Veterinary Assistant III - Rehabilitation

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

2d • $45,000 - $50,000

About The Position

The Small Animal Rehabilitation Service provides comprehensive rehabilitation and mobility care for patients recovering from surgery or injury, living with neurologic conditions, or affected by chronic musculoskeletal disease. Individualized treatment plans may include therapeutic exercise, gait and mobility training, manual therapies, assistive devices, pain management modalities, and other rehabilitation techniques to improve strength, function, comfort, and quality of life. The rehabilitation team collaborates with other hospital services to support recovery and long-term functional outcomes.

The Veterinary Assistant III provides safe, compassionate patient care and rehabilitation treatments under the direction of the CCRT and established hospital protocols. The role supports patient evaluations, treatment and follow-up, client education, clinical service operations, and accurate medical records. It also involves collaboration with veterinarians, hospital services, clients, students, trainees, interns, residents, and colleagues, including education on rehabilitation techniques and equipment.

The position has no formal supervisory responsibilities. A pre-employment criminal background check is required for new hires. The role is designated as an essential service and requires reporting without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is unavailable. The salary range is $45,000–$50,000. Signing bonus and/or relocation expenses may be available for eligible and successful candidates.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of experience in a veterinary clinical setting, or completion of a veterinary assistant training program plus 1 year of clinical experience.
• Experience working in a veterinary, animal care, or clinical setting.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with rehabilitation therapy.
• Knowledge of or experience with Fear Free/gentle handling techniques.
• Experience mentoring students, trainees, or less experienced staff members.
• Experience with scheduling, documentation, or administrative tasks in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, compassionate patient care and rehabilitation treatments under the direction of the CCRT and established hospital protocols.
• Gather patient histories, assist with evaluations, transport patients safely, monitor patient status, and promptly communicate changes in condition.
• Educate clients on home care plans, coordinate discharges with referring veterinarians, perform follow-up treatments, and document care in the EMR.
• Maintain clean, organized, and stocked rehabilitation facilities, equipment, supplies, and medical records.
• Prepare treatment areas; maintain aquatics equipment and water quality; monitor inventory; and coordinate supply ordering and purchasing as needed.
• Participate in daily workflow meetings, case rounds, educational rounds, and team meetings, communicating scheduling and operational needs.
• Collaborate with veterinarians, hospital services, clients, students, and colleagues to support coordinated patient care.
• Coordinate daily rehabilitation caseloads with other clinical services and facilitate patient visits across departments.
• Educate students, trainees, interns, and residents on rehabilitation techniques, modalities, equipment, and treatment plans while supporting patient recovery needs.
• Complete and maintain accurate rehabilitation patient medical records in accordance with hospital standards and scope of practice.
• Update treatment plans, diagnostic information, follow-up documentation, home care plans, billing, and other required EMR records; use appropriate templates and ensure inpatient and outpatient documentation is complete.
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education and skill development, and comply with hospital policies, safety standards, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support departmental and organizational goals by adapting to operational needs and performing other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Signing bonus and/or relocation expenses may be available for eligible and successful candidates.
• Colorado State University describes its benefits package as robust and highlights a collaborative atmosphere and work-life balance; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED