Veterinary Assistant III - Rehabilitation

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

21h

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant III supports the Small Animal Rehabilitation Service, which provides individualized rehabilitation and mobility care for patients recovering from surgery, injury, neurologic conditions, or chronic musculoskeletal disease. Treatments may include therapeutic exercise, gait and mobility training, manual therapies, assistive devices, pain-management modalities, and other rehabilitation techniques intended to improve patients’ strength, function, comfort, and quality of life. The rehabilitation team collaborates with other hospital services to support recovery and long-term functional outcomes.

At the CSU Veterinary Health System, the role contributes to expert veterinary services, veterinary education and training, and research in partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The position provides patient care and rehabilitation treatments under the direction of the CCRT and established hospital protocols; supports service operations; collaborates with clients, students, and clinical teams; maintains patient records; and contributes to professional development and organizational goals. There are no formal supervisory responsibilities.

The role is designated as an essential service position 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. A pre-employment criminal background check is required for new hires. Salary range: $45,000–$50,000. A signing bonus and/or relocation expenses may be available for eligible and successful candidates. For full consideration, apply by Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM MT.

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.
• Ability to complete the required pre-employment criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with rehabilitation therapy.
• Knowledge of or experience with Fear Free or 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 records according to 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, adapt to operational needs, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Report without delay or interruption when needed to provide essential or emergency services.

Benefits

• Signing bonus and/or relocation expenses may be available for eligible and successful candidates.
• CSU describes a robust benefits package and a focus on 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