General Purpose
The incumbent provides services to the OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital and the OVC Fitness and Rehabilitation (FAR) Service, located in the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC). The Primary Healthcare Centre is a unique teaching facility that offers veterinary care to the Guelph and area community as well as experiential learning opportunities for veterinary students at the Ontario Veterinary College. Several programs run concurrently within the OVC PHC and include routine general medicine and surgical veterinary care (not referral or specialized), dentistry, fitness and rehabilitation (physiotherapy), and public education programs.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will provide client and patient care services primarily to the veterinary clinic and rehabilitation program and support the remaining operations of the centre. Patient visits may include inpatient or outpatient medical, surgical, or dental therapy including radiographs and a COHAT. Rehabilitation visits may include assessment and therapy for injury, post-operative recovery, or management of chronic medical problems. The incumbent will be an integral part of the service delivery team that includes professional staff, veterinary students, and volunteers. In addition, incumbents will be cross-trained and assigned to work in a variety of technical and non-technical service areas based on the operational needs of the PHC and other areas of the OVC Health Sciences Centre (HSC).
Under the supervision of a PHC veterinarian, the technician will provide functional guidance to students to perform, as well as assess student competence in performing a range of patient care activities including: monitoring and evaluating patient vital signs; performing body condition scoring and muscle mass scoring; developing therapeutic nutrition plans; administering prescribed drugs and therapeutic treatments; preparing prescriptions for dispensing to clients; collecting diagnostic biologic specimens; placing catheters; placing microchips and verifying function and accuracy, etc.; and ensuring that the patient care activities are recorded in the medical record.
Under the supervision of a PHC veterinarian, the technician will perform rehabilitative therapy safely according to the prescription of a veterinarian. The technician will have experience with various modalities (underwater treadmill therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, etc.) used to treat patients. During therapeutic sessions the technician will assess patient’s behavioural responses for pain, anxiety, and fear and modify the therapy according to patient needs.
In addition, the technician will also: clean and maintain equipment; answer telephone enquiries from clients or the public seeking information; perform oral and dental examinations, radiographs and a COHAT; administer general anaesthesia while monitoring vital signs; and coordinate clinical care and perform patient care activities when students are not present.
The RVT is required to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to build mutual respect, understanding, and a collaborative team environment. In the OVC HSC, RVTs may work in service areas where there is significant interaction with clients, students and animals directly. In addition, RVTs may discuss a patient’s condition with its owners and be involved in the orientation and training of new personnel. The OVC HSC has a varied patient base and thus technicians may be assisting with activities unique to a variety of species, such as cats and dogs, but can also be involved in providing technical expertise in a variety of situations which may include working with large animal species.
Requirements
Requirements for this position include: successful completion of an accredited Veterinary Technician program recognized by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians; full member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT); successful completion of the Veterinary Technician Examination (VTNE) and the OAVT mandatory ethics exam; OAVT registration; completion or in progress of obtaining Certificate in Canine Rehabilitation Assistant (CCRA) or Certificate Program in Canine Physical Rehabilitation (CCRP). Candidates will also have a minimum of two years prior experience working as an RVT, with preference given to candidates who have experience working in companion animal rehabilitation. Demonstrated proficiency in customer service; excellent communication and organizational skills particularly with respect to dealing with clients; ability to mentor students and contribute to a collaborative team environment and effective organizational skills. Familiarity with common computer software including electronic veterinary hospital management software is preferred.
- A protective rabies titre is required.
