Veterinary Assistant - Emergency and Critical Care

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit. You will work under veterinarians and veterinary technicians to provide patient care and support across clinical areas, including post-surgical and critical care patients.

You will assist with basic patient care, monitoring, restraints, sample handling, and documentation while collaborating with a team of students, interns, residents

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Knowledge of general care and handling of companion animals.
• Working knowledge of infection control protocols and hospital standards.
• Knowledge of medical and veterinary terminology.
• Ability to operate hospital information systems and monitoring equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic patient care under supervision.
• Assist team with post-surgical, critical care, and isolation patients.
• Monitor patient status and report abnormalities.
• Restrain patients using appropriate techniques.
• Transport patients between clinical areas and assist with treatments.
• Document treatments and charges in medical records.

Skills

Companion animal care

Infection control

Medical terminology

Hospital information systems

Vital signs monitoring

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

HIS (Hospital Information System)

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Emergency and Critical Care

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the Veterinary Assistant is responsible for providing patient care and service support in a courteous and professional manner for the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and may be asked to support other areas of the hospital based on operational need.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide basic patient care in a professional and courteous manner under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Work as a team with veterinary technicians, students, interns, residents, and faculty to provide care for patients which may include, but is not limited to, post-surgical, chronic conditions, and isolation, which may include methicillin resistant organisms and zoonotic diseases.
• Provide food, water, and exercise as directed by either written hospital orders or given verbally by veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Use problem solving skills to assist with patient care in emergent and non-emergent situations.
• Directly monitor patient status, under veterinary supervision, including those hospitalized and recovering from anesthesia.
• Recognize and report physical abnormalities such as, but not limited to, respiratory difficulty and distress, change in mentation, abnormal physical exam findings, and signs of shock.
• Recognize and report pulmonary or cardiopulmonary arrest.
• Restrain patients using appropriate restraint techniques.
• Facilitate patient transport between clinical areas.
• Provide support to veterinary technicians using basic monitoring equipment such as indirect blood pressure (doppler and oscillometric), electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse oximetry, and continuous temperature monitoring.
• Complete and review patient monitoring and treatments as directed on the patient’s care plan, such as a patient care flow sheet or patient record. Report abnormal findings when something is not within the set call parameters.
• Report issues and assist veterinary technicians with the set up and maintenance of indwelling urinary catheters, Jackson‑Pratt grenade style drains, intravenous catheters, feeding tubes, nasal oxygen, nebulization, fluid and syringe pumps.
• Assist veterinary technicians with the set up of IV fluids, continuous rate infusions (CRI’s) and other medications as directed by the veterinarian.
• Provide support to veterinary technicians in set-up and administration of enteral feedings through nasogastric (NG), nasoesophageal (NE), esophagostromy (E‑tube), gastrostomy (G‑tube), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), or jejunostomy (J‑tube), as directed by the veterinarian.
• Assist with set up for patient treatments and procedures under the direct or written orders of the veterinarian.

Facilities Maintenance

• Maintain the cleanliness of animal and work areas, instruments and equipment based on set infection control protocols and hospital standards, as well as complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning assignments.
• Stock and maintain clinical supplies and maintain inventory records.
• Assist with documenting and troubleshooting issues with equipment.
• Maintain patient logs.

Clinical Service and Facilities Support

• Record treatments, procedures, supplies and thorough notes on the patient’s medical record.
• Record and enter charges.
• Serve as a backup to the front desk: answer phones, register patients into HIS, and collect payments.
• Perform electronic submission of samples to clinical pathology and the diagnostic laboratory.
• Facilitate processing of laboratory samples such as venous and arterial blood gases, packed cell volume (PCV)/total solids (TS), blood glucose (BG), lactate, ketostick, etc.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Persons allergic to animal dander, dust, pollen, hay, etc. may experience discomfort in this position. Work involving animals with various disease states may expose the individual to viral, bacterial, and fungal agents known to be transmissible to man. Exposure to chemicals and anesthetic waste gases may be potentially hazardous if mishandled or misused. An environment of stress may be anticipated and the person in this position must be capable of reliably functioning in such an area. The amount of physical exertion will vary with assignments. For example, the position may be engaged in lifting a 40lb. dog on and off an examination table. The handling of any animal presents some element of risk or injury. Some strength and considerable caution are required when working with animals during diagnostic or surgical procedures. An ability to work in the presence of animal waste and fluids. To some degree, unpleasantness may be experienced under such conditions. This position entails operating equipment, administering medications, and restraining animals of various species for examination. Exposure to anesthetic agents may present a potential hazard. Syringes, needles, and medications are potentially dangerous and must be used with care.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of general care and handling of companion species of animals (dogs, cats, birds, exotics).
• Working knowledge of infection control protocols and hospital standards.
• Working knowledge of medical and veterinary terminology.
• Knowledge of operating computers and hospital information systems.
• Skill in the operation of surgical, laboratory, and diagnostic equipment.
• Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures, and equipment.
• Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients and report to veterinary staff.
• Able to operate on the clinical floor and anticipate needs and directions of staff and students regarding patients and methods of care.
• Able to observe, record, compile, and assimilate date.
• Able to explain terminology used in veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge related to the care and handling of anesthetic waste gas and federal regulations and university and hospital policies regarding the use and handling of controlled substances will be taught.
• Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details, and work calmly and professionally under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Courteous and polite.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4079 - Veterinary Assistant position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $19.35 per hour. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 8, 2026. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jacob Bough at [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

Requisition ID: 1038869
Job Category: Technical