Certified Veterinary Technician

The purpose of the Veterinary Technician position is to assist the doctors, Veterinary Technician Manager, and the surgical director to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work at North Penn Animal Hospital.

At NPAH we utilize our Certified Veterinary Technicians to the top of their certification. Our technicians are able to do all things listed on the AAHA Technician Utilization Guidelines including unblocking cats We are proud to have a robust support and training so that all of our technicians are confident in their skills and are in a safe environment to learn.

Our Certified Veterinary Technicians spend most of their time supporting inpatient procedures and patients. At NPAH we practice above and beyond medicine including TPLOs, BOAs procedures, C-Sections, Splenectomies, Explores and much more. As a certified technician your role is to advocate for your patient and to collaborate with the doctor team to develop the best treatment plan for your patient.

The Veterinary Technician assists in multiple procedures providing care for animals including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia, as well as, client education, marketing and inventory maintenance. This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases, their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations. This is an overview of the position and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Uphold and model and NPAH mission statement at all times.
• Provide friendly, quality medical and client care to the patients and clients of North Penn Animal Hospital.
• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.
• Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery.
• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including elecrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment.
• Take and process radiographs.
• Communicate with and educate owners.
• Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies.
• Knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA. Ensure that the hospital and its employees are in compliance with regulations. Inform the veterinary practice manager of any regulatory issues.
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, your team and the practice mission statement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge

• Possession of strong organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of hospital procedures and operating instructions for making appointments, assembling patient medical records, recording test results, relaying information regarding patient’s condition, and compiling and submitting data on patients treated.
• Knowledge of the spelling and meaning of commonly used terminology of veterinary medicine to accurately record results of tests and file veterinary medical reports according to alpha, numeric or subject matter headings.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.
• Knowledge of procedures used for receiving, treating and scheduling patients, for ordering medications and supplies and requesting laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of the use, care and storage of veterinary instruments, materials and equipment.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.
• Knowledge of the instruments, materials and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide assistance.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments and to work well on a team.
• Critical Thinking – understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Physical Effort

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.

• Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, and listen, frequently working in a bent position.
• Often transports patients to weigh on scales.
• Frequently required to communicate with clients, team members and associates. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
• Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
• Use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 lbs. Assistance will be provided by team members when working with larger animals.