Veterinary Assistant 1 - College of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Assistant

The University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, invites applications for the position of Veterinary Assistant. The primary purpose of this position is to provide quality care for patients by performing a variety of functions including but not limited to general care, feeding, cleaning, exercising, record keeping, administering medications and/or equipment operation. Provides patient restraint for examinations, sample collection, and procedures. May be responsible for collecting and recording vital signs of patient. Depending on qualifications of the successful candidate, the position will begin as a Veterinary Assistant 1 or 2.

Typical Responsibilities:

ANIMAL HANDLING AND CARE:

Performs animal restraint on various species for physical exams and medical procedures, such as blood draws, urine collection via cystocentesis, blood pressures, and injections. Prepares cages and runs with bedding, water, and other supplies for patient and wildlife housing. Feeds diets as prescribed to admitted patients and wildlife. Creates and/or provides enrichment devices and activities for patients. Exercises patients, using special care or equipment if prescribed, as needed. Records daily observations on cage cards. Administers topical and/or oral medications as needed, under the instruction and supervision of licensed veterinary technicians or clinicians. Assists in the admittance and discharge of patients. Performs bathing or grooming as needed.

HOUSEKEEPING, SERVICE NEEDS, AND GENERAL CLINIC DUTIES:

Cleans and disinfects animal cages, animal rooms, and treatment rooms. Maintains inventory of medical supply items (procured from Pharmacy and Central Supply) and numerous varieties of foods, seeds, fruits, vegetables, etc., which are needed to provide nourishment to various species. Orders and stocks supplies, and rotates food for freshness. May assist with dental procedures for various species of small animals. Provides laundry collection and disbursement, trash disposal, dish washing, pet waste removal form outdoor walking areas, and collection, transport, and disposal of biohazard sharps and waste to outdoor facility. Assists in collection and processing of patient specimens by preparing supplies and delivering samples to various clinical labs. Participates in infectious disease control and prevention through proper disinfection and sanitation of contaminated areas as specified by the infectious disease control and prevention Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's). Takes responsibility for assisting with inventory, stocking, and equipment maintenance within specialty service.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years of age. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

6 months of experience working with small animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents, preferred.