Veterinary Assistant I - Emergency and Critical Care

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking a clinical support role in the Cardiology service to assist with outpatient appointments, diagnostic procedures, and workflow coordination. Responsibilities include patient handling and restraint, exam preparation, basic monitoring, cleaning and stocking, and supporting faculty, technicians, and students.

The position supports teaching and clinical learning, maintains accurate medical documentation, and helps ensure efficient case flow and high-quality

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED plus one year of animal care experience or related education/experience
• Ability to assist with clinical tasks and patient care under supervision
• Accurate medical documentation and billing responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care to Critical Care Service patients under supervision, including treatments, monitoring, venipuncture, IV placement, CPR assistance, and drug calculations
• Observe and triage patient status and communicate concerns promptly
• Properly restrain animals/patients to ensure safety
• Assist students, residents and staff with clinical techniques and procedures
• Maintain EMR documentation and prepare patient discharge materials
• Keep clinical areas clean, stocked, and organized, manage supplies and equipment

Skills

Patient handling

Restraint

Exam preparation

Monitoring

Documentation

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

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 Employment

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.

Eligibility / Authorization

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.

Company Values and Culture

CSU is committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you need assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the VHS HR staff at [e-mail].

Salary

Salary Range $44,650 - $47,500

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, CSU conducts 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. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

Other Information

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