Veterinary Assistant

Overview

The Veterinary Assistant (VA) position will provide support duties associated with the veterinary curriculum laboratories within the clinical skills lab and the student surgery lab of the College of Veterinary Medicine. The VA will assist veterinary nurses, veterinarians and veterinary students with shelter animal care and dog and horse teaching animal care during animal and dry teaching labs. The VA will maintain supplies and inventory, set up and clean up lab items, clean lab areas and cages, and make and repair simulation models.

Cadaver handling, laundry folding, surgical pack assembly/sterilization, admission/discharge of shelter patients and assisting in transport of teaching horses are additional duties.

• Assist veterinary nurses, veterinarians and veterinary students with animal care during labs for shelter animals, dogs and horses.
• Maintain supplies and inventory; set up and clean up lab items; clean lab areas and cages; make and repair simulation models.
• Handle cadavers; perform laundry folding; assemble and sterilize surgical packs; assist in admission/discharge of shelter patients; assist in transport of teaching horses.

• Knowledge normally acquired through a high school education; six months to one year of related work experience in a veterinary practice, maintaining accurate records, typing and basic computer skills; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of animal restraint for blood collection and IV catheter placement.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments, operating room etiquette and operating an autoclave.
• Experience in an educational setting; experience with computer programs such as Word and Excel.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

• Resume
• Professional references

STANDARD 8-5

This is a limited term position funded for two years from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

WWW.CVM.MSU.EDU

The veterinary Assistant will be lifting animal patients onto cages and medical equipment; carrying animals between cages and exam tables and gurneys; pushing carts containing animals and equipment to other units; climbing stairs carrying lab samples; restraining animals; preparing for medical procedures and treatments.

Caring for animals with potential TB and rabies risk; may wear a respirator.

Ends January 13, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.