Overview

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.

What You'll Do

Under the direct guidance of a senior veterinary technician or veterinarian, the Inpatient Medicine Veterinary Technician I is responsible for providing high quality nursing care and performing basic technical skills and procedures on a variety of patients.

As part of our highly competitive benefits package, we offer a liberal continuing education allowance and tuition reimbursement program to all technicians employed in Foster Hospital for Small Animals in order to promote personal and professional growth. The minimum rate of pay for this position is $24 per hour based off a 35 hour budgeted work week. Compensation above this rate will vary based on education, experience, and credentials. Generous shift differentials are offered for any scheduled hours worked outside of normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, and range between an additional $2-$4 per hour. The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician is considered an essential employee within the hospital and the schedule may include providing University and calendar holiday coverage on a rotating basis. A substantial holiday premium pay is applied to any University designated holiday. The University observes a minimum of thirteen holidays throughout the calendar year.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• High school diploma (or equivalent), and 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician, or similar technical experience
• Required technical skills include:
  • Safely restrain all species treated in the hospital
  • Assess the attitude and responsiveness of patients being treated
  • Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time
  • Phlebotomy and catheter placement
  • Dosage calculations for oral and injectable medications
  • Fluid therapy monitoring
  • Ability to administer oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and familiarity with veterinary pharmacology
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities for several patients within a busy clinical setting
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals
• 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:

• Bachelor’s or associate degree from an AVMA accredited institution
• Certified Veterinary Technician eligible
• Experience in a specialty or academic hospital setting
• Basic skillset in phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, fluid administration, pain identification, anesthetic recovery, and animal handling and restraint
• Exotic animal handling skills. Exotic animals include birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents, special small mammals (such as chinchillas or hedgehogs), reptiles, and amphibians

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

• The schedule for this position may include providing University and calendar holiday coverage on a rotating basis
• The schedule for this position may include evening and weekend hours
• The schedule for this position requires flexibility to ensure that adequate patient care is provided without interruption or exception
• This position is considered essential and is therefore required to report to work as scheduled during emergency closings 

Pay Range

Minimum $21.80, Midpoint $25.95, Maximum $30.10

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.