Veterinary Assistant - ECC

Cummings school of veterinary medicine at tufts university provides 24-hour care for pets 365 days of the year. Since 1985, we have offered high quality medical care, consultation, referral and emergency veterinary services for the care of dogs, cats and exotic pets. The hospital also serves as the primary clinical training environment for the veterinary students, interns and residents.

The Veterinary Assistant collaborates with clinicians, residents, interns, technicians and students to provide exceptional patient care and client service in the small animal hospital. The veterinary assistant also serves as a clinical liaison to provide clients with status updates and to address any questions they may have.

As a Veterinary Assistant, ECC you will:

• Provide high quality patient care including the following:
  • Assist clinicians, students and technicians with restraint, care and treatment of patients. Anticipate the clinician's needs with regards to treatments, restraint, supplies and instruments.
  • Provide professional and courteous service to ensure that the highest levels of client satisfaction and patient treatment are maintained at all times.
  • Coordinate patient flow within and between services to expedite each patient's visit.
  • Draw blood samples as ordered. Process in-house lab work as directed by a licensed veterinarian.
  • Assist with medical record documentation.
  • Assist with providing basic animal husbandry and hygiene.
• Serve as a contact for designated service to address clients' clinical questions and concerns. Solicit information from clinician/technician as necessary.
• Assess and address the needs of clients waiting in reception. Keep clients informed of wait times.
• Facilitate the flow of clients for patient visits.
• Greet and escort clients to and from ECC department.
• Schedule follow up appointments for clinicians as needed.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment, including but not limited to:
  • Maintain cleanliness of the ECC department. Sweep and mop as needed.
  • Clean and package instruments for sterilization as needed after use.
  • Maintain an adequate inventory of ECC supplies including equipment and medications.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor and Shift Leader
• Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required.

The anticipated schedule for this position is: Wednesday - Saturday 1pm-10pm

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a High school diploma (or the equivalent) and at least one year of related experience
• Familiarity with medical terminology, veterinary pharmacology and animal behavior
• Ability to restrain small animals in a safe, compassionate manner
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with co-workers, clinicians, students, staff and clients
• Enthusiastic, genuine, empathetic and self-motivated professional with a positive, upbeat attitude
• Pride in and commitment to maintaining hospital floor and front lobby areas
• Basic computer skills including the ability to learn the electronic medical record system
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation

Preferred qualifications:

• Successful completion of a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Program
• Credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Assistant
• One or more years' experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary hospital
• Exotic animal handling skills. Exotic animals include birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents, special small mammals (such as chinchillas or hedgehogs), reptiles, and amphibians.