Primary Care Veterinary Technician, Shelter & Community Medicine- College of Veterinary Medicine

Summary

The Primary Care Veterinary Technician – Shelter & Community Medicine supports all the essentials related to animal care and operations of the Shelter and Community Medicine team, whose facilities consist of a mobile clinic, pop up clinic, surgery lab, and various community animal sheltering and human-animal services organizations.  This position reports to the Manager of Companion Animal Clinic. Must have the ability to work flexible weekday hours and some weekends based on clinical support needs. 

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.
• Assist in setting up surgical and treatment areas for procedures and patient care.
• Administer medications and help students with vaccinations and treatments as needed.
• Perform surgical preparation of patients for procedures.
• Assist with surgical procedures as needed.
• Responsible for venipuncture, catheter placement and other technical duties.
• Perform anesthesia administration and monitoring.
• Maintain inventory and cleanliness of three facilities at one location.
• Assist in instructional support of students in a learning environment in conjunction with the faculty during clinics.
• Respectful and productive communication with clients from multiple backgrounds and with varying economic status.
• Drive mobile clinic to/from locations for scheduled events.
• 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 and surgery preparation.
• Prepares and administers medications to owned and feral animal patients.
• 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.
• 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, 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.

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

• The position requires strict compliance with all policies and procedures.
• This position requires a significant amount of interaction with the public and many internal customers, therefore the individual must be able to develop a positive rapport effectively.
• This position may require early morning, evening, and weekend hours.
• Must be capable of working in an animal healthcare environment which typically involves sick and injured animals along with animal products and wastes including feces, urine, blood, vomit, and other body fluids. Must be willing and able to handle and/or transport deceased animals and animal parts as well as collect and transfer bio-hazardous waste. 
• Ability to handle fast-paced, high-volume patient care and multitask effectively.
• Detail oriented with the ability to promote a welcoming atmosphere is essential. 

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

Level I:

• CVT preferred
• 1-2 years of clinical experience in high-volume spay/neuter or animal shelter setting.

Level II:

• CVT preferred
• Minimum 2-4 years of progressive clinical experience in high-volume spay/neuter or animal shelter setting.
• Demonstrates competency in anesthesia, surgery, preparation of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) events, and outpatient case management. 

Level III:

• CVT strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive clinical experience in high-volume spay/neuter or animal shelter setting.
• Demonstrated advanced anesthesia proficiency, efficiency with Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) events, and leadership capability.

General Knowledge

• Understand the scope of general practice veterinary services and common small animal 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 regulation. 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.