RVT

VCA Animal Hospitals•Edmond, OK

16d

About The Position

The Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) works under the supervision of the veterinarians to provide high‑quality medical, surgical, dental, and nursing care to patients. The RVT supports diagnostic workups, anesthesia, surgery, client education, and ensures safe hospital operations. This position also plays a key role in client communication, team collaboration, and maintaining hospital standards.

Responsibilities

Perform physical examinations, vital sign monitoring, and patient assessments
Collect patient histories and present relevant findings to the veterinarian
Restrain and handle animals in a safe and humane manner
Perform venipuncture, catheter placement (IV, interosseous, etc.), and sample collection (blood, urine, feces, cytology)
Run in-house laboratory diagnostics (CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, cytology, etc.)
Take and develop radiographs (including positioning, exposure settings, processing)
Assist with ultrasound, ECGs, and other diagnostic modalities as available
Prepare patients for anesthesia, induce anesthesia, monitor anesthesia, and recover patients under veterinary oversight
Administer medications (IV, IM, SQ, PO), fluids, and other treatments as ordered by veterinarians
Assist in surgical procedures: surgical prep, aseptic technique, instrument handling, monitoring, recovery
Perform dental cleanings, dental radiographs, and basic dental procedures
Provide post-operative and in-hospital nursing care (wound care, pain management, monitoring, supportive care)
Monitor hospitalized patients, noting changes in condition or clinical parameters, and escalate concerns to veterinarians
Assist in emergency and critical care cases (CPR, stabilization, triage)
Communicate with pet owners about procedures, diagnostics, treatments, discharge instructions, and home care as directed
Educate clients on preventive care, medications, nutrition, behavior, and general wellness
Answer client questions in person, by phone, or via electronic communication, under supervision
Assist with scheduling follow-up visits, reminders, and callbacks
Maintain clean, organized, and sanitized work areas, treatment rooms, surgical suites, and equipment
Sterilize and prepare surgical instruments and packs
Maintain and monitor medical equipment (anesthetic machines, monitors, autoclaves, lab analyzers)
Keep accurate medical records, complete documentation, record anesthesia logs, controlled drug logs, and laboratory data
Manage inventory of medications, supplies, and reagents; assist with ordering, restocking, checking expiry dates
Assist with reception or front desk duties when needed (client check-in, consent forms, triage, discharge)
Participate in hospital meetings, continuing education, training of junior staff or students
Adhere to hospital safety protocols, OSHA, DEA, and local/state regulations (radiology safety, controlled substances, waste disposal)