Critical Care Veterinary Technician

Vicar Operating, Inc. dba VCA; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Health insurance

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

VCA Aurora Animal Hospital is seeking a full-time ICU Veterinary Technician to provide continuous nursing care to critically ill and post-operative patients in a high-acuity ICU. You will work 3 x 12-hour day shifts with rotating weekends and limited holiday coverage, delivering advanced monitoring, medication administration, and collaborative care with ER physicians and specialists.

This role requires credentialing (CVT/LVT/RVT), ICU experience, and the ability to stay calm in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT)
• Experience in critical care/ICU nursing preferred
• Ability to stay calm and organized in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Passion for high-quality, patient-centered critical care

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced, continuous nursing care to ICU patients
• Administer medications, CRIs, and fluid therapy
• Monitor vitals and respond to changes in patient status
• Perform diagnostic testing (labs, imaging, samples)
• Assist with advanced procedures (central lines, transfusions, oxygen therapy, ventilation)
• Communicate with clients empathetically in stressful situations
• Collaborate with ER doctors, specialists, and staff

Skills

CVT/LVT/RVT

ICU experience

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Critical Care (ICU) Veterinary Technician Schedule: Full-time opportunity, 3 x 12-hour day shifts, with rotating weekends and limited holiday coverage. This is a Day/1st shift position. Compensation: $30 – $35/hour, plus a sign-on bonus. Pay range is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other relevant credentials.

About the Hospital

Our hospital is currently under construction and expanding to provide even more space and resources for critical care patients. Join us as we grow! At VCA Aurora Animal Hospital, you'll be part of a 24/7 emergency, specialty, and primary care hospital providing advanced, team-based veterinary medicine. Our Emergency & Critical Care department includes a fully staffed ICU dedicated to continuous monitoring and treatment of critically ill patients. We practice a level of medicine comparable to human healthcare, with advanced diagnostics, specialty collaboration, and cutting-edge treatment options. As a teaching-focused hospital, you'll work alongside experienced veterinarians, specialists, and credentialed technicians in an environment that prioritizes mentorship, learning, and high clinical standards.

The Role

As an ICU Veterinary Technician, you will play a vital role in the ongoing care of critically ill and post-operative patients. You will focus primarily on intensive, continuous monitoring and treatment in our ICU, working closely with a collaborative team of ER doctors, specialists, and support staff.

What We're Looking For

• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, RVT)
• Experience in critical care/ICU nursing
• Ability to remain calm, organized, and effective in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Passion for high-quality, patient-centered critical care

What You'll Do

• Provide advanced, continuous nursing care to critically ill and post-operative ICU patients
• Administer medications, CRIs, and fluid therapy
• Monitor vital signs and recognize/respond to changes in patient status
• Perform diagnostic testing (lab work, imaging, sample collection)
• Assist with advanced procedures (central lines, transfusions, oxygen therapy, ventilator support)
• Communicate with clients during high-stress situations with empathy and clarity
• Collaborate closely with ER doctors, specialists, and support staff

Total Rewards

As a VCA Associate, eligible full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health & Well-being
• Innovative Associate health and well-being resources (Headspace app, Vault financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources including Lyra Health)
• 401k retirement savings plan with company match
• Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility and gender affirmation benefits
• Paid parental, vacation and sick leave
• Professional Development
• Continuing Education Allowance and paid time off
• WOOF University – offering abundant virtual CE Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program
• Discover Additional Benefits
• Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com)

As a VCA Associate, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:

• Health & Well-being
• Innovative Associate health and well-being resources (Headspace app, Vault financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources including Lyra Health)
• 401k retirement savings plan with company match
• Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility and gender affirmation benefits
• Paid parental, vacation and sick leave
• Professional Development
• Continuing Education Allowance and paid time off
• WOOF University – offering abundant virtual CE Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program
• Discover Additional Benefits
• Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com)

Benefits

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

Location

Location: 2600 W Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506

About VCA

At VCA, we are passionate about delivering world-class veterinary care while supporting the people who make it possible. With hospitals nationwide, we combine advanced medicine with a compassionate, community-focused approach. As part of Mars Veterinary Health, we are committed to helping our teams grow and making a lasting impact on pets and the people who love them.

A leader in veterinary care, VCA Animal Hospitals is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. We are a family of hometown animal hospitals determined to positively impact pets, people and our communities. From primary care to emergency, urgent and specialty care, VCA delivers world-class medicine and hometown care to more than four million pets each year. We invest in cutting-edge tools, training and technology that enable Associates across our national network of hospitals to lead the industry today and into tomorrow. Among our talented 35,000 Associates are nearly 7,000 veterinarians – including 500 who are board-certified specialists – nearly 4,000 credentialed technicians and over 10,000 veterinary assistants – all dedicated to giving pets the very best in medical care. The future of veterinary medicine is in our hands. Join us.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled.

For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

Join us.