Emergency Veterinary Technician

VCA Animal Hospitals; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CE allowance

NAVTA membership

Free CE through WoofU

401(k) with company match

Pet care discounts

Job summary

VCA Aurora Animal Hospital is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our Day Shift ER Team in Aurora, IL. The role focuses on emergency and critical care, with responsibilities across triage, ICU monitoring, diagnostics, and client communication.

We offer a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment with opportunities for growth, CE resources, and comprehensive benefits. Ideal candidates are CVT/LVT/RVT or VTNE eligible and eager to expand ER skills.

Qualifications

• CVT, LVT, or RVT, or eligible to sit for VTNE
• Strong technical skills and ability to work in a fast-paced emergency setting
• Ability to stay organized and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team

Responsibilities

• Triage and initial patient assessment in emergency cases
• Venipuncture and IV catheter placement
• Administer medications, fluids, and treatments as directed
• Monitor ICU and hospitalized patients; report changes
• Assist with emergency exams, procedures, and surgeries
• Support blood transfusion and oxygen therapy
• Operate diagnostic imaging equipment and collect radiographs
• Perform in-house lab work (CBC, chemistry, iSTAT, urinalysis)
• Maintain accurate medical records and treatment estimates

Education

CVT/LVT/RVT or VTNE eligible

Job description

VCA Aurora Animal Hospital is growing our Emergency and Critical Care Service and seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our Day Shift ER Team!

Schedule: Full-time Day/1st shift, 3 x 12-hour shifts with rotating weekends and limited holidays.

Compensation: $22 - 35/hr and is based on license, experience, and skill set.

Why Join VCA Aurora Animal Hospital?

You’ll work alongside experienced emergency DVMs, specialists, CVTs, and VAs while caring for complex and rewarding cases.

Our hospital offers a true specialty and emergency environment, with Emergency & Critical Care, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging, Dermatology, and Anesthesiology all under one roof. This creates opportunities for collaboration across departments, exposure to advanced cases, and continued clinical growth.

Our Emergency & Critical Care team manages complex patients requiring advanced monitoring and treatment, including trauma, respiratory and neurologic emergencies, transfusion therapy, oxygen therapy, continuous ECG and telemetry monitoring, and other critical care needs.

If you’re looking to expand your ER and critical care skills while working alongside specialists across multiple disciplines, VCA Aurora offers an environment built for continued learning and growth.

What You'll Do

You’ll play an important role in providing timely, high quality care to emergency and hospitalized patients. Your responsibilities may include:

• Patient Triage: Perform patient triage and initial assessments.
• Venipuncture and IVC Placement: Place IVCs and perform venipuncture.
• Medication Administration: Safely administer medications, fluids, and treatments as directed by veterinarians.
• ICU Care: Monitor hospitalized and critical patients, recognize changes in clinical condition, and communicate concerns to the veterinary team.
• Emergency Procedures: Assist veterinarians with exams, treatments, procedures, and emergency surgeries.
• Blood Transfusion Therapy: Assist with blood collection, administration, and monitoring for transfusion reactions.
• Oxygen Therapy: Provide flow by oxygen, nasal cannula oxygen, and oxygen cage therapy.
• Diagnostic Imaging: Operate diagnostic imaging equipment and obtain radiographs and other diagnostic images.
• Laboratory Diagnostics: Run in house diagnostics including CBC, chemistry, NOVA, iSTAT, and urinalysis.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with technicians, assistants, veterinarians, and hospital leadership to provide exceptional patient care.
• Client Education: Provide clear discharge instructions and educate clients on their pet's ongoing care.
• Medical Records: Maintain accurate patient records and assist with treatment estimates.

What We're Looking For

• CVT, LVT, or RVT, or eligible to sit for the VTNE
• Strong technical skills and a passion for emergency and critical care
• Ability to remain organized and work effectively in a fast paced environment
• ER or specialty experience preferredStrong GP experience will also be considered for candidates looking to transition into ER

At VCA Aurora, we believe investing in our technicians strengthens both our team and the care we provide to our patients. You’ll have access to:

• CE allowance
• NAVTA membership
• Free Continuing Education through WoofU
• Leadership opportunities and career development programs
• In hospital Social Worker
• Free mental wellness resources, including Headspace and Lyra Health sessions
• Opportunities to participate in shelter partnerships and VCA Charities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with corporate match
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holiday pay
• Pet care discounts of up to 100%
• Referral bonuses
• Associate discounts on cell phone carriers, car rentals, entertainment, and more
• Associate led equity, inclusion, and diversity groups
• And much more!

If you're an experienced CVT looking to take the next step in your career, or a strong GP technician ready to grow into Emergency and Critical Care, we'd love to hear from you.

VCA Aurora Animal Hospital

2600 W. Galena Blvd.

Aurora, IL 60506

If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

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!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com