Animal Behavior Internship Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Under the direction of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine contributes to the health and well being of patients by delivering outstanding, high quality veterinary technical services that meet the standards of the MVMA and MAVT as well as VMC standards and protocols. Competently assists Clinicians and other medical staff members with veterinary medical procedures which may include (but are not limited to) surgical assisting, emergency care, intensive care, small animal medicine, rehabilitation, laboratory procedures, radiography, anesthesiology, specialty care, administering treatments, animal nursing, animal restraint and handling, preventative care, clinical research, etc. within assigned service area as well as across functions as needed. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Assists clinicians, clients and patients with receiving, assessment, work-up, discharge, etc., prepares patients for a variety of veterinary medical procedures including preparation for radiographic procedures, surgeries, catheterizations, venipunctures, vaccinations, anesthesia, intensive or emergency care; administration of medications and treatments, etc.
• Provide excellent service to DVMs and medical teams that support quality patient care.
• Facilitate open communication and teamwork among clinical care team members (DVMs students, veterinary technicians, etc.) in support of positive patient outcomes and excellent patient care.
• Must be able to restrain and handle animals and/or assist with animal restraint and handling.
• Under the direction of DVM performs a variety of medical and diagnostic procedures depending upon clinical indications and area of service; may perform intravenous and related therapies (i.e. fluids, chemotherapies, and anesthesia), obtain fluid or tissue samples, perform biopsy techniques, etc.
• Administers medications, vaccinations, allergy testing and others as defined by the duty clinicians.
• Applies clinical job knowledge and competence to the management of the patient.
• With oversight by a DVM, applies clinical job knowledge and competence to diagnosis, treatment, and care.
• Delivers outstanding customer service including (for example) greeting and receiving patients and clients in a professional, caring and courteous manner, answering phone calls promptly, responding to clients, co-workers, and medical staff needs and requests, redirecting calls, etc.
• Answers questions and explains or demonstrates procedures and equipment for clients, residents, interns, senior veterinary students, and technician students.
• Under the direction of DVM performs record-keeping tasks related to medical procedures, including recording of: procedures completed, supplies used, patient status, client communications, census information, etc.
• Responsible for ensuring that all services and supplies are charged according to the hospital fee schedule.
• May prepare and maintain a daily service schedule including facilities such as operating rooms, specialty areas, pharmacies, etc.
• Must adhere to VMC safety and infection control policies and procedures.
• Must have the ability to work in a clinical setting.

Other Responsibilities 

• Assists in other service areas; develops skills that are cross functional and uses time efficiently including helping other areas of the hospital.
• Maintains a clean environment in the hospital area and ensures that these areas are adequately ordered, stocked and that equipment is in working order.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor, Clinician, or Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Strong interpersonal skills (is courteous, respectful, trustworthy, keeps commitments. has a strong work ethic). 
• Must possess a teaching and service orientation as well as a positive attitude. 
• Uses resources wisely and is available and approachable to his/her team and others.
• Understands and works within clinical scope of position. 
• Communicates (speaks/listens/responds) in a positive and timely manner to staff, coworkers and supervisor. 
• Looks for and supports quality improvement, supports the mission and values of the VMC and displays organizational citizenship behavior. 

Work Environment

• This work is generally performed at The University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, and at the Veterinary Medical Center. 
• This work environment may include exposure to noise, bright/low lighting, temperature variations, animal bodily fluids and waste, and allergens such as mold, dust, hay and animal hair and dander. 

Work Schedule 

• Friday and Saturday, 6am - 4:30pm 
• Sunday and Monday, 12pm - 10:30pm 

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications 

• Graduate of Animal Health Technician or equivalent program, Licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of Minnesota.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Problem solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be flexible to meet patient care needs
• Knowledge of veterinary medicine terminology
• Knowledge of proper restraint and handling of large and small animals
• Certified technician with certification recognized in Minnesota
• Proficiency with PC and software programs

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with Disability Services.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to:

• Stand, walk, sit, push, pu