Primary Care Veterinary Technician

Summary

The Primary Care (GP) Veterinary Technician supports the Companion Animal Clinic of the Animal Health Institute by providing high-quality, patient-focused care in a general practice setting. This role includes assisting veterinarians and students with outpatient appointments, diagnostics, minor procedures, client communication, and student teaching. The ideal candidate demonstrates clinical competency, adaptability, compassion, and a strong commitment to education in a teaching hospital environment.

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 physical exams, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures during outpatient appointments.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples (blood, urine, feces, cytology, etc.).
• Administer medications and help students with vaccinations and treatments as needed.
• Help ensure students obtain patient histories and communicate with clients in a timely manner.
• Monitor students’ timeliness with patient records and ensure compliance with hospital protocols.
• Perform and teach radiography, bandage changes, and basic nursing care to students.
• Perform dental prophylaxis to include radiography, anesthesia monitoring, and patient recovery.
• Support students with patient discharge and client education.
• Maintain inventory and cleanliness of exam rooms, treatment areas, and supplies.
• Help veterinarians train and mentor veterinary students in general practice skills, time-management, and professional communication.
• Coordinate referrals to specialty services such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, or other services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Level I – Developing Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Performs routine outpatient technical skills with supervision (restraint, venipuncture, catheter placement, and sample collection).
• Assists with basic anesthesia monitoring.
• Performs routine dental prophylaxis with oversight.
• Demonstrates developing proficiency in radiography and lab processing.
• Builds foundational teaching skills while assisting students.

Level II – Proficient Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Performs routine outpatient technical skills without supervision.
• Independently performs anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery for routine cases.
• Demonstrates proficiency in dental radiography and advanced dental procedures.
• Maintains outpatient workflow efficiency and assists in case coordination.
• Guides students through procedures with moderate autonomy.
• Recognizes anesthetic complications and initiates appropriate interventions.
• Assist in training Level 1 technicians.
• Contributes to improving workflow and operational efficiency.

Level III – Advanced Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Manage complex procedures or higher-risk anesthesia cases independently.
• Serves as a clinical resource for anesthesia, dentistry, nursing care, and outpatient procedures.
• Provides high-level student instruction in technical skills and professional communication.
• Assists with onboarding, training, and competency validation of technicians.
• Identifies process improvement opportunities and participates in protocol development.
• Acts as liaison between faculty, students, and support staff when needed.