Registered Veterinary Technicians are credentialed animal healthcare professionals who work alongside veterinarians to perform a wide array of duties not limited to but include patient care and nursing, laboratory and diagnostics tasks, surgery support and client education.
The Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is a regulated clinical professional responsible for delivering high-quality technical veterinary care, supporting veterinarians in diagnostics and treatment, and advocating for patient safety and welfare. This role includes independent technical responsibilities, advanced patient care, anesthesia and monitoring, diagnostics, and client education.
RVTs practice within the scope of their licensure and work collaboratively with veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and reception staff to ensure efficient clinic flow, accurate medical records, and continuity of care. This role supports clinical operations across both Seafair Animal Clinic and Ironwood Animal Hospital as required by clinic operations.
Job Description
Diagnostics
- Collect samples from cats and dogs in a safe manner
- Collect blood, urine, fecal and other samples for cytologies
- Perform a cystocentesis
- Make slides for review under the microscope (ear cytologies, blood smears, skin scrapes, etc.)
- Run samples on in-house Idexx machines
- Prepare samples being sent to Idexx labs according to protocols
- Perform radiographs
- Send diagnostic images to VetsChoice, Idexx or specialists
- Prepare patients for in-house ultrasounds (IVC placement, shaving)
Patient Care
- Able to give injections (IM, SQ, IV)
- Able to perform husbandry tasks such as nail trims, anal glands, ear cleans, ear plucks, basic grooming, lion shave
- Place IVC, set up IV fluids/machine, create hospitalization form
- Perform routine TPRs on in-house patients
- Administer medication under the supervision of the veterinarian orally, IV, IM
- Take responsibility for coordinating and supporting assigned patient care from intake through recovery and discharge, ensuring preparation, monitoring, and follow-through are completed under veterinary direction
- Prepare patients, equipment, treatment areas, diagnostics, and documentation in advance of procedures or appointments
- Perform complete TPRs and patient assessments to establish accurate clinical context for the medical team
- Provide hands-on patient care, monitoring, comfort, and advocacy throughout procedures and recovery
- Monitor hospitalized and recovering patients and promptly communicate changes in condition or concerns to the veterinarian
- Support treatment planning through clinical observation, technical expertise, and accurate reporting
Surgery & Anesthesia
- Collaborate with the veterinarian to fill out surgery/anesthetic form
- Prepare estimates for surgery
- Admit surgical patients in the morning and ensure forms are filled out
- Prep patient for surgery (administer medications, place IVC, intubate, shave, clean)
- Attach anesthetic machine leads and probes to patient to ensure all values are being recorded
- Provide anesthesia monitoring, communicate with the veterinarian on any changes/issues
- Able to assess and correct any issues under anesthesia under the veterinarian
- Extubate and provide post-op monitoring
- Prepare medical records and billing
- Prepare home care documents
- Prepare any medications/cones/other for discharge
- Perform discharge with clients, set up follow-up appointments
Client Communication
- Provide communication with clients regarding a wide variety of topics such as nutrition, exercise, medication, homecare, etc. under the guidance of the veterinarian
- Act as a liaison between the veterinarian and client
- Provide reception coverage during breaks
- Able to book appointments, book surgeries, answer client queries on the phone/in person, create medication refill requests
General Duties
- Opening duties include unlocking doors, opening safe and transferring controlled drugs to lock box, turning on all computers and equipment, ensuring surgical/procedure forms and estimates are printed
- Check emails in the morning and respond to urgent emails
- Answer phones until reception arrives
- Work on weekly and monthly cleaning lists during slow time
- Ensure laundry is being completed
- Ensure the clinic flow is operating
- Delegate tasks
- Closing duties include cleaning the clinic, turning off machines and computers, putting controlled drugs in the safe
Medical Records & Documentation
- Accurately enter and maintain medical records in IDEXX Neo
- Ensure procedures, diagnostics, treatments, and related inventory are documented correctly
- Support medical record accuracy, compliance, and continuity of care
Collaboration & Clinic Support
- Work collaboratively with veterinarians, assistants, and reception to support efficient clinic flow
- Provide guidance and support to veterinary assistants as appropriate
- Contribute to a respectful, communicative, and accountable team environment
Role Scope & Limitations
Registered Veterinary Technicians perform regulated technical procedures within the scope of their licensure. RVTs do not diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medications, which remain the responsibility of veterinarians. All clinical work is performed in accordance with regulatory requirements, clinic protocols, and professional standards.
Professional Expectations
RVTs are expected to demonstrate professional judgment, accountability, and respect in all interactions with clients, patients, and team members. The role requires strong technical competence, attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to remain effective in a fast-paced clinical environment. A commitment to patient advocacy, medical quality, teamwork, and continuous learning is essential.