Veterinary Technician - Emergency Room, 3rd shift

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 35,900,000 - 44,634,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Tuition benefits

Health insurance

Retirement plans

PSLF opportunity

Job summary

University of Minnesota's Veterinary Medical Center seeks an entry-level Licensed Veterinary Technician to support the Small Animal Emergency Room. Under a DVM, you deliver high-quality veterinary technical care across wellness, diagnostics, treatment, and client education in a fast-paced academic clinical setting.

The role focuses on direct patient care, clinical support, teaching, and collaboration with faculty, students, and staff.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program or equivalent education.
• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT or equivalent) in good standing, or eligible within 12 months of hire.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Professionalism, reliability, and ethical conduct.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and document patient histories, vital signs, and assessment information.
• Triage ER arrivals and participate in CPR and Recover Initiative labs.
• Place and maintain IV catheters; administer medications, fluids, and transfusions.
• Perform nursing care including wound care, catheter management, and monitoring.
• Assist with radiography, sedation, and recovery monitoring; assist ICU/wards when possible.
• Educate clients regarding medications, treatment plans, vaccines, and post-care.

Skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Time-management

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Team collaboration

Vet terminology

Computer skills

Animal handling

Education

AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program

Credentialed Veterinary Technician eligible within 12 months

Job description

About the Job

Under the direction of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, this position contributes to the health and well-being of patients by delivering outstanding, high-quality veterinary technician services that meet the standards of the Board of Veterinary Medicine as well as VMC standards and protocols. This role supports the Small Animal Emergency Room by providing comprehensive veterinary technical support across wellness, diagnostics, treatment, and client education in a fast-paced academic clinical environment. This role also supports student, resident, intern, and staff education, clinical research activities, and efficient hospital operations while maintaining high standards of patient care and customer service. This is an entry level Licensed Veterinary Technician position.

Work Schedule: Wednesday to Saturday 10pm-830am (4 10-hour days). Consecutive Saturdays and overtime are conditions of this work. On call shift required (approximately 15 eight-hour shifts per year) 2-3 holiday shifts per Fiscal Year are required

Primary Responsibilities:

80% Direct Patient Care, Technical Support, Teaching

* Obtain and document patient histories, vital signs, and physical assessment information. * Triage arrivals for ER * Participate in CPR and Recover Initiative skills labs * Collect and process diagnostic samples including blood, urine, and other specimens for laboratory testing. * Place and maintain intravenous catheters, nasoesophageal tubes,and administer medications, fluids, blood transfusions and treatments as prescribed. * Perform nursing care including, and not limited to,wound care, catheter management,nebulization, oxygen delivery, maintain various types of drains,and monitoring patient trends. * Assist with sedation, and recovery monitoring utilizing appropriate monitoring equipment, techniques and documentation. * Perform radiographic positioning and image acquisition according to hospital protocols. * Prepare patients and equipment for procedures. * Assist in ICU and Wards when caseload allows * Utilize Fear Free handling techniques and appropriate restraint methods to promote patient safety and well-being. * Seek assistance when patient needs, workload demands, or clinical situations exceed individual knowledge, skill level, or capacity. * Accept feedback, guidance, and assistance from colleagues in a professional and collaborative manner. * Ask for help when needed and willingly provide assistance to others to support patient care and team success.

20% Clinical/ client communication & ER business needs

* Collaborate and promote constructive relationships with faculty, technicians, students, interns, residents, and hospital staff to coordinate patient care. * Demonstrate professionalism, respect, inclusivity, and accountability in all interactions with clients, students, colleagues, and patients. * Contribute to a culture of teamwork, psychological safety, and mutual respect. * Utilize established communication tools and TeamSTEPPS principles to promote effective information sharing and teamwork. * Answer telephone calls and respond to inquiries in a timely and professional manner. * Be the coworker you want to work with by fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. * Accurate capture of charges in computer software system according to established policies * Record detailed patient care notes within medical record * Attend and participate in team meetings * Maintain a clean, organized and stocked work area * Stay current on updated policies/SOPs * Participate in annual required training (i.e. Annual Health and Safety Training.) * Inventory and ordering of supplies with an understanding of financial implications * Educate clients regarding medications, treatment plans, vaccine recommendations, and post-procedure care.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) veterinary technology program or equivalent education.
• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, RVT, or equivalent recognized in Minnesota) in good standing, or eligible to obtain credentialing within 12 months of hire.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and ethical conduct.
• Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology and clinical veterinary practices.
• Ability to safely restrain and handle small animals.
• Proficiency with computer software, medical records, and common business applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced veterinary teaching hospital environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with electronic medical records and hospital information systems.
• Ability to support multiple clinical service areas and adapt to changing patient care priorities.
• Exhibits a teaching mentality and positive attitude.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
• Experience training, mentoring, or supporting the development of students, new employees, or colleagues.
• Demonstrated adaptability, flexibility, and ability to manage competing priorities.

About the Department

The Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) has served the community for more than a century. The Veterinary Medical Center is one of the nation's busiest veterinary hospitals, treating more than 35,000 companion and 4,000 large animal cases annually. A world-renowned clinic with state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive, cutting-edge services, the Veterinary Medical Center is the state's premier provider of top quality veterinary care. With access to the University of Minnesota's care network, the Veterinary Medical Center focuses on enhancing the human-animal bond while providing access to outstanding patient care.

The Veterinary Medical Center is comprised of the Lewis Small Animal Hospital for dogs, cats, and other companion animals, the Piper Clinic at the Leatherdale Equine Center, for horses, the Large Animal Hospital, which treats equine and farm animals, and occasionally, zoo animals, and the West Metro Equine Practice, located in Long Lake, MN.

To learn more about the Veterinary Medical Center click here.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $26.11 to $32.40; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

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
• Healthcare 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.