Specialty Care Veterinary Technician, Radiology- AZ- Companion Animal Clinic

Summary

The Specialty Veterinary Technician - Radiology supports the Diagnostic Imaging Service of the Companion Animal Clinic (CAC) by providing high-quality imaging support and student instruction. This position assist veterinarians and technicians as the main technician for performing diagnostic imaging procedures including digital radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, contrast studies, and image quality assurance.

The ideal candidate demonstrates technical competency, attention to detail, radiation safety awareness, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to teaching veterinary students while delivering exceptional patient care.

Technicians are placed into Level I, II, or III role based on demonstrated clinical competency, imaging proficiency, experience, leadership, and teaching ability.  Advancement reflects increased autonomy, mastery of advanced imaging modalities, student instruction responsibilities, and contributions to imaging service operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (all levels)

• Assist veterinarians, radiologists, and veterinary students with diagnostic imaging procedures.
• Perform and support digital radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and contrast imaging studies as appropriate to competency level.
• Prepare, position, monitor, and recover patients undergoing imaging procedures.
• Ensure compliance with radiation safety, MRI safety, and hospital safety protocols.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot imaging equipment and associated software.
• Maintain accurate medical records, imaging studies, and patient documentation.
• Teach and mentor veterinary students in imaging procedures, patient handling, and safety practices.
• Maintain imaging supplies, equipment, and work areas.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to submit requests for radiologist review.
• Participate in continuing education, quality assurance, and departmental initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Level I – Developing Specialty Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Performs routine radiographic procedures with minimal supervision.
• Assists with patient preparation, positioning, and image acquisition.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of radiation safety and imaging principles.
• Assists with fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and contrast procedures.
• Supports anesthesia monitoring and patient recovery during imaging procedures.
• Develops teaching skills while assisting veterinary students.

Level II – Proficient Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Performs routine and orthopedic radiographic procedures and image quality assessment without supervision.

Performs  advanced imaging procedures including fluoroscopy, CT, and contrast studies.

• Independently monitors anesthesia for routine imaging cases.
• Recognizes imaging artifacts, positioning errors, and patient complications.
• Provides instruction and guidance to veterinary students and Level I technicians.
• Contributes to workflow efficiency and operational improvements

Level III – Advanced Technician

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Independently performs and supports advanced imaging procedures including fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and contrast studies.
• Serves as a clinical resource for imaging procedures, patient care, and safety protocols.
• Provides advanced imaging instruction and mentorship to students and technical staff.
• Assists with onboarding, training, and competency validation of imaging personnel.
• Participates in protocol development, quality assurance, and process improvement initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but may assist in training and mentoring veterinary students and junior staff.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have regular, predictable, in-person attendance and be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Other Qualifications

• Proficiency in veterinary diagnostic imaging procedures, patient handling, and anesthesia support
• Strong understanding of radiation safety, CT and MRI safety, and imaging quality standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with clients, students, faculty, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced teaching hospital environment.
• Commitment to providing exceptional patient care, client service, and student education.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, as operational needs require.
• Commitment to continuing education and professional development in veterinary diagnostic imaging.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Radiology Technicians from human industry may apply

Level I:

• CVT preferred
• 1-2 years of clinical radiology experience in general practice or a small animal emergency/specialty setting, or a human medical center.

Level II:

• CVT or VTS preferred
• Minimum 2-4 years of progressive clinical radiology experience to include CT or ultrasound in the veterinary or human industry.

Level III:

• CVT or VTS strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive clinical radiology experience in veterinary medicine.
• Independent experience performing fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and ultrasound

General Knowledge

• Understand the scope of general practice veterinary services and common small animal anatomy and common conditions.
• Be reasonably familiar with breeds and coat colors.
• Follow OSHA standards. Be able to find Material Safety Data Sheets quickly.
• Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations.
• Use proper medical terminology and spelling when speaking and writing.
• Be familiar with infectious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission. Know the most common zoonotic diseases (infections from animals to humans). 

Computer Skills

Ability to learn veterinary practice information management software Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Physical Demands

Must be able to stand for long periods and lift animals or equipment up to 40 pounds without assistance. Assist in lifting or moving heavier animals with team support.

Animal Allergies Statement

No inhibiting allergies to animals, hay, or dust.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.