Specialty Care Veterinary Technician, ICU - AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Specialty Care Veterinary Technician

The Specialty Care Veterinary Technician supports the Companion Animal Clinic of the Animal Health Institute by providing advanced, patient-focused care in Specialty Services. This role includes performing complex technical procedures, managing critically ill patients, assisting with advanced diagnostics and interventions, providing client communication, and delivering high-level student instruction. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong clinical competency, critical thinking skills, adaptability under pressure, compassion, and a strong commitment to education in a teaching hospital environment. The hours for the Specialty Care Veterinary Technician, IC position are typically 1:30PM - 12:00AM 4 days per week but may change depending on clinic needs.

Technicians are placed into a Level I, II, or 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 physical exams, advanced diagnostics, treatments, and specialty procedures for outpatient and hospitalized and critical patients.
• Perform advanced technical skills including complex catheter placement, advanced monitoring, specialized nursing care, and emergency interventions.
• Monitor critically ill patients and recognizable subtle changes in patient status requiring immediate intervention.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples including blood gases, coagulation panels, cytology, and specialized laboratory tests.
• Administer medications including constant rate infusions, emergency drugs, blood products, and parenteral nutrition.
• Perform or assist with advanced procedures including thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, urinary catheterization, chest tube management, and oxygen therapy
• Operate and troubleshoot advanced monitoring equipment including ECC, blood pressure monitors, capnography, pulse oximetry, and ventilators
• Develop and implement comprehensive nursing care plans for complex medical and surgical cases
• Provide anesthesia for high-risk patients and manage anesthetic complications
• Team and mentor veterinary students in advanced technical skills, critical thinking, and professional communication
• Communicate with clients regarding patient status, treatment plans, and discharge instructions for complex cases
• Maintain detailed medical records and ensure compliance with hospital protocols
• Coordinate care between specialty services and referring veterinarians
• Maintain inventory and cleanliness of treatment areas, ICU, and specialty equipment
• Participate in rounds, case discussions, and continuing education
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and fellow staff to ensure excellent patient care
• Other duties as assigned

Level I Developing Specialty Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Perform basic technical skills (restraint, venipuncture, catheter placement, and sample collection)
• Assist in routine procedures and diagnostics including radiography
• Monitor stable anesthesia cases with supervision
• Assist with treatment sheets and setting up hospitalization
• Accurately document patient information related to specialty service
• Participate in training and skills development for specialty services
• Builds foundational teaching skills while assisting students.

Level II Proficient Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Perform advanced technical procedures (advanced catheterization, sample handling, and imaging support)
• Independently monitor anesthesia for routine and some complex cases
• Assist in complex procedures and specialty diagnostics
• Guides students through procedures with moderate autonomy.
• Anticipate clinician needs and support case management
• Mentor Level 1 technicians and assist in student instruction
• Contribute to workflow improvements and efficiency

Level III Advanced Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Perform and oversee advanced technical procedures and complex case management
• Independently manage anesthesia for high-risk and specialty cases
• Train, mentor, and evaluate Level 1 and Level 2 technicians
• Actively participate in teaching veterinary students and interns
• Assist in protocol development, quality improvement, and research initiatives
• Serve as liaison between clinicians, technicians, leadership

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 emergency, ICU, or other specialty veterinary technician areas
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with clients, students, and colleagues during high-stress situations.
• 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
• Ability to remain calm and focused during emergency situations.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

Level I:

• CVT preferred
• 1-2 years of clinical experience in general practice or a small animal emergency/specialty setting

Level II:

• CVT preferred
• Minimum 2-4 years of progressive clinical experience.
• Demonstrates competency in a specific specialty area

Level III:

• CVT strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive clinical experience in a specific specialty
• Demonstrated advanced anesthesia proficiency and leadership capability

General Knowledge

• Understand the scope of general practice veterinary services and common small animal conditions.
• Be reasonably familiar with breeds and coat colors.
• Follow OSHA standards. Be able to find 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 to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.