Surgical Prep and Recovery Technician

Job Requisition: Surgical Prep & Recovery

Department: Surgery / Treatment
Location: Animal Hospital of Dauphin County – Hershey, PA Area
Employment Type: Full-Time
Hospital Accreditation: AAHA-Accredited

Position Summary

Animal Hospital of Dauphin County is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Surgical Prep & Recovery Technician to join our veterinary team. As an AAHA-accredited animal hospital, we are committed to providing high-quality patient care, maintaining excellent medical standards, and supporting a safe, efficient surgical environment.

The Surgical Prep & Recovery Technician will play an important role in preparing patients for surgical procedures, monitoring patients as they recover from anesthesia, maintaining surgical instruments and equipment, and assisting with post-operative treatments. The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, observant, and comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare surgical patients for procedures, including patient identification, positioning, clipping, and surgical site preparation as directed by the veterinarian or surgical team.

• Assist with patient transfers and ensure patients are safely and appropriately prepared for surgery.

• Monitor recovering patients and observe for appropriate anesthetic recovery, comfort, and overall stability.

• Recognize and promptly report abnormal recovery signs or changes in patient condition to the veterinarian or appropriate medical team member.

• Provide supportive care and assist with post-operative treatments as directed.

• Monitor patient comfort and help maintain a calm, safe recovery environment.

• Clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize surgical instruments according to hospital protocols.

• Maintain surgical equipment, prep areas, and recovery spaces in a clean, organized, and ready-to-use condition.

• Assist the surgical and treatment teams with patient care, treatments, and daily workflow as needed.

• Maintain accurate patient records and document treatments, observations, and recovery information as required.

• Follow established hospital protocols for infection control, patient safety, and AAHA standards.

• Communicate effectively with veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and other hospital team members.

Qualifications

• Previous veterinary experience preferred; surgical, anesthesia, or recovery experience is a plus.

• Knowledge of basic veterinary patient care and handling preferred.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to recognize changes in patient condition.

• Ability to follow instructions, established protocols, and safety procedures.

• Excellent teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.

• Compassionate approach to patient care and a commitment to maintaining high medical standards.

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple responsibilities.

• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and participate in ongoing training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout the workday.

• Ability to lift and safely handle animals and equipment, with assistance when needed.

• Ability to work around anesthetic agents, cleaning and sterilization products, and other veterinary medical supplies while following appropriate safety protocols.

Why Join Our Team?

At Animal Hospital of Dauphin County, you will be part of a collaborative veterinary team dedicated to compassionate care, trusted relationships, professional excellence, and continued growth. Our AAHA accreditation reflects our commitment to high standards of patient care and continuous improvement.

This position is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on patient care and wants to make a meaningful difference in the safety, comfort, and recovery of surgical patients.