Veterinary Technician I - Large Animal Hospital

Tufts University; North Grafton (MA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 44,083; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Hospital is seeking a veterinary assistant to provide nursing care to diverse large animal patients, including horses, with support for students and clinicians. The role emphasizes timely, compassionate care across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings.

This 35‑hour, 4‑day week includes after‑hours shift differentials and holiday premiums.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED required.
• At least one year of related experience.
• Large animal and equine handling skills required.
• Computer proficiency and EMR experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs with or without accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality nursing care and treatment to large animal patients as directed by clinicians.
• Assist with daily patient management, admissions, and discharges.
• Support students, residents, and staff during rotations and procedures.
• Restock and clean treatment areas and maintain biosecurity protocols.
• Attend emergency closings and required university holidays.

Skills

Large animal handling

EMR experience

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Vocational/technical training

Associate/Bachelor’s degree (related)

Tools

EMR software

Job description

Overview

The Large Animal Hospital provides high quality medical/surgical care to inpatient, outpatient, and critical emergency large animal cases. Veterinary assistants are experienced with multiple species, including horses, alpacas, goats, sheep, and pigs, and work closely with residents, interns, faculty clinicians, and students to deliver quality, compassionate, and timely care to all patients.

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University offers a wide array of cutting‑edge diagnostics and therapies for large animal patients. Employees are also required to teach and support veterinary students during their rotations. The hospital provides excellent resources, health benefits, and continuing education opportunities.

This position is based on a 35‑hour, 4‑day work week. Compensation above the listed rate may be considered based on education, experience, and credentials. Generous shift differentials ($2–$4 per hour) are offered for hours worked outside normal business hours (Mon‑Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). A substantial holiday premium applies to University‑designated holidays, with a minimum of thirteen holidays observed annually.

What You'll Do

Provide high‑quality nursing care and treatment to all Internal Medicine, General Diagnostics, Surgery, and Sports Medicine Service patients as directed by clinicians, residents, or supervising technicians. Assist other technicians with daily patient management, including inpatient care, technical support for clinicians and students, instruction of student rotations, and routine/emergency admissions and discharges.

• Observe all large animal patients, perform treatments, assure comfort and safety, and administer prescriptions as ordered. Provide guidance to students and interns on catheterizations, venipuncture, preps, restraint techniques, and reflux procedures. Assist with discharge/admission, grooming, leg wraps, and loading/unloading animals.
• Provide emergency and routine technical assistance for all clinic admissions, including setting up the colic cart, catheterizations, abdominocentesis preparations, rectal exams, reflux assistance, and the use of endoscopy, radiology, and monitoring equipment.
• Restock and clean treatment areas (inpatient and outpatient rooms, neonatal ward, isolation). Order supplies from Central Sterile to maintain adequate stock. Maintain cleanliness and order in treatment areas and hospital wards; follow biosecurity protocols and keep isolation stalls organized.
• Perform additional tasks as directed by the supervisor or hospital administration.
• Follow a fixed 4‑day work week schedule (Wed‑Thu‑Fri 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sat 7 a.m.–7 p.m.) with one on‑call shift per week (Thurs 3 p.m.–11 p.m.).
• Attend emergency closings and University holidays as required.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• High School Diploma / GED
• At least one year of related experience
• Large animal and equine handling skills required
• Computer proficiency / Electronic Medical Records
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Vocational or technical training or an associate/bachelor’s degree
• Degree from an accredited veterinary technology, veterinary science, or animal science program
• 2+ years’ experience
• Computer skills and EMR exposure
• Eligible veterinary technician status

Pay Range

Minimum $23.00, Midpoint $27.35, Maximum $31.70. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.