Veterinary Assistant - Candidate Pool

Veterinary Assistant (Full-time or Part-time)

Highland Pet Hospital and the Animal Emergency Clinic – Bloomington, IL

This is a permanent posting to allow for building a candidate pool. This allows candidates to express interest even outside of times that we are actively hiring. 

Starting rate of $15.50/hour for those with less than 2 years of veterinary experience, $17/hour for those with 2+ years of veterinary experience

The job at a glance:

At Highland and the Emergency Clinic, Veterinary Assistants (VAs) are the front line of patient care and client service. They gather patient histories, handle animals, answer phones, support the medical team, and educate pet owners. From the exam room to the surgery suite, VAs are vital to hospital operations.

This role is fast-paced, active, hands-on, and essential. You will be expected to learn quickly, communicate clearly, and step up when things get busy. Teamwork is everything here.

You’ll report to Lead Vet Assistants, Certified Vet Techs, Managers, and (of course) Veterinarians.

What We’re Looking for:

Mindset & Education

• High school diploma (or equivalent)
• Follow directions and take initiative
• Communicate clearly in person and in writing
• Stay cool under pressure
• Embrace feedback and growth
• Be on time. Be dependable. We all feel it when someone isn’t.

Physical Ability

• Lift up to 40lbs without help
• Be on your feet on hard floors for long stretches
• Type accurately and use basic software
• Work in loud, busy environments (dogs bark - a lot)
• Prioritize safety at all times

With great power, comes great Job Responsibilities:

The Basics: 

Reception and Administrative Duties

All VA’s get cross-trained in reception as this is a great way to strengthen client relationships and get a big picture view of all the pieces that make the hospital run. 

• Greet clients and pets with professionalism and warmth
• Answer phones, respond to emails, schedule appointments, and handle basic medical questions
• Keep clients updated on wait times
• Maintain accurate, detailed records

Exam Rooms

This is where every VA starts, regardless of prior experience. You’ll support doctors in both wellness and same-day sick visits.

• Take some vitals and a temp(yes, this is rectally - so grab a buddy to help if the pet is particularly wiggly)
• Collect samples as needed (ear swabs, urine, etc) 
• Safely restrain pets using low-stress techniques
• Get a detailed history from the owner and assist with updating the medical record throughout the appointment
• Fill prescriptions accurately and efficiently

Radiology

• Assist with restraint and positioning for x-rays
• Follow all PPE and safety protocols

Housekeeping & Cleanliness

• Everyone cleans—no exceptions
• Laundry, trash, dishes, cages, litterboxes
• Keep exam rooms, treatment areas, and supply stations stocked and tidy
• Cleaning ear cones and cleaning the cleaners (can we say clean one more time?)

Safety

• Follow all OSHA, hospital, and biohazard protocols
• No food or drinks in treatment or surgery areas(way too many things can fly around a vet clinic; you do not want this seasoning your lunch)

Schedule

• Highland: Must be available 3-5 days/week from 8:00am to 5:30pm (full days only, no half days offered)
• Animal Emergency Clinic: Must be available evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays
• Once further in training, every VA will have at least one early shift (7:00am start time) or late shift (6:00pm end time)
• On-call availability is a plus for Highland, a requirement for the Emergency Clinic

Areas for Growth:

We don’t hand out stethoscopes on day one. But if you show up, show heart, and put in the work, you’ll move forward.

Pre-CVT Program: In tech school? We’ll help you exceed your requirements and build real-world clinical skills.

VA Career Ladder: Not pursuing certification but want to grow? This track expands your responsibilities and unlocks advancement.

• Advanced Nursing Assistant

• Walk, feed, medicate, and monitor patients
• Document vitals and behavioral changes
• Support treatment plans and provide restraint for procedures

• Surgery and Anesthetic Assistant

• Prep sterile packs and instruments
• Manage autoclave use and equipment care
• Assist with anesthesia monitoring and recovery
• Be a steady hand for the surgical team

• Customer Service Specialist

• Provide exceptional customer service, phone triage, and patient flow coordination 

• Outpatient Operations Assistant (Highland Only)

• This position is for experienced VAs who:
• Manage hospital workflow like an air traffic controller
• Perform tech-level tasks like vaccine boosters or blood draws
• Mentor and train incoming VAs

• Diagnostic Assistant (Animal Emergency Clinic Only)

• Running diagnostics on a variety of machine
• Ability to effectively troubleshoot and ensure proper record keeping

• Dual Clinic Training (Optional)

• Cross-train at the Animal Emergency Clinic for additional exposure and growth
• Ideal for those considering vet school or high-pressure emergency work

What We Can Do for You:

Full-time

• Health insurance– we pay 70% of the premium!
• Dental and vision insurance
• Identity Theft Protection 
• 401k eligibility and company match after one year and 500 hours worked
• Uniform allowance
• Pet Benefits! Discounts on products and services for up to 5 pets
• Paid time off 

Part-time

• 401k eligibility and company match after one year and 500 hours worked
• Uniform allowance
• Pet Benefits! Discounts on products and services for up to 2 pets
• Paid time off