What makes a vet clinic a success? The TEAM!
Our staff team is made up of different personalities, experiences, training, backgrounds, and skills that all contribute to the success of each day at the clinic.
Each member brings their special talent to the team. As an experienced CCR, I am able to handle the reception area in its busy moments. But don’t ask me to restrain the angry cat in the treatment room who needs a blood draw!
Having a good team of staff who respect each other’s different abilities allows us as a clinic to provide better patient care, client care, and makes work a fun place to be!
ACA (Animal Care Attendant)
The ACA is responsible for the basic care of the animals at the clinic and tidiness of the clinic. It includes tasks such as cleaning cages and bedding, walking pets, holding pets for treatments, and general clean up duties around the clinic.
*The Animal Care Attendant position is an entry-level position in the veterinary clinic hierarchy, ideally someone with a passion for animals and experience around them.
CCR (Customer Care Representative)
The CCR is responsible for running the front area and is usually the first staff member to greet clients when they come to the clinic. They are responsible for answering phones and emails, scheduling appointments, putting appointments in exam rooms, filing documents and invoicing clients via a computer system.
*Although this position does not typically require a degree, many receptions do have a degree in business. Most positions require a high school degree and some customer service experience.
RVT/VT (Registered Vet Technician/Vet Technician)
The veterinary technicians are educated and trained to support the veterinarian. They assist with tasks such as surgery, anesthesiology and monitoring, lab procedures, radiography, prescribed treatment, and client education.
*This position requires a diploma from an accredited college (for Ontario) – usually a 2-3 year program followed by a written examination.
DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
The veterinarian is ultimately responsible for all patient care and the outcomes. Responsibilities of the vet include diagnosing, prognosing, prescribing medication, giving immunizations, performing surgery, interpreting x-rays – and much more.
*A degree in Veterinary Medicine requires an undergraduate degree (4 years) followed by a Veterinary medicine degree (another 2-3 years). It is a significant investment of time and money.
Practice Manager
The Practice Manager of the clinic is responsible for overseeing staff management and client relations. Managers also take care of duties such as hiring, payroll, preparing financial statements, monitoring inventory and ensuring the practice is reaching its goals. They may assist with patient care as well, as many managers are also trained as Technicians (as is the case at Manitou).
*There is no specific degree or schooling for a practice manager, but a business degree or experience, along with vet clinic experience is a definite asset.
If you have any questions about these positions, give us a call at 519-893-1360.
Written by: Brie Bingham, CCR
