Veterinary Technician I - Small Animal Surgery

Veterinary Technician

The 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.

What You'll Do

The Surgery Department is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated veterinary technician who is eager to develop their skills in a fast-paced and progressive surgical environment. This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience while supporting a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional patient care. Under the guidance of experienced surgery staff, the technician will assist with all aspects of patient care throughout the surgical process, including appointments, outpatient procedures, patient treatments, admissions, discharges, and client communication. Responsibilities also include patient preparation, aseptic technique, operating room setup, instrument preparation and maintenance, and support of surgical procedures. Additional duties include entering charges for services, maintaining surgical instruments and equipment, stocking and organizing supplies, monitoring inventory, and ensuring cleanliness and readiness of both sterile and non-sterile surgical areas. This role offers opportunities to work directly with clients as well as behind the scenes supporting patient care and surgical operations. As an essential employee, once training is successfully completed, the technician will participate in a rotating emergency on-call schedule and provide coverage for University-recognized and calendar holidays on a rotating basis. This position is ideal for a technician who is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and passionate about growing a career in small animal surgery and advanced veterinary medicine.

Patient Care:

• Provide high quality patient care while working alongside surgeons, residents, interns and students for surgical appointments and procedures.
• Phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, urine collection
• Coordinate, administer and monitor sedation for outpatient procedures
• Administer injections, oral and topical medicine.
• Assist with medical record documentation
• Prepare estimates, collect payments, daily treatment plan and anesthesia requests as directed.
• Patient preparation, operating room set up/clean up, patient positioning, sterile surgical assistance.
• 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.
• Participate in patient admissions, inpatient care and discharges as needed.
• 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
• Actively seek opportunities to provide support and coverage to all areas of the hospital as needed.
• Assist with outpatient imaging and procedures (shock wave treatments, bandage changes)
• Maintain certifications as needed.

Departmental and Additional Responsibilities:

• Cleaning and stocking of supplies and equipment in all areas of the surgery department
• Instrument care; correctly cleaning, packaging and wrapping instruments for sterilization (steam and gas). Knowledge of instrument names, uses, and how and where they are stored
• Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies.
• Research and place orders for specialty supplies and equipment
• Ensure all treatment areas are maintained in good condition, submit requests for improvements or work orders as needed or scheduling service.
• Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required.
• Engage students to ensure they are receiving a successful and fulfilling education in the department

Client and Referring Veterinarian (RDVM) Support:

• Serve as a reference point for clients and RDVMs' for updates, questions and follow up
• Facilitate the flow of clients and patients between reception, exam rooms, radiology, and surgical procedure rooms.
• Facilitate discharges and admissions.
• Schedule recheck appointments, surgery admissions, imaging, and discharges.

Miscellaneous - Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor including:

• Provide coverage for other shifts and sections of the Hospital as needed.
• Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required.

This position is considered essential and is required to report to work during campus closings.

The schedule for this position requires flexibility to ensure that adequate patient care is provided without interruption.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements: Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent), and 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician, or similar technical experience.
• High emotional intelligence and team player
• Engaged learner; Highly motivated to improve your knowledge base and skill set.
• Understanding of medical terminology, veterinary pharmacology, and common diagnostic procedures
• Willingness to coach and train students
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a diverse team
• Required technical skills include:* Safely restrain all species treated in the hospital using low stress handling or fear free techniques* Assess the attitude and responsiveness of patients being treated* Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time* Phlebotomy and catheter placement* Ability to administer oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities for several patients within a busy clinical setting.
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to learn the electronic medical record system.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Veterinary Technology or other animal biology related field plus two years related work experience.
• Experience in a specialty or academic hospital setting
• Experience in small animal surgery
• Certified Veterinary Technician eligible

Pay Range

Minimum $23.00, Midpoint $27.35, Maximum $31.70 Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.