Veterinary Imaging Technician

Veterinary Assistant

VCA River is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our emergency and ICU team at our AAHA-accredited emergency and specialty animal hospital in Chattanooga, TN.

Come work in a family environment where we embody a positive culture of trust, support, and teamwork. We nurture the concept of providing world class medicine and hometown care.

Location: VCA Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals

2132 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37406

The veterinary radiology/imaging assistant works hand in hand with our radiologist to perform advanced imaging procedures including but not limited to ultrasounds, echocardiograms, fluoroscopy and CT scans. The radiology/imaging assistant is under direct supervision and guidance of the veterinary technician/assistant supervisor.

Job Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum 1 year technician/assistant experience. Work in Specialty or ER practice is a plus
• Education: High school diploma or GED, graduate of AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technician program; A.S. Veterinary Technology. Passing score on VTNE and state licensure is a plus.
• Personal: Good communication skills with coworkers and clients. Ability to work well with others as a team. Ability to multitask, prioritize and delegate. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to a changing environment and handle stress calmly. Attention to detail and willingness to question when unsure: Ability to think before acting. Self-motivated, hard worker. Active interest in medicine and animal care. Willingness to learn new tasks and learn quickly. Able to receive criticism and accept responsibility for actions. Professionalism. Reliable. Dependable. Common sense.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Assist radiologist in performing advanced imaging procedures including but not limited to ultrasounds, echocardiograms, fluoroscopy and CT scans
• Perform basic maintenance and care on imaging equipment, including but not limited to lead gowns, gloves, thyroid shields, sandbags, tables, etc.
• Understanding of imaging/radiology software
• Ability to perform hands free positioning
• Ability to read and monitor dosimetry reporting
• Aids in radiation safety education and monitoring (badges, PPE maintenance and use, and scheduled vulnerability checks in any/all lead equipment). Helps ensure safety during all procedures
• Understanding of special procedures associated with radiographic imaging: cystogram, IVP, spinal/myelography, PENN Hip/OFA orthopedic films
• Foundational knowledge of common conditions and/or disease processes associated with imaging studies
• Understanding of patient risks associated with imaging modalities and contrast media
• Ability to assist with image-guided studies and sample acquisition
• Ability to calculate basic medical math accurately and efficiently: Conversions, dosage calculations, dilutions, fluid additives, urine output.
• Possesses a working knowledge of anesthesia/monitoring equipment and able to induce, monitor, and perform anesthesia with patients assigned with various ASA classifications under the supervision of appropriate associate
• Understanding of common sedation and anesthesia drugs, their uses, common side effects, reversals, etc.
• Maintenance of image acquisition software, upgrades and server backups
• Maintain billing records for teleradiology
• Perform technician/assistant responsibilities including but not limited to: Obtain and record patient histories. Collet specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests. Venipuncture. Dispense or administer medications, treatments, etc. as directed by Veterinarian. Communicate with and educate owners on medication, use, side effects and administration. Maintain and update medical records

The radiology/imaging technician/assistant works under the direct supervision of the technician/assistant supervisor who will indicate assignments, limitations and priorities. The radiology/imaging technician/assistant must use initiative to carry out assignments independently without specific instruction but will refer problems or unfamiliar situations not covered by instruction to supervisor.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of procedures used for advanced imaging
• Knowledge of use, care and storage of veterinary instruments, materials and equipment, not limited to imaging.
• Strong communication skills with teammates and doctors
• Strong time management skills
• Telephone and computer skill are necessary
• Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments and to able accept change
• Must be able to handle schedule II IV drugs

Physical Requirements:

• Dependable attendance is required
• Any allergies to animals must be controllable through medication
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds
• Must be willing to work long or irregular hours under pressure conditions
• This position requires the ability to walk, bend, stand and reach constantly during a minimum 8-hour day
• Visual acuity sufficient to maintain accurate records, recognize people and understand written directions.
• Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand, give information in person and over the telephone
• Fine motor skills adequate for utilizing hospital equipment such as electric clippers, syringes, radiology equipment, laboratory equipment, computers, etc.

Duties: The following is a list of essential job requirements. This list may be revised at any time and additional duties not listed here may be assigned as needed. Job functions and job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Client relations
• Nursing care
• Housekeeping/maintenance
• Examinations/Assessments
• Record Keeping
• Anesthesia
• Surgery
• Radiology
• Laboratory
• Pharmacy

Interested in learning more? Apply today!