Veterinary Assistant - Float Pool

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 31,918 - 35,156; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

University of Minnesota is seeking a veterinary assistant to support hospital patient care, perform diagnostic support tasks, and help maintain facility cleanliness. The role involves variable days/hours and a mix of clinical and clerical duties.

Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma and may have a year of veterinary assistant experience, with strong problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and PC software proficiency. Pay is hourly with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: One year of post-high-school experience or education in veterinary assisting, including animal restraint, veterinary terminology, veterinary anatomy, patient first aid, and medication administration.

Responsibilities

• Assist with medical treatments of hospital patients, including feeding, grooming, nail trims, and ear cleaning.
• Restrain patients for procedures.
• Receive appointments and take histories.
• Set up for procedures, including surgery suites and specialty procedures.
• Transport samples to the lab and assist with patient admissions and discharges.
• Maintain hospital service areas and inventory of supplies.

Skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Veterinary terminology

Flexibility

PC software proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

PC & related software

Job description

About the Job

Days/Hours - variable.

This position is responsible for care of patients as prescribed, performing diagnostic tests, updating owners with the status of care, maintaining facilities according to veterinary clinic cleanliness standards, ordering or stocking feed and supplies, keeping accurate records, and assisting with the training of veterinary technical students. The specific duties and work schedule will vary based on current needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with medical treatments of hospital patients, including feeding (oral and tube), grooming, nail trims, anal gland expression, and ear cleaning.
• Restrain patients for procedures.
• Receive appointments and take histories.
• Receive treatment room appointments.
• Set up for procedures, including surgery suites, endoscopy, ultrasound, MI special procedures, ICU procedures, and specialty procedures.
• Transport samples to the lab (regular and diagnostic).
• Answer phones and set up appointments.
• Enter schedule template and miscellaneous paperwork.
• Enter charges into the computer, census, and databases.
• Administer oral medications and perform vital sign checks.
• Shave for surgical/medical procedures.
• Collect voided urine samples.
• Transport animals to and from service areas.
• Maintain hospital service areas, wards, kennels, and public areas according to cleanliness standards.
• Clean and repackage instruments and equipment.
• Assist with patient admissions and discharges, explaining general services to clients.
• Prepare and transport patients to and from visits, providing general patient updates to clients and contacting DVM and/or student when needed.
• Maintain inventory of supplies, forms, and medical items.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications: One year of post‑high‑school experience or education in veterinary assisting, including animal restraint, veterinary terminology, veterinary anatomy, patient first aid, and medication administration.

Problem‑solving skills, strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of veterinary medicine terminology, knowledge of proper restraint and handling of small animals. Understanding and working within the clinical scope of the position, flexibility to meet patient care needs, and proficiency with PC and related software.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23.17–$25.52/hr; depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment Category: 75%–100% appointment (If the job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment).

Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor‑Represented Staff.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.