Veterinary Summer Student Patient Care Associate

BluePearl Pet Hospital; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a passionate Summer Student Patient Care Associate to join their team in Pittsburgh. This role offers a unique opportunity for veterinary students to immerse themselves in specialty and emergency medicine while gaining hands-on experience. As a vital part of the team, you'll assist with patient care, perform basic examinations, and communicate effectively with clients. With a commitment to continuous learning and a supportive environment, this position is perfect for those eager to advance their veterinary skills and knowledge. Join a family-like culture that values teamwork and excellence in pet care.

Benefits

Opportunities for growth

Continuous learning with CE allowances

Supportive work environment

Family-like culture

Access to medical journals

Qualifications

• Full-time enrolled student in an AVMA-accredited veterinary program.
• No prior emergency experience required; animal experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist doctors and technicians with patient care.
• Perform basic physical exams and collect vital signs.
• Input patient data and communicate with the team.

Skills

Veterinary terminology knowledge

Patient restraint

Physical examinations

Client communication

Phlebotomy

IV catheter placement

Education

AVMA-accredited DVM/VMD program

Veterinary technician/technologist program

Tools

Fluid pumps

Blood pressure monitors

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Veterinary Summer Student Patient Care Associate

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Veterinary Summer Student Patient Care Associate

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BluePearl Pet Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA is seeking a dedicated Summer Student Patient Care Associate to join their team!

Pay: $17.00 - $35.00 / hour

This pay band is a starting point and is dependent on experience and advancement through our leveling system.

We also offer competitive shift differential pay for eligible hours worked during nights and weekends.

• Shift differentials are based on a 4-hour minimum.

For Example:

• Mon – Fri: 6pm to 8am = $3.50 Shift Differential
• Sat & Sun: 6pm to 8am = $5.00 Shift Differential
• Sat & Sun: 8am to 6pm = $3.50 Shift Differential

The summer student patient care associate is a full-time enrolled student in an AVMA-accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/veterinary medical doctor training program or veterinary technician/technologist/nursing training program. Students will be employed as temporary associates for 8-12 weeks, immersed in specialty and emergency medicine to augment their medical knowledge and technical skills. The role involves assisting doctors, technicians, and advanced patient care associates with all aspects of patient care and client communication.

As a Summer Student Patient Care Associate, You Will:

• Possess knowledge of basic veterinary terminology and abbreviations
• Safely restrain canine and feline patients
• Perform basic physical examinations and collect patient vital signs
• Triaging patients over the phone and in person
• Collect basic histories from clients
• Input patient data into the medical record system, document treatments, and communicate with the team
• Assist clinicians and technicians during exams and diagnostic workups
• Effectively communicate discharge instructions to clients
• Support clinicians and clients through euthanasia procedures
• Participate in basic and advanced life support as directed
• Perform phlebotomy and place IV catheters
• Administer subcutaneous fluids and injections (SQ, IM, IV)
• Operate basic equipment like fluid pumps, blood pressure monitors, and diagnostic tools
• Run in-house diagnostic tests and process slides for cytology
• Obtain diagnostic-quality radiographs with proper techniques and PPE

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

• Urinary catheter placement
• Bandage application
• Endotracheal intubation
• Anesthesia monitoring
• Assisting in advanced procedures such as endoscopy or surgery

Qualifications:

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

Why BluePearl?

• Opportunities for growth and skill advancement through leveling and leadership programs
• Continuous learning with CE allowances, training, and access to medical journals
• Supportive environment with a regional social worker for work-life balance
• Family-like culture emphasizing teamwork and pet care excellence

BluePearl is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the application process. We are an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.