Career Center

REPORTS TO: Practice Owner, Attending Veterinarian or Technician Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is the veterinarian’s primary medical support. They are licensed through the state and have the deepest level of technical knowledge and skill. They aid the veterinarian in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. They have a deep understanding of veterinarian’s preferences and thoroughly anticipate their needs. They have a very significant role in communicating with and educating clients about their pets as well as mentorship and training of other staff. The CVT is experienced and possesses the highest level of proficiency and competency.

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate or Bachelor degree
• Oregon CVT license or equivalent on-the-job training hours in accordance with Oregon Veterinary Practice Act.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 1 year experience as an CVT required

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 18 years old. 
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to work with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain. 
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis. 
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature. 
• Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of clinic team members including mentorship and training of other staff 
• Has outstanding client communication skills.
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods of time; frequently works in a bent position. 
• Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases. 

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS 

WAGE RANGE

The range for the position is $20.00 per hour to $25.00 per hour. Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients. 
• Dependable, arrives at shift in a timely manner and is committed to upholding the core values and mission of the clinic 
• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks. 
• Can keep accurate electronic medical records in accordance with clinic policy. 
• Can prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas. 
• Can perform physical assessments; record observations legibly in files or computers.
  • Can proficiently restrain pets even when large, difficult or fractious. 
• Understands all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients. 
• Knows all common preventative medicines and can explain their use to clients. 
• Has advanced knowledge of common medical conditions and their treatments. 
• Understands usage and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients. 
• Can perform advanced medical math/dosage calculations and constant rate infusions.
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty. 
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees and provides mentorship/training and oversight to assistants, technicians and veterinarians. 
• Gives SQ, IM and IV injections (with or without IV port). 
• Can proficiently perform venous puncture and catheterization in the most difficult patients. 
• Can perform ultrasound guided cystocentesis and urinary catheterization 
• Can handle client’s medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate. 
• Can prepare complex estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting clinic financial policies. 
• Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions. 
• Can maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies and pharmaceuticals as determined by the inventory control system. 
• Can assist the veterinarian in medical, surgical and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; administers anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids. 
• Can induce anesthesia and intubation
• Can perform surgical closure of skin wounds
• Can perform routine dental prophylaxis and multiple root dental extractions
• Can properly care for all surgical materials; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
• Can recognize and respond to emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage (CPR).
• Can perform and interpret clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis (including sediment), and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.
• Is responsible for maintenance of laboratory equipment and troubleshooting
• Is responsible for truck maintenance including cleaning interior and restocking medication and supplies daily.
• Can proficiently position for and perform image capture of radiographs for advanced/orthopedic studies and can do this without the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
• Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with patients.
• Can prepare a patient and the machine for an ultrasound procedure.
• Can prepare a patient and the machine for a laser procedure.
• Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state.

About Massie Veterinary Services

Massie Veterinary Services provides clinic based and mobile care for equine, livestock and companion animal patients throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California. www.massievet.com

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