Veterinary Technician I - Large Animal hospital

Overview

At the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, our large animal hospital technicians are experienced in caring for a wide range of species. While horses make up the majority of our caseload, our team also works with alpacas, goats, pigs, and more. Technicians collaborate closely with residents, interns, and faculty clinicians to provide timely, compassionate care to both hospitalized patients and incoming emergencies.

As part of a renowned teaching hospital, our technicians play a dual role: delivering top-tier veterinary care and helping educate the next generation of veterinary professionals. With access to advanced diagnostics and treatments, our staff are supported by over a dozen specialists in Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Sports Medicine. New team members receive hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities for continuing education.

Compensation is competitive and may exceed the listed rate depending on experience, education, and credentials. We also offer generous shift differentials—ranging from $2 to $4 per hour—for hours worked outside of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, premium pay is provided for work on any of the 13+ university-designated holidays. Excellent health benefits and professional development resources are also available.

If you're seeking a new challenge in the large animal veterinary field, we invite you to explore the opportunities available with our team.

This position qualifies for a $2,000 sign on bonus following successful completion of 6 months of employment for newly hired employees.

What You'll Do

A Vet Tech in the Hospital for Large Animals is responsible for providing high quality nursing care and treatment to all Internal Medicine, General Diagnostics and Surgery Service, and Sports Medicine Service patients as directed by clinicians/residents or supervising technicians.

The essential functions of a Vet tech in the Large Animal Hospital will be:

• Overall observation of all large animal patients.
• Perform treatments.
• Assure general comfort and safety of animals and be alert to any unforeseen circumstances.
• Competently administer prescriptions as ordered.
• Provide instruction and assistance to fourth-year students, new hires, and visiting interns (e.g., catheterizations, venipuncture, rough/sterile preps, proper restraint techniques, reflux horses).
• Assist with discharge and admission of patients, grooming, leg wraps, on-loading and off-loading animals.
• Follow protocols as set forth by all departments within the Hospital for Large Animals (HLA) and Foster Hospital for Small Animals (FHSA).
• Provide emergency and routine technical assistance for all clinic admissions.
• Set up colic cart, perform catheterizations, and prepare for abdominocentesis, rectal examination, and reflux.
• Assist with proper restraint techniques.
• Set up and use Endoscopy equipment, Radiology equipment, and various other monitoring and diagnostic devices.
• Restock and clean treatment areas (inpatient and outpatient treatment rooms, neonatal ward, isolation).
• Order supplies from Central Sterile as needed to ensure adequate availability in treatment areas.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in treatment areas and hospital wards.
• Follow Biosecurity protocols.
• Assist in keeping isolation stalls neat and orderly.
• Contribute to the teaching and instruction of Clinical Rotation students and Veterinary Technician students.
• Engage students to ensure they receive a successful and fulfilling education in your department.
• Perform additional tasks as deemed necessary by the Supervisor or Hospital Administration.

This Veterinary Technician position is full time Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11pm-7am & Saturday 7pm-7am. One on-call shift Fridays 3pm-11pm once training is complete.

This position will consider Vet technicians I (entry-level technician) up to VT IV (certified, and highly experienced)

Compensation rate at a minimum will be $23/hr (LevelI) and based on education, experience, and credentials.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Large Animal Handling Skills Required; safely restrain large animals.
• Assess the attitude and responsiveness of horses & farm animals.
• At least one year of related experience in veterinary medicine.
• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Computer proficiency/Electronic Medical Records
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CVT or greater or eligible to sit for VTNE.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and resourcefulness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in relation to co-workers, clinicians, students, staff, and clients.
• Degree from Accredited Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Science Animal Science
• Vocational/Technical training or Associate/Bachelor’s Degree with 2+ years’ experience preferred.
• Computer skills & EMR exposure

Pay Range

Minimum $22.50, Midpoint $26.80, Maximum $31.10

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.