Specialty Care Veterinary Technician, Emergency (Evening Shift) - AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Midwestern University•Glendale, AZ

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Specialty Care Veterinary Technician, Emergency supports the Companion Animal Clinic of the Animal Health Institute by providing advanced, patient-focused care in Specialty Services. The role involves complex technical procedures, care of critically ill patients, assistance with advanced diagnostics and interventions, client communication, and instruction of veterinary students. Technicians are placed at Level I, II, or III based on clinical competency, experience, leadership, and teaching proficiency. Progression through levels reflects increased autonomy, technical mastery, case-management responsibility, and contribution to student education and hospital operations. The position typically works 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in eight-hour shifts, Monday through Friday; hours may change depending on clinic needs. The role requires regular, predictable, in-person attendance and a constant state of alertness and safe conduct. It does not include direct supervisory responsibilities, but may involve training and mentoring students and junior staff. Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit health sciences education organization with campuses in Downers Grove, Illinois, and Glendale, Arizona. The University states that it is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and complies with applicable smoke-free and equal-pay laws.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Proficiency in emergency, ICU, or other specialty veterinary technician areas.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with clients, students, and colleagues in high-stress situations.
Dedication to team-based care, client service, and patient well-being.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.
Ability to adapt to a dynamic teaching environment.
Commitment to continuing education and professional development.
Ability to remain calm and focused during emergencies.
General understanding of veterinary practice services and common small-animal conditions.
Familiarity with breeds and coat colors; OSHA standards; locating Material Safety Data Sheets; standard medical and business abbreviations; and proper medical terminology and spelling.
Familiarity with infectious diseases, prevention, and transmission-reduction practices, including common zoonotic diseases.
Ability to learn veterinary practice information-management software and basic proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to stand for long periods and lift animals or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance; heavier animals may be lifted or moved with team support.
No inhibiting allergies to animals, hay, or dust.
Level I: 1–2 years of clinical experience in general practice or a small-animal emergency or specialty setting; CVT preferred.
Level II: 2–4 years of progressive clinical experience, demonstrated competency in a specialty area; CVT preferred.
Level III: 5+ years of progressive clinical experience in a specific specialty, demonstrated advanced anesthesia proficiency and leadership capability; CVT strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential is preferred for Levels I and II and strongly preferred for Level III.

Responsibilities

Assist students and veterinarians with physical examinations, advanced diagnostics, treatments, and specialty procedures for outpatient, 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 recognize subtle changes in 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 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 nursing care plans for complex medical and surgical cases.
Provide anesthesia for high-risk patients and manage anesthetic complications.
Teach and mentor veterinary students in technical skills, critical thinking, and professional communication.
Communicate with clients about patient status, treatment plans, and discharge instructions for complex cases.
Maintain detailed medical records and comply with hospital protocols.
Coordinate care between specialty services and referring veterinarians.
Maintain inventory and cleanliness of treatment areas, the ICU, and specialty equipment.
Participate in rounds, case discussions, and continuing education.
Collaborate with faculty, students, and staff to provide patient care.
At Level I, perform basic technical skills, assist with routine procedures and diagnostics, monitor stable anesthesia cases with supervision, assist with treatment sheets and hospitalization setup, document patient information, participate in training, and build foundational teaching skills.
At Level II, perform advanced technical procedures, independently monitor anesthesia for routine and some complex cases, assist with complex procedures and specialty diagnostics, guide students with moderate autonomy, anticipate clinician needs, mentor Level I technicians, and contribute to workflow improvements.
At Level III, perform and oversee advanced technical procedures and complex case management, independently manage anesthesia for high-risk and specialty cases, train and evaluate Level I and II technicians, teach veterinary students and interns, contribute to protocols, quality improvement and research, and liaise between clinicians, technicians, and leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned.