Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care (VTS ECC)

As a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency & Critical Care with CVETS, you serve as an advanced clinical leader responsible for delivering the highest standard of patient care in critical and emergent situations. In addition to supporting the hospital’s mission, you are a key resource for medical excellence, team development, and patient advocacy. This role requires mastery of advanced technical skills, clinical judgment, and the ability to lead and mentor team members in high-acuity environments. You will model and uphold CVETS’ culture of teamwork, integrity, resilience, and compassion, contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment where all team members feel supported and valued.

Take Your Skills to Level 1

Elevate your career at the only VECCS Level 1 Trauma Center in the region. At CVETS, our nursing and leadership teams take complete ownership of our elite medical standards. You will work alongside board-certified specialists in a high-intensity, supportive environment equipped with the latest critical care technology, from advanced imaging to life-saving respiratory support. If you are a VTS ECC, this homegrown, family-owned practice is where you can truly lead.  

Key Individual Responsibilities

• Maintain active VTS (Emergency & Critical Care) credentials and fulfill all continuing education requirements to sustain specialty status
• Actively participate in advanced continuing education and contribute to team learning (e.g., case reviews, in-house training)
• Demonstrate advanced clinical decision-making and critical thinking in emergency and ICU cases
• Serve as a mentor and clinical resource for technicians, assistants, and support staff
• Lead by example in providing exceptional patient care and client service
• Prioritize and triage multiple high-acuity patients effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Safely handle and manage patients of all temperaments, including those that are large, anxious, or aggressive (≥50 lbs)
• Apply advanced knowledge of medical terminology, pharmacology, calculations, and procedures
• Communicate proactively and effectively with veterinarians, team members, and clients
• Demonstrate emotional intelligence, professionalism, and composure in high-stress situations
• Adapt to varying clinician styles while optimizing team efficiency and patient outcomes
• Identify workflow or patient care improvement opportunities and contribute to solutions

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Advanced Patient Care & Clinical Expertise

• Perform advanced patient assessment, triage, and ongoing monitoring of critically ill patients
• Interpret and respond to changes in patient status, escalating concerns appropriately
• Perform and oversee advanced technical procedures, including but not limited to:Central line placement assistance and maintenance
• Arterial/venous blood sampling and blood gas analysis
• Mechanical ventilation setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting
• Advanced CPR leadership in accordance with RECOVER guidelines
• Fluid therapy calculations and CRI management
• Administer medications, blood products, and treatments with a high level of accuracy and accountability
• Assist in and anticipate needs for emergency and surgical procedures
• Ensure accurate, thorough, and timely medical record documentation

Diagnostics & Procedures

• Perform and/or oversee:Laboratory testing and interpretation
• Diagnostic imaging (radiographs, CT, MRI) with advanced positioning knowledge
• Patient preparation and recovery for anesthesia and surgical procedures

Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide real-time coaching and training to team members in ICU and ER workflows
• Support onboarding and skill development of new technicians and assistants
• Serve as a role model for clinical excellence, efficiency, and teamwork
• Collaborate with leadership to support training initiatives and protocol development

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate patient status effectively during shift transitions and throughout hospitalization
• Partner closely with veterinarians to ensure optimal patient outcomes
• Deliver high-level client communication when appropriate, especially in critical cases
• Work collaboratively across departments to ensure continuity of care

Operational Excellence

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of advanced medical equipment; report malfunctions promptly
• Uphold all hospital policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and professionalism in attendance and performance

Requirements

Education & Credentials

• Current credentialing as a Licensed/Registered/Credentialed Veterinary Technician (LVT/RVT/CVT) in applicable state
• Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency & Critical Care required and maintained in good standing
• Current certification in CPR (RECOVER certification strongly preferred)
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology or equivalent from an accredited program (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum of 2-3+ years of experience in a veterinary emergency and/or critical care setting required
• Demonstrated experience managing high-acuity, critically ill patients in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to perform advanced technical skills and procedures independently
• Prior experience in a mentorship, training, or informal leadership role (preferred)