Large Animal Veterinary Technician

Large Animal Veterinary Technician

New Bolton Center, the large animal hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, is seeking compassionate and motivated Veterinary Technicians to join our nursing team. Working alongside board-certified specialists, residents, interns, veterinary students, and fellow technicians, you'll provide exceptional nursing care to equine and other large animal patients in one of the nation's premier veterinary teaching hospitals.

Our technicians play an essential role in patient care while helping educate the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary nurses. Every day offers the opportunity to care for a diverse caseload ranging from routine medical patients to complex emergency, critical care, neonatal, and surgical cases.

As a Veterinary Technician, you will provide comprehensive nursing care while supporting the daily clinical operations of New Bolton Center, including:

• Delivering exceptional nursing care to hospitalized, outpatient, emergency, and critical care equine and large animal patients
• Collaborating with veterinarians and the patient care team to prioritize treatments and ensure efficient, high-quality patient care
• Performing advanced technical procedures including IV catheter placement, venipuncture, medication administration, nasogastric tube placement, tube feedings, fluid therapy management, and other specialized nursing procedures
• Monitoring anesthesia recovery, pain management, intravenous fluid therapy, and postoperative patients
• Assessing critically ill adult and neonatal patients and communicating changes in patient status to the veterinary team
• Managing isolation patients while following all hospital biosecurity and infection control protocols
• Performing daily husbandry and patient care activities as needed
• Documenting treatments, nursing observations, medical records, and hospital charges accurately within the electronic medical record
• Participating in patient rounds to promote excellent communication and continuity of care
• Assisting with clinical research projects as assigned
• Supporting a collaborative, patient-focused hospital environment

As part of an academic teaching hospital, our technicians are integral to veterinary education by:

• Providing hands-on instruction to University of Pennsylvania veterinary students and Harcum College veterinary nursing students during clinical rotations
• Demonstrating nursing procedures and best practices in large animal medicine
• Evaluating student performance and providing constructive feedback throughout clinical rotations
• Serving as a mentor and role model while promoting a collaborative learning environment

What We're Looking For

• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple patients and responsibilities in a fast-paced hospital
• A collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Horse handling experience preferred, but not required

Credentialing Requirements by Level

Veterinary Technician Level A

• Enrolled in an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program with the goal of working in large animal nursing after graduation OR
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Animal Science, or Equine Studies with a strong interest in veterinary medicine
• Large animal experience preferred but not required
• 0–1 years of experience

Veterinary Technician Level B

• Current CVT, LVT, or RVT
• 1–2 years of veterinary hospital or general practice experience
• Able to independently perform core nursing skills
• Ability to teach basic technical skills

Veterinary Technician Level C

• Current CVT, LVT, or RVT
• 3–5 years of emergency or specialty hospital experience
• Advanced technical and critical care nursing skills
• Experience mentoring students and junior technicians

Veterinary Technician Level D

• Current CVT, LVT, or RVT
• 5–7 years of advanced emergency or specialty nursing experience
• Demonstrated leadership in teaching, mentoring, and supporting veterinary student education
• Advanced technical and clinical decision-making skills

Schedule

• Full-time position; 9 pm - 7:30 am Tuesday - Friday with rotating weekends; 30% shift differential applies for all overnight hours.
• Rotating weekends and holidays required

Compensation & Benefits

• Eligible for a $1,000 sign-on incentive
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, tuition assistance, paid time off, and University of Pennsylvania employee benefits

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely handle horses and other large animal patients (training provided as needed)
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform physically demanding work throughout the shift
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move equipment and assist with patient handling
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to tolerate exposure to animals, hay, bedding, dust, chemicals, and other common environmental allergens

Join Penn Vet New Bolton Center

If you're passionate about large animal medicine, enjoy working alongside nationally recognized specialists, and want to help shape the future of veterinary medicine through outstanding patient care and education, we'd love to hear from you. Join Penn Vet's New Bolton Center and become part of a team committed to clinical excellence, innovation, and teaching.

Job Location - City, State

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$19.81 - $33.00 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.