Certified Vet Assistant

Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) - Job Description

Reports To: Licensed Veterinary Technician / Veterinarian/ Hospital Manager

Position Summary

The Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) provides skilled support to veterinarians and technicians in patient care, diagnostics, and client service. This role requires successful completion of a certified veterinary assistant program and demonstrates competency beyond an entry-level assistant, while still working under the supervision of a licensed technician or veterinarian.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• • All Tech Assistant duties.
• • Safely restrain and handle patients during exams and procedures.
• • Collect blood, urine, and fecal samples for diagnostics.
• • Run in-house lab tests (CBC, chemistries, urinalysis, SNAP tests).
• • Place IV catheters and administer fluids under supervision.
• • Assist with radiographs using proper safety protocols.
• • Prepare and maintain surgical packs and assist in sterile procedure setup.
• • Provide nursing care for hospitalized patients (feeding, treatments, monitoring).
• • Dispense medications as directed by a veterinarian.
• • Communicate clearly with clients about basic home care and follow-up instructions.
• • Mentor Tech Assistants and support training of new staff.

Qualifications

• • High school diploma or equivalent.
• • Completion of an approved Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) program.
• • Strong animal handling and clinical skills.
• • Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• • Veterinary hospital experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• • Ability to lift 50 lbs unassisted.
• • Standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods.
• • Handling animals in stressful or emergent situations.

Work Environment

• • Exposure to animal waste, blood, medications, and cleaning agents.
• • Noise from animals and hospital equipment.
• • Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility.

Core Competencies

• • Patient care and safety.
• • Technical proficiency.
• • Teamwork and dependability.
• • Attention to detail.
• • Professionalism and client service orientation.

Part time 15-30 hrs

Full time 30-40 hrs

Mon-Fri 730-6

Saturday 8-2 rotating

Lilley Veterinary Medical Center

Pay 16-18 dependent on experience