Veterinary Student Patient Care Associate

BluePearl; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in veterinary care is seeking a passionate Summer Student Patient Care Associate. This full-time role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment, focusing on specialty and emergency medicine. Over 8-12 weeks, you will enhance your medical knowledge and technical skills while assisting experienced professionals in various aspects of patient care. Join a supportive team dedicated to remarkable pet care and explore opportunities for skill development and career advancement. If you are eager to learn and make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Benefits

Skill development opportunities

Continuous education access

Supportive work environment

Family-like culture

Qualifications

• Full-time student in an AVMA-accredited veterinary program.
• Available for 8-12 weeks between May and September.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient care and client communication.
• Perform basic physical examinations and collect vital signs.
• Support clinicians during procedures and diagnostics.

Skills

Veterinary terminology

Patient restraint

Physical examinations

Client communication

Basic life support

Phlebotomy

Intravenous catheter placement

Education

DVM/VMD or veterinary technician/technologist/nursing program

Tools

Medical equipment

Diagnostic tests

Job description

BluePearl Pet Hospital in Oklahoma City is seeking a dedicated Summer Student Patient Care Associate!

Are you passionate about animals and eager to learn more about the veterinary health industry? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, team environment? If yes, we would love to hear from you!

The summer student patient care associate is a full-time student enrolled in an AVMA-accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or veterinary technician/technologist/nursing program. This temporary role lasts 8-12 weeks, between May and September, focusing on specialty and emergency medicine to enhance your medical knowledge and technical skills. You will assist doctors, technicians, and advanced patient care associates with all aspects of patient care and client communication.

Responsibilities include:

• Understanding basic veterinary terminology and abbreviations
• Safely restraining canine and feline patients
• Performing basic physical examinations and collecting vital signs
• Triaging patients over the phone and in-person
• Gathering patient histories from clients
• Inputting patient data into medical records and documenting treatments
• Assisting with exams and diagnostic workups
• Communicating discharge instructions effectively
• Supporting clinicians and clients through euthanasia processes
• Participating in basic and advanced life support procedures
• Performing phlebotomy and placing intravenous catheters
• Administering subcutaneous fluids and injections
• Operating basic medical equipment
• Running in-house diagnostic tests and processing cytology slides
• Obtaining diagnostic-quality radiographs with proper techniques

Students with prior veterinary experience or advanced curriculum status may also perform:

• Urinary catheter placement
• Bandage application
• Endotracheal intubation
• Anesthesia monitoring
• Assisting with advanced procedures like endoscopy or surgery

Qualifications:

• Full-time student in an AVMA-accredited DVM/VMD or veterinary technician/technologist/nursing program
• Available for 8-12 weeks between May and September
• No prior emergency or specialty experience required; animal experience preferred

Why choose BluePearl?

• Opportunities for skill development and career advancement through talent programs and leadership workshops
• Access to continuous education, including BluePearl University and extensive medical journals
• Supportive environment with resources like a licensed social worker for well-being
• Family-like culture committed to teamwork and remarkable pet care

BluePearl is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. We maintain a drug-free workplace.