Veterinary Assistant III - Rehabilitation

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Small Animal Rehabilitation Service provides comprehensive rehabilitation and mobility care for a wide range of patients, including post-surgical and chronic conditions. The team develops individualized treatment plans using therapeutic exercise, gait training, manual therapies, assistive devices, and pain management to improve strength, function, and quality of life.

You will assist with patient care under supervision, educate clients on home care, maintain clean

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, compassionate patient care and rehabilitation treatments under the direction of the CCRT and established hospital protocols.
• Educate clients on home care plans, coordinate discharges with referring veterinarians, perform follow-up treatments, and document care in the EMR.
• Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked rehabilitation facilities, equipment, supplies, and medical records to support efficient operations.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with veterinarians, hospital services, clients, students, trainees, interns, and residents to support coordinated patient care.
• Complete and maintain accurate medical records for rehabilitation patients in accordance with hospital standards and scope of practice.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Veterinary assistant training program

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.

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

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.

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.