Veterinary Assistant I - Emergency and Critical Care

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a clinical support specialist to assist in the Cardiology service, handling patient care, exam prep, and coordination of procedures.

You will contribute to teaching and support for students, residents, and staff while helping maintain smooth patient flow and accurate medical documentation in EMR systems.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED with 1 year caring for animals or related clinical duties
• Ability to observe, assess, and respond to changes in patient status; communicate concerns promptly
• Willingness to work shift work including nights, weekends and holidays

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care to Critical Care Service patients under supervision
• Assist with examinations, procedures, and drug calculations
• Observe and triage patients and communicate concerns to senior staff
• Assist professional veterinary students, interns, residents, and staff during clinical rounds
• Maintain accurate medical documentation and billing in EMR systems
• Clean, stock, and manage clinical areas and equipment

Skills

Patient care

Clinical support

Observational assessment

Documentation

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary:

This position provides clinical and patient care support within the Cardiology service, assisting with outpatient appointments, diagnostic procedures, and overall workflow coordination. Responsibilities include patient handling and restraint, preparation for exams and procedures, basic monitoring, cleaning and stocking of clinical areas, and support for faculty, house officers, technicians, and students. The role also contributes to teaching and supporting student learning in the clinical setting and assists with administrative tasks related to appointment coordination and patient flow. They play a key role in maintaining efficient case flow, supporting high-quality patient care, and ensuring the service can meet increasing caseload demands.

Full Consideration Date : Friday, October 23, 2026, 11:59pm (MT). Open until filled.

Essential Job Duties :

• Provide direct patient care to Critical Care Service patients under the direction of senior nurses and clinicians, including treatments, monitoring, venipuncture, IV catheter placement, CPR assistance, and accurate drug calculations.
• Observe, assess, and recognize changes in patient status; properly triage patients and communicate concerns promptly to senior nurses or clinicians.
• Perform nursing care and treatments for stable small animals, including those suspected or confirmed to have communicable infectious diseases, while following established protocols.
• Properly restrain patients to ensure safety of patients, self, and others, and demonstrate caring and compassionate behavior at all times.
• Support the instructional mission by assisting professional veterinary students, interns, residents, faculty, and staff with clinical techniques, protocols, procedures, and participation in shift change case rounds.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical documentation and billing, including electronic medical records, treatment and observation sheets, clinicians’ orders, controlled drug forms, and patient discharge preparation.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and functionality of service areas by cleaning and disinfecting rooms, maintaining equipment, monitoring drug and supply expiration dates, stocking supplies, and submitting work orders as needed.

Conditions of Employmen t:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Essential Services Designation: Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety and welfare.
• Shift Work - including overnights, weekends and holidays.
• On-call Status - as needed.
• Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - and infectious diseases.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Supervision:

No formal supervisory authority.

Minimum Qualifications:

• HS Diploma or GED plus one (1) year of experience caring for animals or providing animal handling duties OR HS Diploma or GED and a combination of related education and/or experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to one (1) year.

Salary Range

$44,650 - $47,500

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.