Veterinary Technician II - Diagnostic Imaging

OverviewCummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is a nationally recognized academic veterinary medical center providing advanced specialty, emergency, and critical care services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As a leading teaching and research institution, Cummings School is committed to clinical excellence, innovation, and the education of future veterinary professionals. The Diagnostic Imaging Service provides comprehensive imaging support for both the Foster Hospital for Small Animals and the Hospital for Large Animals, serving a diverse and complex caseload that ranges from routine diagnostic evaluations to advanced specialty and emergency cases. The service supports the clinical, research, and teaching missions of the departments of Small Animal / Large Animal Clinical Sciences and collaborates closely with specialists across multiple disciplines. Diagnostic Imaging offers a full range of imaging modalities, including digital radiography, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine for both small and large animal patients. Team members work alongside board-certified radiologists, clinicians, house officers, and veterinary students in a dynamic academic environment that values collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning. Joining the Diagnostic Imaging team offers the opportunity to work with advanced technology, contribute to exceptional patient care, and support the training of future veterinary professionals while building a rewarding career at the forefront of academic veterinary medicine. What You'll DoThe Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging Veterinary Technician plays a critical role in delivering exceptional patient care and high-quality diagnostic imaging for a diverse caseload of small animal and exotic patients. Working within a collaborative academic and specialty referral environment, this position supports radiography, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound procedures while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and diagnostic excellence. This role requires strong organizational and clinical skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize and manage a dynamic caseload. The successful candidate will work closely with veterinary specialists, radiologists, students, interns, residents, and fellow technicians, serving as both a skilled technician and educator. Responsibilities include providing instruction and mentorship in patient handling, fear-free restraint techniques, positioning, imaging acquisition, and safe sedation practices. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with a wide variety of species and medical conditions while gaining exposure to advanced imaging technologies and diagnostic procedures. Whether you are an experienced imaging technician or looking to grow your skills in a specialty setting, you will be supported by a large and highly experienced team committed to training, mentorship, and professional development. Opportunities for cross-training within Diagnostic Imaging and other specialty services throughout the hospital are encouraged and supported. As an essential member of the hospital team, this position participates in rotating university and calendar holiday coverage. Technicians who work on University designated holidays receive substantial holiday premium pay. Tufts University observes a minimum of thirteen holidays annually, providing additional opportunities for compensation while supporting the hospital's 24/7 commitment to patient care. Technical Responsibilities:Provide high-quality diagnostic imaging as ordered by clinicians to ensure prompt delivery of high-quality patient care.Collaborate with colleagues, co-workers, faculty, house officers and students to effectively manage a high-volume clinical workflow without direct supervisory oversight.Provide care to patients and support to co-workers and students that are consistent with hospital standards of minimizing fear, anxiety, stress and pain in our patients.Safely administer IV sedation to patients and monitor sedated patients throughout procedures.Position and restrain patients in a calm, professional and compassionate manner using Fear Free techniques.Work with clinicians to perform specialty examinations.Work efficiently, professionally and cohesively either independently or as a part of a team.Ensure all patient safety and departmental protocols are being followed.Effectively communicate with internal customers to provide education, diagnostic imaging options and results.Actively seek opportunities to provide support and coverage to all modalities within the section as needed.Routinely perform technical tasks with supervision once trained.Cross train in multiple modalities to increase depth of coverage for the department.Maintain IACUC and RECOVER certifications as needed.Teaching Responsibilities:Contribute to the teaching and instruction of veterinary students performing diagnostic imaging skills in both daily instruction as well as through organized student labs.Clinical instruction of basic procedures for veterinary students, interns, residents and student technicians throughout imaging rotations.Assist in training, orienting, and mentoring new veterinary technicians in all aspects of the service.Engage students to ensure they are receiving a successful and fulfilling education in the department.Departmental and Additional Responsibilities:Clean and stock supplies and equipment in all areas of diagnostic imaging.Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.Ensure all treatment areas are maintained in good condition, submit requests for improvements or work orders as needed or scheduling service.Provide coverage for other shifts and modalities as needed.Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required.Assist faculty and house officers with ongoing research projects. What We're Looking ForBasic Requirements:Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:High School Diploma or equivalent and 3 years of experience as a veterinary technician in a fast-paced hospitalORAssociate OR bachelor's degree from an AVMA-accredited institution providing training in veterinary technology, veterinary nursing, or veterinary science, and one year of experience at a University hospital or large-scale hospitalORCertified Veterinary Technician in good standing.IN ADDITION TOExperience with Microsoft Office and ability to learn electronic medical record systems and other software systems usedMastery of basic technical skills associated with diagnostic imaging, including mandatory skills belowMinimum technical skills required: Safely restrain cats, dogs and exotic patients. Assess the attitude and responsiveness of dogs and cats. Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time. Be able to identify animals in pain or distress. IV and IM injections. Dosage calculations for medications. Monitoring and identifying physiological parameters in patients under sedation. Familiarity with sedatives and tranquilizers. Describe steps required and be able to assist in CPR.Knowledge of Diagnostic Imaging in a veterinary setting, particularly small animal radiographyExcellent understanding of medical terminology and veterinary pharmacologyDemonstrated ability to work independently when completing basic tasks and procedural skills, and the ability to conduct more advanced tasks under supervisionStrong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionalsHighly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a professional attitudeDemonstrated ability to provide excellent service to both internal and external customersA desire to teach. This includes sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues throughout the Small and Large Animal Hospitals as well as students. Teaching also requires a commitment to ongoing professional development such as participation in Continuing Education and maintenance of credentials and certifications. Preferred Qualifications:Demonstrated leadership skills and resourcefulness.Certified Veterinary Technician designation preferred. Experience with electronic medical records.Prior experience in diagnostic imaging including small animal radiography and small animal ultrasoundExcellent understanding of medical terminology and familiarity with veterinary pharmacologyExcellent interpersonal skills in relating to co-workers, clinicians, students, staff and clients. Interest to learn advanced diagnostic imaging techniques in radiography and ultrasoundFear Free Certification RECOVER Certification Exotic Animal Handling Experience Pay RangeMinimum $25.20, Midpoint $30.10, Maximum $34.90   Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.