Primary Care Veterinary Technician, Equine - AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Primary Care Veterinary Technician-Equine

The Primary Care Veterinary Technician-Equine supports the Large Animal Clinic of the Animal Health Institute by providing high-quality, patient-focused care in an equine teaching hospital environment. This role includes assisting veterinarians and veterinary students with equine outpatient appointments, hospitalized patient care, emergency and specialty procedures, diagnostics, anesthesia support, client communication, and student instruction. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong equine handling skills, advanced technical competency, adaptability, compassion, critical thinking, and a commitment to education and collaborative patient care.

Technicians are placed into a Level I, II, and III role based on demonstrated clinical competency, experience, leadership, and teaching proficiency. Advancement through levels reflects increased autonomy, technical mastery, case management responsibility, and contribution to student education and hospital operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (all levels)

• Assist students and veterinarians with equine physical exams, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures during outpatient and inpatient appointments.
• Safely handle and restrain horses using appropriate techniques and equipment.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples including blood, urine, feces, cytology, cultures, and specialized laboratory samples.
• Administer medications, vaccines, fluids, and treatments under veterinary direction.
• Perform venipuncture, IV catheter placement, fluid therapy setup, and monitoring.
• Monitor equine patients during hospitalization, treatment, recovery, and transport.
• Assist with lameness evaluations, bandaging, wound management, and orthopedic support procedures.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging including radiography and ultrasound support.
• Assist with standing procedures, emergency interventions, and anesthesia support.
• Monitor anesthesia and recovery for routine and advanced equine procedures as appropriate to skill level.
• Maintain accurate treatment records, patient monitoring sheets, and medical documentation.
• Provide client communication and patient discharge education.
• Assist veterinarians in training and mentoring veterinary students in equine nursing skills, professional communication, and hospital protocols.
• Maintain inventory, cleanliness, and organization of treatment areas, stalls, pharmacy areas, and equipment.
• Participate in emergency response and after-hours patient care as needed.
• Collaborate with faculty, clinicians, students, and fellow staff to ensure exceptional patient care.
• Other duties as assigned; including working with the Farm Animal team

Level I Developing Equine Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates safe equine handling and restrain techniques under supervision.
• Performs routine technical skills including venipuncture, sample collection, and basic catheter care with guidance.
• Assists with routine radiography, bandaging, and treatment procedures.
• Monitors stable equine patients and recognizes basic abnormalities.
• Assists with anesthesia preparation, induction, and recover support.
• Demonstrates developing proficiency in patient monitoring and fluid therapy setup.
• Assists with maintaining treatment sheets and hospitalization organization.
• Builds foundational teaching skills while assisting veterinary students.
• Participates in training and competency development related to equine nursing and patient care.

Level II Proficient Equine Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Independently performs venipuncture, IV catheter placement, and advanced sample collection techniques.
• Administers and monitors fluid therapy and infusion support with minimal supervision.
• Performs advanced bandaging and wound management procedures.
• Assists with lameness examinations, orthopedic procedures, and imaging support.
• Independently monitors anesthesia for routine and moderately complex equine cases.
• Recognizes anesthetic and patient complications and initiates appropriate interventions.
• Assists with emergency procedures including catheter troubleshooting and stabilization.
• Maintains workflow efficiency and assists in coordinating patient care and case management.
• Guides veterinary students through procedures with moderate autonomy.
• Assists in training and mentoring Level 1 technicians.
• Contributes to workflow improvements and operational efficiency.

Level III Advanced Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Independently manages advanced equine technical procedures and complex hospitalized cases.
• Performs advanced IV catheter placement and troubleshooting in compromised or difficult patients.
• Oversees fluid therapy plans and advanced nursing care for critically ill equine patients.
• Assists with advanced lameness diagnostics, orthopedic procedures, and emergency interventions.
• Independently manages anesthesia for high-risk and specialty equine cases.
• Assists in recovery management and emergency response for anesthetized equine patients without supervision.
• Serves as a clinical resource for anesthesia, emergency care, orthopedic support, and advanced nursing procedures.
• Provides high-level instruction and mentorship to veterinary students and junior technicians.
• Participates in protocol development, quality improvement initiatives, and workflow optimization.
• Acts as a liaison between faculty, students, and other support staff when needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but may assist in training and mentoring veterinary students and junior staff.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have regular, predictable, in-person attendance and be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Other Qualifications

• Proficiency in equine veterinary nursing and large animal clinical procedures.
• Strong equine handling and safety awareness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with clients, students, and colleagues.
• Dedication to team-based care, client service, and patient well-being.
• Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic teaching environment.
• Commitment to continuing education and professional development.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

Level I:

• CVT preferred
• 1-2 years of clinical experience in general practice or small animal medicine.

Level II:

• CVT preferred
• Minimum 2-4 years of progressive clinical experience.
• Demonstrates competency in anesthesia support, fluid therapy, advanced nursing care, and case management.

Level III:

• CVT strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive equine or large animal clinical experience.
• Demonstrated advanced anesthesia proficiency, emergency response capability, and leadership skills.

General Knowledge

• Understand the scope of equine and large animal veterinary services and common equine medical conditions.
• Be reasonably familiar with equine breeds, colors, and identification markings.
• Follow OSHA standards and biosecurity protocols.
• Be able to locate Material Safety Data Sheets quickly.
• Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations.
• Use proper medical terminology and spelling when speaking and writing.
• Be familiar with infectious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission. Know the most common zoonotic diseases (infections from animals to humans).

Computer Skills

Ability to learn veterinary practice information management software. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Physical Demands

Must be able to stand for long periods and lift animals or equipment up to 40 pounds without assistance. Assist in lifting or moving heavier animals with team support.

Animal Allergies Statement

No inhibiting allergies to animals, hay, or dust.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities