Veterinary Technician: Ward Patient Care

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

UW Veterinary Care (UWVC), Wisconsin’s only veterinary teaching hospital, is hiring a Certified Veterinary Technician to provide skilled nursing care and monitor hospitalized patients across the Emergency Room, Critical Care Unit, Intermediate Care Ward, and Night Ward. The role is part of a collaborative veterinary healthcare team and supports patient care during both day and overnight hours. The position is posted at Veterinary Technician levels 1, 2, and 3, with level and pay based on qualifications and experience.

The appointment is expected to be 90–100% FTE (36–40 hours per week). The anticipated schedule is Monday and Friday from 3:00 PM to 12:30 AM, and Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 12:30 AM. Additional shifts in hospital wards may be scheduled according to operational needs; schedules will be finalized and communicated at least two weeks in advance. Participation in the hospital’s on-call rotation is required as needed.

The starting rate is $21.00 per hour, negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Night shifts receive an additional $3.00 per hour and weekends an additional $1.80 per hour. The position is eligible for a hiring bonus equal to 3% of base pay, prorated to FTE and paid during the first year of employment.

Requirements

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) certification is required.
• High school diploma is required.
• At least 1 year of clinical veterinary technician experience is required.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds independently and maintain the physical dexterity required for fast-paced emergency procedures.
• For Level 1: entry-level CVT graduate with minimal experience.
• For Level 2: generally more than 2 years of veterinary technician experience; specialization may substitute for years of experience.
• For Level 3: Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), or highly qualified and specialized in a specific area; prior experience at another university hospital may qualify.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree preferred.
• 3–4 years of professional experience handling animals in a veterinary clinic setting.
• Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) certification or pursuit of this certification.

Responsibilities

• Monitor animal health status and records, notify veterinarians when status changes, and ensure care plans are completed and documented in medical records.
• Assist with complex animal care procedures and related activities.
• Track supply inventory and place replenishment orders.
• Maintain and update records related to medical procedures and billing.
• Complete routine laboratory tests and collect specimens according to medical orders and care plans.
• Document and disseminate results to appropriate entities.
• Serve as a point of contact for animal owners and stakeholders by providing information and answering questions.
• Prepare, complete, and document basic technical animal care procedures, assessments, and medication administration according to established care plans and medical necessity.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance through the UW–Madison employee benefits program.
• Vacation, sick time, and personal holidays.
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).
• Annual shoe allowance and hospital-provided uniform apparel.
• Financial support for continuing education and pursuit of Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS in ECC) certification.
• $3.00 per hour night-shift incentive and $1.80 per hour weekend incentive.
• Hiring bonus equal to 3% of base pay, prorated to FTE and paid over the first year of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree