Veterinary Technician Cardiology

Tufts V.E.T.S. is a multispecialty emergency and critical care VECCS level 1 certified facility in New England. We are an affiliate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, at Tufts University, providing a unique environment that integrates learning into a busy private practice setting.  We are committed to providing the highest standard of patient care from a wide range of specialty services including emergency and critical care, anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, radiology and diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, and urgent care.  We are continually seeking to unite highly skilled professionals in veterinary medicine to provide a collaborative environment that strives to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond. 

Tufts V.E.T.S. strives to be a community where diversity and inclusion are a priority. 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Cardiology Veterinary Technician at Tufts VETS will play a crucial role in providing specialized care to patients with cardiovascular conditions. This position requires a strong background in veterinary medicine, exceptional technical skills, and a compassionate approach to patient care. The Cardiology Veterinary Technician will assist the cardiologist in diagnosing, treating, and managing heart-related conditions in patients, ensuring the highest standards of veterinary care. 

Your attention to detail and commitment to high-quality care will ensure that our patients receive the best possible treatment. You will collaborate closely with veterinary teams, contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to animal health. 

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a solid understanding of common veterinary cardiac conditions, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. A passion for animal care and a dedication to continuous learning will further enhance your contributions to our team and the welfare of our patients. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITITES 

 Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Services 

Outpatient Receiving 

• Coordinate daily receiving schedule with doctors and liaison 

• Coordinate daily patient diagnostic procedures 

• Enter all patient charges for appointments and consultations 

• Submit clinical pathology and anesthesia requests 

• Submit and/or fill and sign-off on patient prescriptions from the pharmacy

• Assist with filing and sending of outside scripts 

Electrocardiography 

• Enter patient data and obtain diagnostic ECG recordings for cardiology and other services  

• Maintain and order supplies such as ECG paper, alligator clips, and batteries

• Interface with maintenance service 

• Maintain ECG machines  

Non-Invasive Blood Pressure 

• Obtain accurate blood pressure readings using Doppler, and maintain vitals recording in Stringsoft 

• Maintain and order supplies such as blood pressure cuffs, and gel

• Maintain diagnostic equipment and manometers 

Echocardiography 

• Enter patient data in patient archive 

• Assist with animal restraint during echocardiogram 

• Coordinate ultrasound machine maintenance and biannual check-ups 

• Transfer ultrasound images to workstation 

• Maintain ultrasound table  

• Maintain and order supplies such as ultrasound gel, Isopropyl alcohol, and portable oxygen tank

Centesis and Aspirates 

• Assist with procedure (handling, shave/prep site) 

• Submit samples for cytology, culture and/or fluid analysis 

• Maintain and order supplies such as catheters and needles, extension sets, 3-way stopcocks, syringes, and fluid collection devices 

Holter and Event Monitors 

• Hook up monitors  

• Maintain patient log and communication of requirements with owners 

• Receive and organize returned monitors; submit data to NAVIX where applicable  

• Oder and maintain monitors and associated supplies such as memory cards, electrodes, alcohol pads, and holter vets

Cardiac Nursing Care 

• Receive cardiology patients for routine and emergency appointments, including taking accurate histories and performing initial vitals acquisition 

• Maintain an updated medical record; start SOAPs and document vitals in Stringsoft 

• Assist in admission of patients to ICU and help with coordinating of inpatient care/treatments when needed 

• Collect blood and urine samples using proper techniques/sample handling 

• Run in-house labs (renal panel w/ lytes, PCV/TPs, heartworm tests, blood gases, etc. 

• Submit samples to clinical pathology or prepare for shipment to outside lab 

• Administer medications as needed: PO, SQ, IM, IV

• Place IV catheters when need for inpatient hospitalization or outpatient procedures 

• Administer flow-by oxygen therapy as needed 

• Perform digital radiographs 

• Maintain and order supplies such as needles, syringes, catheters and injection caps, vacutainer tubes, and bandage material (gauze, Vetwrap)

General Maintenance 

• Clean and organize countertops, cabinets, etc. 

• Stock all supplies daily 

• Launder towels and blankets 

• Maintain oxygen hook-up 

• Maintain Cardiology Google Doc with pending labs, complete noted task requests in an organized and timely manner

• Maintain computers and printers  

Invasive Cardiovascular Services (minimally invasive PDA occlusion, transvenous pacemaker implantation) 

• Maintain cath lab inventory/surgical supply list 

• Assist with procedures, surgical suite set-up; organization of interventional supplies 

• Sterilely open/present surgical supplies  

• Assist with fluoroscopic measurements under doctor guidance 

• Demonstrate interest and technical skill to act as sterile surgical assistant  

Client and Referring Veterinarian Communication 

• Schedule new and recheck appointments  

• Prepare cost estimates  

• Monitor cardiology email account throughout the day and assist with responses when requested, under doctor guidance 

• Maintain cardiology phone log and make calls to clients for rechecks due, status updates (inpatient updates or routine outpatient check-ins), relaying routine lab results 

Coordinate and refill of prescription medications  

Assist in training new team members and veterinary students

Collaborate effectively with veterinary staff to provide comprehensive patient care

Participate in continuous education to stay updated with advancements in veterinary cardiology practices

Meet with supervisor and Clinical Services Manager regularly to review any concerns or issues

Soft Skill Expectations

• Maintain an optimistic attitude and follow TVETS policies including the Employee Code of Conduct. Your conduct and interaction with hospital team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated

• Adhere to all hospital policies and standards as required by employee manual

• Serve as a representative of the hospital. Display courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and hospital team members

• Adhere to your work schedule. Be on the floor ready to work at the start of your shift

• Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in your duties each day

• Demonstrate professionalism and discourage gossip/rumors

• Maintain strict confidentiality

• Follow all hospital safety protocols

• Communicate openly, effectively, and regularly with all management, supervisors, and specialists

• Maintain positive rapport between all hospital team members and clients

SCHEDULE

Fulltime commitment. Shifts TBD. Schedule subject to change at management’s discretion to meet the needs of the cardiology service. This position is considered essential and is therefore required to work as scheduled during inclement weather (i.e., during snowstorms)

Compensation: Is based on education, experience, credentials, and skill level 

Benefits: Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401K, flexible spending accounts, PFML, Employee Assistance Program, paid maternity leave, paid vacation/sick/personal time, employee pet discount, uniforms, CE opportunities and allowance, and paid holidays

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS 

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS 

• High school diploma or equivalent 

• Degree in Veterinary Technology and/or Animal Science preferred 

• Certification as a Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, or LVT) preferred 

• Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) desirable 

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

• Minimum of 2 years working in the veterinary field as a Veterinary Technician  

• Prior experience working in specialty medicine preferred  

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Minimum of 18 years old

• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and can treat them compassionately even when they are stressed, ill or in pain

• Must support and foster an environment of diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and empathy

• Must have excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills

• Can multi-task in a fast-paced working environment

• Can stay calm and efficient under pressure

• Is detail oriented and reliable 

• Has a high commitment to providing exceptional patient/client care 

• Has excellent communication skills 

• Must be professional, approachable, and maintain an optimistic outlook 

• 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 or time; frequently works in a bent position 

• Working conditions:  May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noise, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases

CONTINUING EDUCATION  

• Maintain credentialing requirements and CE each year 

• Advanced training and credentialing such as becoming a VTS is strongly encouraged 

• Complete annual CE and training as assigned including educational reading