Veterinary Assistant

Tufts University - Grafton, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Grafton, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Veterinary Assistant at Tufts University plays a crucial role in providing high-quality patient care and client service in the small animal hospital. This position involves collaboration with clinicians, residents, interns, technicians, and students to ensure exceptional care for pets, while also serving as a liaison to keep clients informed about their pets' status and address any questions they may have.

Responsibilities

• Assist clinicians, students, and technicians with restraint, care, and treatment of patients.
• Provide professional and courteous service to ensure high levels of client satisfaction and patient treatment.
• Coordinate patient flow within and between services to expedite each patient's visit.
• Draw blood samples as ordered and process in-house lab work as directed by a licensed veterinarian.
• Assist with medical record documentation and provide basic animal husbandry and hygiene.
• Serve as a contact for designated service to address clients' clinical questions and concerns.
• Assess and address the needs of clients waiting in reception and keep them informed of wait times.
• Facilitate the flow of clients for patient visits and greet and escort clients to and from the ECC department.
• Schedule follow-up appointments for clinicians as needed.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment, including cleanliness of the ECC department and sterilization of instruments.
• Maintain an adequate inventory of ECC supplies including equipment and medications.
• Participate in departmental and hospital-wide initiatives as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma (or 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 to interact effectively with co-workers, clinicians, students, staff, and clients.
• Enthusiastic, genuine, empathetic, and self-motivated with a positive 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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 including birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents, special small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and expertise.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.