Veterinary Technician I - Emergency and Critical Care -2

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital seeks a Veterinary Technician I to support the Small Animal Critical Care Unit in delivering high-quality emergency and critical care to hospitalized patients.

Reporting to the ICU Supervisor, the role provides advanced monitoring, diagnostic support, and mentorship to students and staff, while prioritizing patient safety and teamwork in a fast-paced, essential-services setting.

Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited veterinary technician program with >1 year of veterinary medicine experience.
• CACVT certification and DORA registration required per Colorado policy.
• Possible substitutions: 2+ years veterinary medicine experience in lieu of formal program.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced emergency and critical care nursing services including triage, stabilization, treatment, monitoring and advocacy for critically ill patients.
• Perform and support complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under clinician direction (catheterization, blood sampling, anesthesia support, ventilation, CPR).
• Monitor high-risk patients and interpret data to adjust management; document and ensure biosecurity compliance.
• Collaborate with clinicians, students, interns, residents, referring veterinarians, and clients to support care planning and continuity.
• Mentor and train students and staff in emergency care, protocols, and best practices; lead workflow prioritization and ICU readiness.

Skills

Emergency & critical care nursing

Advanced patient monitoring

Mentoring students

Team collaboration

Education

Accredited veterinary technician program

CACVT certification (Colorado)

DORA VT/PVT registration

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary: This position supports the efficient operation of the Small Animal Critical Care Unit (ICU) within the Veterinary Teaching Hospital by delivering high-quality emergency and critical care to hospitalized patients. Reporting to the Critical Care Unit Supervisor, the Veterinary Technician I provides advanced patient monitoring, technical support, and assistance with critical procedures while prioritizing workflow efficiency and patient safety. The role also supports CSU’s academic mission by mentoring and training veterinary students, interns, and assistants, and by promoting effective communication and teamwork across the interdisciplinary ICU team. This position is designated as essential and must adhere to all Veterinary Health System policies, safety standards, and infection control practices.

Full Consideration Date

Monday, September 28, 2026, 11:59pm (MT)

Essential Job Duties

Provide advanced emergency and critical care nursing services, including triage, assessment, stabilization, treatment, monitoring, restraint, and advocacy for critically ill and injured patients. Perform and support complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under clinician direction, including advanced catheterization, blood sampling, anesthesia support, mechanical ventilation, CPR, and use of specialty monitoring and life-support equipment. Monitor high-risk and severely compromised patients, identify clinically significant changes, interpret diagnostic data, and recommend adjustments to patient management. Collaborate with clinicians, students, interns, residents, referring veterinarians, and clients to support diagnosis, treatment planning, communication, and continuity of care. Provide clinical leadership and act as a technical resource for technicians, assistants, and students, modeling professional behavior and high-quality nursing care. Teach, mentor, and train students and staff in emergency and critical care procedures, pathophysiology, protocols, and best practices. Prioritize cases, procedures, and daily tasks; ensure accurate documentation, charge entry, and compliance with hospital policies, biosecurity, and controlled substance regulations. Maintain ICU operations by monitoring supplies, equipment, and facility readiness and providing after-hours and emergency admission support.

Supervision

No formal supervisory authority.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires) Essential Services Designation Shift Work On-call Status Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited veterinary technician program with greater than 1 year of experience in veterinary medicine
• SUBSTITUTIONS: Candidates can qualify without graduation from a veterinary technician program if they demonstrate 2+ years of veterinary medicine experience.
• Registered as a Veterinary Technician (VT) or Provisional Veterinary Technician (PVT) through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
• NOTE: VETERINARY PRACTICE ACT – Effective January 1, 2024, anyone wanting to use the titles Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician, RVT, or VT will have to be certified through the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT) AND registered through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Please visit the CACVT website for more information: https://www.cacvt.org/registration-faqs

Preferred Qualifications

• Two+ years of experience in an emergency and/or critical care position.
• Ability to place intravenous catheters, venipuncture skills, computer skills.
• Demonstrated experience providing customer service in a fast-paced environment (e.g.: high traffic, stressful, or rapid problem solving).
• A strong desire to learn and advance medical and technical knowledge base.
• Ability to proactively teach and encourage in a supportive manner.

Salary Range

$44,650 - $47,500

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. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

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. Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.