Large Animal Veterinary Technician

University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
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The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Large Animal Veterinary Technician
Job Profile Title
Veterinary Technician B
Job Description Summary
Job Description
Join the Penn Vet New Bolton Center Nursing Team
Please Note: This position is located at New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania (Chester County), approximately 33 miles west of Philadelphia. Public transportation is not available to this location, and reliable personal transportation is required.
New Bolton Center, the large animal hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, is seeking compassionate and motivated Veterinary Technicians to join our nursing team. Working alongside board-certified specialists, residents, interns, veterinary students, and fellow technicians, you'll provide exceptional nursing care to equine and other large animal patients in one of the nation's premier veterinary teaching hospitals.
Our technicians play an essential role in patient care while helping educate the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary nurses. Every day offers the opportunity to care for a diverse caseload ranging from routine medical patients to complex emergency, critical care, neonatal, and surgical cases.
What You'll Do
As a Veterinary Technician, you will provide comprehensive nursing care while supporting the daily clinical operations of New Bolton Center, including:
Delivering exceptional nursing care to hospitalized, outpatient, emergency, and critical care equine and large animal patients
Collaborating with veterinarians and the patient care team to prioritize treatments and ensure efficient, high-quality patient care
Performing advanced technical procedures including IV catheter placement, venipuncture, medication administration, nasogastric tube placement, tube feedings, fluid therapy management, and other specialized nursing procedures
Monitoring anesthesia recovery, pain management, intravenous fluid therapy, and postoperative patients
Assessing critically ill adult and neonatal patients and communicating changes in patient status to the veterinary team
Managing isolation patients while following all hospital biosecurity and infection control protocols
Performing daily husbandry and patient care activities as needed
Documenting treatments, nursing observations, medical records, and hospital charges accurately within the electronic medical record
Participating in patient rounds to promote excellent communication and continuity of care
Assisting with clinical research projects as assigned
Supporting a collaborative, patient-focused hospital environment
Teaching & Mentorship
As part of an academic teaching hospital, our technicians are integral to veterinary education by:
Providing hands-on instruction to University of Pennsylvania veterinary students and Harcum College veterinary nursing students during clinical rotations
Demonstrating nursing procedures and best practices in large animal medicine
Evaluating student performance and providing constructive feedback throughout clinical rotations
Serving as a mentor and role model while promoting a collaborative learning environment
What We're Looking For
Successful candidates are organized, adaptable, and passionate about providing outstanding patient care. They thrive in a collaborative hospital environment and enjoy both clinical nursing and teaching future veterinary professionals.
Candidates should possess:
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to prioritize multiple patients and responsibilities in a fast-paced hospital
A collaborative, team-oriented mindset
Horse handling experience preferred, but not required
Credentialing Requirements by Level
Veterinary Technician Level A
Enrolled in an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program with the goal of working in large animal nursing after graduation OR
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Animal Science, or Equine Studies with a strong interest in veterinary medicine
Large animal experience preferred but not required
0–1 years of experience
Veterinary Technician Level B
Current CVT, LVT, or RVT
1–2 years of veterinary hospital or general practice experience
Able to independently perform core nursing skills
Ability to teach basic technical skills
Veterinary Technician Level C
Current CVT, LVT, or RVT
3–5 years of emergency or specialty hospital experience
Advanced technical and critical care nursing skills
Experience mentoring students and junior technicians
Veterinary Technician Level D
Current CVT, LVT, or RVT
5–7 years of advanced emergency or specialty nursing experience
Demonstrated leadership in teaching, mentoring, and supporting veterinary student education
Advanced technical and clinical decision-making skills
Schedule
Full-time position; 9 pm - 7:30 am Tuesday - Friday with rotating weekends; 30% shift differential applies for all overnight hours.
Rotating weekends and holidays required
Compensation & Benefits
We are hiring at all technician levels for this opportunity. Compensation is commensurate with experience, credentials, skills, and level placement.
Eligible for a $1,000 sign-on incentive
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, tuition assistance, paid time off, and University of Pennsylvania employee benefits
For additional information regarding the sign-on incentive, please contact Amy Shields at ashields@vet.upenn.edu.
Physical Requirements
Ability to safely handle horses and other large animal patients (training provided as needed)
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform physically demanding work throughout the shift
Ability to lift, push, pull, and move equipment and a