify consent forms and treatment plans.
• Perform pre-anesthetic patient assessments.
• Collect and process pre-operative laboratory work.
• Calculate anesthetic and surgical drug dosages.
• Place intravenous catheters and initiate fluid therapy.
• Induce anesthesia under veterinary supervision.
• Prepare and clip surgical sites utilizing aseptic technique.

Anesthesia Monitoring

• Monitor patients throughout anesthesia and recovery.
• Record and track: heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), temperature, anesthetic depth.
• Identify and respond appropriately to anesthetic complications.
• Adjust anesthetic support as directed by the veterinarian.

Surgical Assistance

• Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures.
• Maintain sterile technique at all times.
• Prepare and organize surgical instruments and supplies.
• Assist with patient positioning and surgical setup.
• Ensure all equipment is functioning properly before procedures.

Recovery & Post-Operative Care

• Closely monitor patient recovery from anesthesia.
• Administer post-operative medications as prescribed.
• Assess pain levels and patient comfort.
• Document recovery observations and treatments.
• Provide discharge instructions to clients.

Surgical Suite Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect surgical and treatment areas.
• Sterilize instruments and maintain surgical packs.
• Monitor surgery inventory and supply levels.
• Ensure compliance with hospital sanitation and safety standards.

Leadership & Team Support

• Serve as a clinical resource for assistants and support staff.
• Assist with training and mentoring veterinary assistants.
• Promote efficient patient flow and hospital operations.
• Maintain professionalism and a positive team environment.
• Support hospital initiatives, protocols, and standards of care.

Qualifications

• Current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT) license in good standing.
• Knowledge of anesthesia, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, and patient nursing care.
• Strong communication and client education skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with veterinary medical records and practice management software.

Performance Expectations

A successful CVT consistently:

• Provides safe and effective anesthesia monitoring.
• Maintains accurate and timely medical records.
• Demonstrates strong technical nursing skills.
• Supports veterinarians efficiently during appointments and surgery.
• Delivers exceptional patient care and client service.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and compliant clinical environment.
• Contributes positively to team culture and workflow efficiency.