Large Animal Veterinary Technician

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Large Animal Veterinary Technician

Job Profile Title

Veterinary Technician A

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center is seeking new team members to join our large animal veterinary hospital. Our large animal veterinary nurses play a vital role in the patient care team, provide exceptional care for equine patients as well as a variety of other farm animal species. We offer both inpatient and outpatient services in a busy, fast-paced environment where excellent patient care is our top priority. We welcome applicants of all experience levels and provide an extensive training program for new staff.

Job Description

Please note that this position is located in Kennett Square, PA (Chester County), which is approximately 33 miles outside of Philadelphia. There is no public transportation to this location. You must have your own transportation.

As a valued member of our team, you will work collaboratively with the patient care team to provide high-quality nursing care for equine and other large animal patients. Assist with daily clinical operations to ensure efficient and effective patient care. Participate in the instruction and mentoring of veterinary and veterinary nursing students during their clinical rotations in the Nursing Department.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional nursing care to hospitalized, outpatient, and emergency patients. Collaborate with the patient care team to prioritize and organize tasks to ensure effective and efficient nursing care. Perform general husbandry duties as needed.
• Perform technical procedures including IV catheter placement, venipuncture, medication administration, patient feedings (including tube feedings), nasogastric tube placement, and other specialized skills.
• Monitor and manage patients on intravenous fluids, pain management plans, and postoperative care. Assess and support critically ill adult and neonatal patients, providing comprehensive and informed recommendations to the patient care team. Manage isolation cases in compliance with all biosecurity protocols.
• Provide hands-on instruction to veterinary students and Harcum College students, completing comprehensive evaluations at the end of each rotation.
• Document patient care accurately in the electronic medical record, ensuring all charges are completed and records are up to date.
• Participate in patient rounds before and after each shift, ensuring clear communication and continuity of care by sharing all relevant patient information.
• Assisting with research projects as assigned.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

This position is eligible for a one-time sign-on incentive of $1,000. Please contact Sally Tunstall at [email protected] for further details.

Qualifications

Veterinary Technician A

Must be enrolled in an accredited Veterinary Technician program with the goal of working in large animal nursing after graduation, or have a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Animal Science, or Equine Studies with a strong interest in applying to vet school. Large animal experience preferred, but not required. 0-1 years of experience is required.

Veterinary Technician B

Must be a credentialed veterinary technician or eligible to sit for the VTNE within 3 months of hire. (CVT, LVT, RVT, or equivalent). 1-2 years of experience in a veterinary hospital or general practice. Able to perform basic technical / nursing skills independently. Ability to teach basic technical skills.

Veterinary Technician C

Must be a credentialed veterinary technician (CVT, LVT, RVT, or equivalent). 3-5 years of experience in an emergency hospital setting. Advanced technical and critical care skills required. Responsible for training and mentoring students.

Veterinary Technician D

Must be a credentialed veterinary technician (CVT, LVT, RVT, or equivalent). 5-7 years of experience in an emergency hospital setting, Advanced technical / teaching skills required to play a key role in supporting the veterinary student curriculum and organizing student learning. Providing individualized learning for veterinary and nursing students.

All candidates must have good organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively. Must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Horse handling skills are preferred but not required. Must be able to work well with others. Ability to perform strenuous work and tolerate exposure to weather, chemicals, and allergens required. Rotating weekends and holidays required.

Job Location - City, State

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$17.86 - $24.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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