Veterinary Assistant - Emergency & Critical Care

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

Veterinary Assistant - Emergency & Critical Care

Job Profile Title

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A

Job Description Summary

Be part of our fast-paced Emergency & Critical Care team! You'll support patient care by organizing and stocking treatment areas, assisting with restraint, walking patients, running lab work, and assisting nurses with treatments under direct supervision. We offer a $1,000 sign-on bonus, generous shift differentials (up to 30% extra), and the chance to work in a world-class Level One Trauma Facility alongside veterinary specialists, students, and a supportive team.

Job Description

A Day (or Night!) in the Life at Ryan Hospital

It's 8 : 45 PM and you're heading into Ryan Hospital, ready for another shift with our Emergency & Critical Care team. The night is quiet-for now-but you know that in a Level One Trauma Facility, that can change in an instant.

First stop : room checks. You make sure each area is organized, clean, and fully stocked so the team can work efficiently. Heparinized saline syringes? Ready for 24 hours. IV catheter kits? Prepped. Oxygen setups? Standing by.

The nurse on duty gives you your first priorities : help walk a stable patient, run a blood sample, and get the recovery area ready for a post-op bite wound patient.

A call comes in : an emergency patient is en route. The team springs into action. You set up for IV catheter placement, gather fluids, and ensure the crash cart is ready. During the arrest situation, you stay calm, stand back, and await direction-ready to assist with anything from handing over supplies to updating patient charts.

Between emergencies, you help with hands-on patient care under direct supervision :

• Performing TPRs and BP checks
• Setting up O₂ and fluids
• Assisting with recoveries from anesthesia
• Monitoring blood transfusions
• Walking stable patients in designated areas

You also handle supportive duties that keep the hospital running smoothly-pharmacy and lab runs, restocking, and organizing the dog and cat treatment rooms.

The night moves quickly. You've helped stabilize patients, assisted in recoveries, and made sure every patient was comfortable and cared for. As you hand off to the morning crew, you leave knowing your work made a difference for your coworkers and patients.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A

Veterinary Nurse Assistant B

Your Schedule & Perks

15% extra for hours worked between 8 PM-8 AM (weeknights)

Why Ryan Hospital?

At Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital, veterinary assistants are valued members of a compassionate, highly skilled team. You'll work in a fast-paced, teaching hospital environment alongside board-certified specialists, nurses, and veterinary students-learning every day while making a real difference for patients and clients. This is more than a job-it's a chance to grow, contribute, and be part of a team where every role matters .

Ready to join us? Apply today or contact Amy Shields, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at shieldsa@upenn.edu with your questions.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$15.63 - $19.00 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

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