Emergency Veterinary Technician

Pet Services of Washington, P.S.; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CE allowance

NAVTA membership

Free CE via WoofU

Leadership opportunities

Job summary

VCA Aurora Animal Hospital is expanding our Emergency & Critical Care service and seeks a Certified Veterinary Technician to join the Day Shift ER Team in Aurora, IL. Schedule: 3 x 12-hour days with rotating weekends and limited holidays.

Compensation ranges from $22–$35 per hour, plus a $4,000 sign-on bonus for eligible new hires. You’ll collaborate with DVMs, specialists, and CVTs in a true emergency environment, handling trauma, respiratory and neurologic emergencies, transfusions, and

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Perform patient triage and initial assessments.
• Place IVCs and perform venipuncture.
• Safely administer medications, fluids, and treatments as directed by veterinarians.
• Monitor hospitalized and critical patients; communicate concerns to the team.
• Assist veterinarians with exams, treatments, procedures, and emergency surgeries.
• Assist with blood collection, administration, and monitoring for transfusion reactions.
• Provide oxygen therapy as needed.
• Operate diagnostic imaging equipment and obtain radiographs.

Skills

Triage and critical care

Venipuncture

IVC placement

Medication administration

Emergency/critical care

Team collaboration

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. A $4,000 sign-on bonus is available to eligible new hires. Terms and conditions apply.

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:

• 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 preferred
• Strong 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!

Join Our Team

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

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 (f