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Large Animal Service Veterinary Technician I

Summary

Responsible for improving the efficiency and organization of the assigned service; improving communication, recovering all charges for the service and improving the clients’ experience when admitting inpatients and outpatients. Assists in the treatment of horses and other animals admitted to the assigned service by providing technical assistance to the professional staff, may assist in instructing students in proper clinical technique for diagnostic and primary care, and helps to maintain a sanitary and functionally well-organized service within the Large Animal Hospital.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description. These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

  • Assist in providing clinical support to faculty veterinarians in the delivery and instruction of primary care; assist professional staff in performing critical and intensive care or life sustaining emergency care, diagnostic services, blood collection, and fluid administration as directed.
  • The individual will work closely with Service clinicians assisting with paperwork including discharge letters, record keeping, dispensing medications at discharge and client communications and documentation.
  • Performs or assists in patient medical evaluation and observation.
  • Administers medications, collects, prepares, and submits clinical pathology samples, captures and inputs fees for materials and services.
  • Must demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology and drug reactions, doses and usage.
  • Be able to perform calculations for fluids rates and drugs.
  • Must have working knowledge of normal and abnormal values for lab work and their indications.
  • Handle, manipulate, restrain and treat horses and other large animal patients including goats, alpacas, llamas and bovine.
  • Independently sets up, maintains and ensures proper storage of specialized diagnostic equipment.
  • Provides clinical service support by maintaining a supply inventory and supervising and replenishing stock within the assigned areas and maintains a clean/sanitary and functionally organized clinical service area.
  • Manages after-hours admissions and discharges, visitor policies and emergency call-ins. Also will assist clinicians in gathering and recording information pertinent to receiving and working up emergency cases.
  • Monitors budgetary expenditures as instructed by Supervisor and Service Chief to ensure service expenditures fall within allotted amounts.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience loading, unloading, restraining, handling and treating horses or one year of experience loading, unloading, restraining, handling and treating horses in a veterinary academic teaching hospital.

Licensure and Certification

Certification or licensure as a Veterinary Technician preferred.

Supervision

Received: Detailed and precise supervision from clinicians, supervisors or higher ranking technicians. Instructions are both written and oral. Minimal supervision is required but supervisor is normally available for advice and consultation.

Exercised: Provides general instruction and review to veterinary students and veterinary assistants. May provide periodic instructions and review of student workers, and OPS technicians in the absence of a professional staff member or higher ranking technician.

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.