Horton Animal Hospital Discovery in Columbia, Missouri is a growing 24 hour emergency hospital with general practice during regular business hours.  We are looking for fulltime Veterinary Assistant.  Full time schedules are typically made up of 3 to 4 12-hour shifts per week (average 40-42 hours per week). Our management team of two hospital managers and two DVM chiefs of staff are dedicated to making this hospital a place where our staff feels respected, valued, and supported.

Veterinary Assistant 

A Veterinary Assistant is one of the first individuals involved with the client and patient care. Responsibilities during patient visits including but not limited to: taking clear and concise histories, checking vitals, filling prescriptions, assisting with diagnostics and assisting with final discharge. Veterinary assistants play a critical role in the care of hospitalized patients in numerous ways, including assisting with patient restraint, diagnostic imaging and processing lab work, administration of medications and treatments, appropriate documentation, and maintaining the wellbeing of patients during hospitalization. VAs will assist in surgical instrument maintenance and surgical laundry cleanliness and sterilization. With experience and  training a VA may provide assistance in surgery, triage and provide stabilization of emergencies, contribute to face-to-face and over the phone communication with clients. A VA is expected to demonstrate appropriate medical documentation  and may assist in ensuring charges are kept up to date and accurately reflect the treatment plan per the patient’s hospitalization sheets. A VA should become familiar with typical hospital SOPs regarding isolation, zoonotic diseases, fractious animals, and controlled drugs. VAs are knowledgeable about their field and willing to assist in client education, appropriately relay information between the client and doctor about the treatment recommendations and the importance of procedures and protocols. The veterinary assistant role is an entry level (depending on previous experience and knowledge)  to intermediate positions with high potential for growth, education, and provides a direct track to more advanced veterinary technician positions. Experience in veterinary medicine or animal care fields are preferred for this position, but candidates without experience who show significant potential and client communication skills will be considered. 

    Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Client interaction, taking verbal histories, and TPRs in the exam room.

Hospital & patient hygiene and maintenance

Filling prescriptions

Diagnostic imaging assistance 

Diagnostic lab work procedures
    Hospital and surgical patient intake & discharge

Assisting in surgical instrument & laundry maintenance and sterilization

Patient restraint for medical procedures, radiology, etc. 

Familiar with typical veterinary hospital’s SOP

Venipuncture- obtaining blood samples for diagnostic tests and placing intravenous catheters

Medical documentation and billing

With training and experience, monitoring anesthesia and helping in the surgical suite

Treat all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance. 

Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital’s ethical principles and standards of practice.

Regular attendance and reliability are an essential function in order to fulfill the requirements of this position
Comfortable working on your feet for the majority of your 8-12 hour shifts
Physically able to lift up to 50 lb unassisted 

Strong communication and client service skills are a must. Often considerable tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner.

Salary is competitive and benefits are excellent, including health, dental and vision insurance for employees and family, 401(k) with match, paid holidays, employee assistance program (EAP), CE allowance and paid CE time, paid vacation and sick leave and more.