Veterinary Assistant- Small Animal Oncology

Tufts University • Grafton, MA

3d

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant works as part of an integrated clinical care team to provide care to inpatient and outpatient oncology patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The role supports the oncology service’s daily workflow, including appointments, treatments, diagnostic testing, physical examinations, admissions, discharges, and timely patient care. The assistant also supports laboratory work, record keeping, documentation, and the stocking and cleanliness of treatment and examination areas. Strong patient-handling, multitasking, and prioritization skills are needed to provide excellent care and service to patients and clients.

The position includes coordinating patient husbandry and service inventory, maintaining clean and properly equipped work areas, processing laundry, and following medical and chemotherapy waste safety protocols. The assistant may provide coverage for other hospital shifts and sections, participate in departmental and hospital-wide initiatives, and assist with clinical trials, studies, and projects, including treating research or laboratory animals.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of related experience.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and animal behavior.
• Ability to safely and compassionately restrain small animals.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to work as part of a team.
• Motivation to learn and improve knowledge and skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and electronic medical records.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or another animal biology-related field.
• One or more years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary hospital.
• Successful completion of a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Program.
• Knowledge of veterinary oncology.
• Experience working in a specialty hospital.
• Veterinary Assistant certification credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Work with team members to provide timely client service and high-quality patient care.
• Assist with physical examinations of inpatient and outpatient animals using low-stress handling techniques.
• Coordinate and prioritize patient care with other departments.
• Admit and discharge patients.
• Assist with chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
• Maintain working knowledge of department equipment and supplies.
• Submit laboratory samples.
• Assist technicians and expedite patient care and diagnostics in inpatient and outpatient services.
• Collaborate and communicate with client service representatives and hospital liaisons.
• Enter patient charges and communicate with the front desk to support accurate, timely checkouts.
• Coordinate and prioritize daily patient husbandry care and maintain adequate service inventory.
• Clean, stock, and maintain service areas.
• Process soiled laundry and ensure clean laundry is available.
• Maintain equipment and ensure it remains in good working order.
• Establish and maintain cleaning protocols for service areas.
• Handle and discard medical waste according to medical and chemotherapy waste safety protocols.
• Provide coverage for other hospital shifts and sections as needed.
• Participate in departmental and hospital-wide initiatives as required.
• Complete other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist with clinical trials, studies, and projects as needed, including treating research or laboratory animals.

What This Job Offers

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