Veterinary Technologist - Comparative Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 44,628 - 71,340; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey campus, invites applications for a Veterinary Technologist in the College of Medicine. The role supports faculty veterinarians and residents, observes animals, administers treatments, and assists with anesthesia, imaging, and research procedures.

The position requires an associate degree with relevant experience and may include weekend/evening work. AALAS certification within 1 year of hire is expected, with CVT/RLATg preferred and continued education

Qualifications

• Associate degree with 6+ years relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Observe animals and report signs of pain, distress, abnormalities, sickness or injury.
• Administer treatments to animals as directed by veterinarians.
• Perform specialized duties including research procedures, data collection, anesthesia delivery and monitoring.
• Assist with animal restraint, sample collection and related treatments.
• Coordinate training of staff and students in humane animal care and SOPs.
• Support imaging procedures (MRI/ultrasound) following SOPs and assist with OR setup.

Skills

Observational skills

Animal health care

Anesthesia administration

Record keeping

Training staff

Laboratory animal handling

Education

Associate Degree

Job description

Position Specifics

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Comparative Medicine, in Hershey, PA is seeking a Veterinary Technologist. This position supports faculty veterinarians and veterinary residents in providing animal health care and professional services supporting the research mission of the College of Medicine. Observe animals and report signs of pain and distress, abnormalities, sickness or injury using independent judgment in assessing need for veterinary intervention. Administer treatments to animals at the direction of the veterinarian. Performs a variety of specialized and complex duties including research procedures, data collection, deliver and monitor anesthesia, assist with preparation of laboratory animals for surgery. Assist with animal restraint, treatments, sample collections, etc.., including medical treatments, uses independent judgment in assessing the need for veterinary intervention. Under the direction of the Director of Training, coordinates and provides hands‑on training to research staff, animal care staff and students. Demonstrates and trains others in basic experimental procedures, aseptic technique, monitoring of animals under anesthesia, restraint of animals, use of equipment, etc. Assist with set‑up and tear‑down of training classes, order supplies, and prepare instruments and equipment for sessions. Contributes to the maintenance of animal program compliance with federal regulations. Anesthetize, prepare and monitor animals undergoing specialized imaging procedures such as MRI or ultrasound imaging following standardized SOPs. At the direction of veterinary or research staff support research projects by performing standardized experimental manipulations such as oral gavage, drug administration, sample collection, and data collection. Assist with maintaining an inventory of drugs and supplies including ordering, auditing stock to ensure drugs and materials are in date, and filling requests for drugs and supplies. Assist other staff with preparation of the OR, washing and assembly of surgical instrument packs, testing and maintenance of anesthesia and other equipment. Assist veterinary staff with herd health maintenance such as vaccinations, anthelmintic treatments, hoof trimming and other procedures. The individual will be required to keep accurate records of time and effort, and cost of materials, drugs and other supplies used in carrying out their duties for the purposes of charging back for their services and preparation of an annual cost analysis.

This position has potential for weekend/evening work.

AALAS certification required within 1 year of hire.

Certification as a veterinary or laboratory animal technologist (CVT, RLATg) with 7 years relevant experience is preferred. Requires maintenance of continuing education credits to maintain licensure or certification.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Senior Professional: Associate Degree, 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.
• Advanced Professional: Associate Degree, 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

Background Checks/Clearances

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $71,340.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO is the law

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.