Veterinary Assistant III - Rehabilitation

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Colorado State University in Fort Collins is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support the Small Animal Rehabilitation Service. You will assist with rehabilitation treatments, gather patient histories, transport patients safely, and document care in the EMR.

This role emphasizes teamwork with veterinarians and other hospital services, education of clients, and maintaining organized treatment areas, equipment, and records while ensuring high standards of patient care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of veterinary clinic experience or a veterinary assistant training plus 1 year clinical experience.
• Experience in a veterinary/animal care setting.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, compassionate patient care and rehabilitation treatments under supervision.
• Prepare treatment areas, transport patients, monitor status, and document care.
• Educate clients on home care plans and coordinate discharges.</li>
• Maintain clean, organized facilities, equipment, supplies, and records.
• Participate in meetings and support scheduling and operational needs.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Small Animal Rehabilitation Service provides comprehensive rehabilitation and mobility care for a wide range of patients including those recovering from surgery, injury, neurologic conditions, and chronic musculoskeletal disease. The service uses individualized treatment plans that may include therapeutic exercise, gait and mobility training, manual therapies, assistive devices, pain management modalities, and other rehabilitation techniques to improve strength, function, comfort, and quality of life. The rehabilitation team works collaboratively with other hospital services to support recovery, improve mobility, and help patients achieve the best possible long-term functional outcomes.

At the CSU Veterinary Health System, animals and the people who care for them are at the heart of everything we do. Every decision we make reflects our commitment to those who trust us with their animals’ health. That focus inspires us to deliver expert veterinary services, support veterinary education and training, and advance groundbreaking research.We show up every day with passion, eagerness to collaborate, and a drive to redefine what’s possible. Our deep partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences amplifies our impact, enabling us to boldly innovate and share knowledge widely.

Signing bonus and/or relocation expenses may be available for eligible and successful candidates.

Essential Job Duties:

• Patient Care and Clinical Support: Provide safe, compassionate patient care and rehabilitation treatments under the direction of the CCRT and established hospital protocols. Gather patient histories, assist with evaluations, transport patients safely, monitor patient status, and promptly communicate changes in condition. Educate clients on home care plans, coordinate discharges with referring veterinarians, perform follow-up treatments, and document care in the EMR.
• Service Operations and Organizational Support: Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked rehabilitation facilities, equipment, supplies, and medical records to support efficient operations. Prepare treatment areas, maintain aquatics equipment and water quality, monitor inventory, and coordinate supply ordering and purchasing as needed. Participate in daily workflow meetings, case rounds, educational rounds, and team meetings while communicating scheduling and operational needs.
• Communication, Collaboration, and Teaching: Communicate and collaborate effectively with veterinarians, hospital services, clients, students, and colleagues to support coordinated patient care. Coordinate daily rehabilitation caseloads with other clinical services and facilitate patient visits across departments. Educate students, trainees, interns, and residents on rehabilitation techniques, modalities, equipment, and treatment plans while supporting patient recovery needs.
• Medical Record Management: Complete and maintain accurate medical records for rehabilitation patients in accordance with hospital standards and scope of practice. Update treatment plans, diagnostic information, follow-up documentation, home care plans, billing, and other required EMR records. Ensure appropriate templates are used and all inpatient and outpatient documentation is complete.
• Professional Development and Organizational Contribution: Maintain professional competency through continuing education, skill development, and compliance with hospital policies, safety standards, and quality improvement initiatives. Support departmental and organizational goals by adapting to operational needs and performing other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).
• Essential Services Designation: Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety and welfare.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Supervision:

No formal supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience in a veterinary clinical setting or completion of a veterinary assistant training program plus 1 year of clinical experience.
• Experience working in a veterinary, animal care, or clinical setting.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with rehabilitation therapy.
• Knowledge or experience with Fear Free/gentle handling techniques.
• Experience mentoring students, trainees, or less experienced staff members.
• Experience with scheduling, documentation, or administrative tasks in a clinical setting.

Salary Range

$45,000 - $50,000

Required Application Documents

• Cover Letter, Resume/CV

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, CSU is 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, 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.