Specialty Care Veterinary Technician, ICU

Summary

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