Veterinary Technician I - Radiation Oncology at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Veterinary Technician I - Radiation Oncology




Veterinary Teaching Hospital


Certified Veterinary Technician Benefits

In 2024 Forbes ranked the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as #13 among all US public colleges, on the basis of return on investment, student success, student debt, and alumni leadership and influence. Only one other campus featuring a veterinary college ranked above U. of I.



Job Summary

The Veterinary Technician I - Radiation Oncology will be responsible for performing anesthesia and providing standard paramedical and nursing care under the direction of faculty clinicians in a courteous and professional manner. The Veterinary Technician I will also be responsible for daily treatments of animals undergoing radiation therapy and may be asked to assist in other areas of the hospital. In addition to maintaining any needed logs and records, the Veterinary Technician I might be asked to contribute to research activities. Due to the teaching emphasis of the hospital, the Veterinary Technician I may be responsible in assisting in the training of veterinary students, veterinary technician students and others in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in veterinary radiation oncology.



Duties & Responsibilities

• Patient Care - Perform anesthesia, provide proficient and standard paramedical technical support, nursing care and instruction in a professional and courteous manner
  • Perform initial vital assessment of patients (body weight, temperature, pulse, and respiration), and assist clinicians, staff and students in conducting physical examinations, handling animals, and updating clinical records.
  • Interact with pet owners to obtain history of pet's progress since the last visit (receive) and provide information about patient care to owners (release patients) for radiation therapy.
  • Induce anesthesia of animals for treatment under the direction of a veterinarian.
  • Perform monitoring of anesthesia (including IV catheter placement or restraint).
  • Ensure the proper and complete treatment of animals, which could include helping to collect biologic samples, tending to animal needs (such as cleaning of wounds and bandaging).
  • Administer oral or parenteral medication, SQ or IV fluids to radiation therapy patients under the direction of radiation oncology veterinarians.
  • Recognize and respond to emergency situations related to the administration of anesthetics.
  • Coordinate diagnostic imaging as needed for radiation therapy patients.
  • Communicate with pet owners to facilitate appointment scheduling, and coordinate visit with any needed services (medical oncology, imaging, anesthesia).
• Manage paperwork and maintenance of the radiation therapy service
  • Perform daily quality assurance (QA) and assist the physicist with monthly and annual QA
  • Clean and maintain equipment and instruments.
  • Maintain supplies necessary to radiation treatment planning and positioning.
  • Maintain treatment records as instructed.
• Use radiation therapy equipment to treat animals with radiation therapy
  • Position animals for radiation therapy using positioning aids and verify positioning with appropriate techniques (orthogonal portal radiography or cone beam CT).
  • Run the linear accelerator to complete treatments.
  • Recognize interlocks and take appropriate measures to resolve issues for the machine and software.
• Other duties as assigned, which may include clinical or basic research that involves radiation therapy

Additional Physical Demands

This position involves working in a potentially stressful environment, requiring reliable performance. Physical tasks, such as lifting a 40lb. dog, are common, and handling animals poses some risk of injury. Strength and caution are necessary, especially during procedures. Exposure to anesthetic agents, animal waste, fluids, and hazardous materials is a potential risk. Those with allergies to animal dander, dust, or hay may experience discomfort. The role may also involve contact with animals carrying diseases transmissible to humans and exposure to chemicals and anesthetic gases.



Minimum Qualifications



1. Successful completion of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).


2. Current certification as a Veterinary Technician by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).


3. One (1) year (12 months) of paramedical veterinary experience comparable to that performed at the Veterinary Technician (General) level of this series or in other positions of comparable responsibility.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Illinois Veterinary Technician Certification must be maintained throughout employment.
• Familiar with federal regulations and university and hospital polices regarding the use and handling of controlled substances.
• Skill in the operation of surgical, laboratory and diagnostic equipment.
• Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures and equipment.
• Demonstrate adherence to strict protocols.
• Able to instruct veterinary medical/technician students in patient care protocol and procedures and in the use of equipment or instrumentation.
• Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients, assess charges observed, and take necessary action in the absence of a veterinarian.
• Able to operate on the clinical floor and anticipate needs and directions of staff and students regarding patients and methods of care.
• Able to observe, record, compile and assimilate data.
• Able to explain terminology used in veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge related to the care and handling of anesthetic waste gases.
• Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details and work calmly and professionally under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Courteous and polite.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4847 - Veterinary Technician I position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The collective bargaining agreement sets an hourly wage of $24.10. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.


For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jake Bough (jbough@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1027137
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now