Surgery Veterinary Technician

Vicar Operating, Inc. dba VCA; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental health

Healthcare

Paid time off

401k plan

Liability insurance

Pet discounts

CE allowance

Job summary

VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our Surgery Department in Downers Grove, IL. The role focuses on surgical and anesthesia procedures, offering growth opportunities and a defined training period before on-call duties begin.

Compensation ranges from $22–$32 per hour, with full-time schedules of four 10-hour weekdays. Benefits include mental health support, comprehensive healthcare, PTO, and educational perks.

Qualifications

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, RVT) or eligible to sit for the VTNE.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeons during procedures by preparing surgical suites and maintaining a sterile environment.
• Monitor anesthesia levels and vital signs during surgeries.
• Provide pre- and post-operative patient assessments and care.
• Maintain accurate records of procedures, anesthesia protocols, and patient vitals.
• Educate clients on post-operative care and home instructions.

Skills

CVT eligibility

Surgical support

Anesthesia monitoring

Team collaboration

Education

CVT certification

Job description

VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our Surgery Department! Compensation: $22-32 / hour. Starting range is determined by skill set and years of experience in the field. Financial growth opportunities available. Schedule: Full-time opportunity, 4 x 10 hour weekday shifts. Upon complete training with the Surgery Service (commonly three months), associates will train to perform on-call surgery duties (Weekdays, weekends, and holidays). Bonuses apply!

Position Overview: As a Veterinary Technician in our Surgery/Anesthesia Service, you will play a crucial role in assisting our Veterinary Surgeons in providing exceptional care to our patients. This position offers an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about surgical and anesthesia procedures and eager to grow their technical skills.

Responsibilities

• As a member of the VCA Surgical team, you will help creating a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our clients and patients.
• The skills that will be utilized include, but are not limited to:
• Planning and Calculations: Complete pre-operative anesthesia planning. Calculate drug dosages and administer pre/induction medications. Calculate and deliver constant rate infusions.
• Surgical Support: Assist veterinary surgeons during procedures by preparing surgical suites, maintaining a sterile environment, and ensuring all necessary equipment is in place.
• Anesthesia Monitoring: Monitor and adjust anesthesia levels during surgeries, ensuring the safety and well-being of the patients (heart rate, respiratory rate, end-tidal/inspired CO2, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, body temperature, basic ECG tracings).
• Pre- and Post-Operative Care: Provide pre-operative patient assessments, IVC, administer medications as directed, intubation, and assist in post-operative recovery and care.
• Instrument Preparation: Ensure all surgical instruments are properly sterilized and ready for use, maintaining a meticulous and organized approach to inventory management.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed records of surgical procedures, anesthesia protocols, and patient vitals.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the surgery and anesthesia teams, communicating effectively to ensure seamless coordination of patient care.
• Client Education: Provide post-operative care instructions to pet owners and address any questions or concerns they may have
• Develop Skills: Perform or be trained in safe practice of locoregional anesthesia technique, arterial catheterization, and CPCR.

Qualifications

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, RVT) or eligible to sit for the VTNE.

Benefits

• Key benefits include:
• Mental Health: Access to the Lyra mental health platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources.
• Full Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options, as well as fertility benefits.
• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave.
• Financial Support: 100% employer-paid short-term and long- Protection: Access to the Better Together Fund for crisis support in qualifying situations.
• Perks: Rabies prophylaxis vaccine and titer testing.
• Education: Continuing Education (CE) allowance for veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, along with access to WOOF University®, which includes RACE-approved courses.
• Latest Tech & Innovation: Opportunities to work with the latest technology and programs that encourage innovation and creativity, such as VCA Next.
• Sponsorships: Penn Foster and VTNE test prep sponsorships, as well as VTNE prep courses.
• Discounts: Discounted Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly certifications, along with VETGirl and VIN subscriptions.
• Freebies: Free NAVTA membership and a free subscription to Plumb’s.
• Programs: Leadership development and mentorship programs.
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with increasing employer contribution.
• Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal to one year’s salary.
• Pet Care Perks: Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs.
• Advisory Services: Student loan advisory services, tools, and resources.
• Legal Resources: Access to legal resources for common legal services.
• Transfer Opportunities: Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities.

Location: 2551 Warrenville Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515

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.

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.