Specialty Care Veterinary Technician, ICU - AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Midwestern University • Glendale, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Specialty Care Veterinary Technician supports the Companion Animal Clinic of the Animal Health Institute by providing advanced, patient-focused care in Specialty Services. This role includes performing complex technical procedures, managing critically ill patients, assisting with advanced diagnostics and interventions, providing client communication, and delivering high-level student instruction. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong clinical competency, critical thinking skills, adaptability under pressure, compassion, and a strong commitment to education in a teaching hospital environment. The hours for the Specialty Care Veterinary Technician, IC position are typically 1:30PM - 12:00AM 4 days per week but may change depending on clinic needs. Technicians are placed into a Level I, II, or 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Proficiency in emergency, ICU, or other specialty veterinary technician areas
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with clients, students, and colleagues during high-stress situations.
• Dedication to team-based care, client service, and patient well-being
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic teaching environment.
• Commitment to continuing education and professional development
• Ability to remain calm and focused during emergency situations.
• CVT preferred 1-2 years of clinical experience in general practice or a small animal emergency/specialty setting (Level I)
• CVT preferred Minimum 2-4 years of progressive clinical experience. Demonstrates competency in a specific specialty area (Level II)
• CVT strongly preferred 5+ years of progressive clinical experience in a specific specialty Demonstrated advanced anesthesia proficiency and leadership capability (Level III)
• 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).
• Ability to learn veterinary practice information management software
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

• CVT preferred (Level I)
• CVT preferred (Level II)
• CVT strongly preferred (Level III)

Responsibilities

• Assist students and veterinarians with physical exams, advanced diagnostics, treatments, and specialty procedures for outpatient and hospitalized and critical patients.
• Perform advanced technical skills including complex catheter placement, advanced monitoring, specialized nursing care, and emergency interventions.
• Monitor critically ill patients and recognizable subtle changes in patient status requiring immediate intervention.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples including blood gases, coagulation panels, cytology, and specialized laboratory tests.
• Administer medications including constant rate infusions, emergency drugs, blood products, and parenteral nutrition.
• Perform or assist with advanced procedures including thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, urinary catheterization, chest tube management, and oxygen therapy
• Operate and troubleshoot advanced monitoring equipment including ECC, blood pressure monitors, capnography, pulse oximetry, and ventilators
• Develop and implement comprehensive nursing care plans for complex medical and surgical cases
• Provide anesthesia for high-risk patients and manage anesthetic complications
• Team and mentor veterinary students in advanced technical skills, critical thinking, and professional communication
• Communicate with clients regarding patient status, treatment plans, and discharge instructions for complex cases
• Maintain detailed medical records and ensure compliance with hospital protocols
• Coordinate care between specialty services and referring veterinarians
• Maintain inventory and cleanliness of treatment areas, ICU, and specialty equipment
• Participate in rounds, case discussions, and continuing education
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and fellow staff to ensure excellent patient care
• Perform basic technical skills (restraint, venipuncture, catheter placement, and sample collection) (Level I)
• Assist in routine procedures and diagnostics including radiography (Level I)
• Monitor stable anesthesia cases with supervision (Level I)
• Assist with treatment sheets and setting up hospitalization (Level I)
• Accurately document patient information related to specialty service (Level I)
• Participate in training and skills development for specialty services (Level I)
• Builds foundational teaching skills while assisting students. (Level I)
• Perform advanced technical procedures (advanced catheterization, sample handling, and imaging support) (Level II)
• Independently monitor anesthesia for routine and some complex cases (Level II)
• Assist in complex procedures and specialty diagnostics (Level II)
• Guides students through procedures with moderate autonomy. (Level II)
• Anticipate clinician needs and support case management (Level II)
• Mentor Level 1 technicians and assist in student instruction (Level II)
• Contribute to workflow improvements and efficiency (Level II)
• Perform and oversee advanced technical procedures and complex case management (Level III)
• Independently manage anesthesia for high-risk and specialty cases (Level III)
• Train, mentor, and evaluate Level 1 and Level 2 technicians (Level III)
• Actively participate in teaching veterinary students and interns (Level III)
• Assist in protocol development, quality improvement, and research initiatives (Level III)
• Serve as liaison between clinicians, technicians, leadership (Level III)
• Assist in training and mentoring veterinary students and junior staff.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• life insurance
• short/long term disability
• pet insurance
• flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account
• competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days
• 403(b) retirement plan
• tuition reimbursement
• child care subsidy reimbursement program
• identity theft protection
• employee assistance program
• wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED