Veterinary Technician Assistant, Rehabilitation- AZ- Companion Animal Clinic

Summary

The Veterinary Technician Assistant – Rehabilitation supports the Rehabilitation Service within the Companion Animal Clinic (CAC) by providing patient care assistance, treatment preparation, facility support, client service, and rehabilitation therapy assistance. This position works closely with rehabilitation veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students, and clients to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.

The Veterinary Technician Assistant – Rehabilitation assists with therapeutic exercises, patient mobility support, rehabilitation modalities, equipment and facility maintenance, and client education. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong animal handling skills, attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to patient welfare and education within a veterinary teaching hospital environment.

Veterinary Technician Assistants are placed into a Level I or Level II role based on demonstrated competency, experience, leadership, and teaching proficiency. Advancement reflects increased autonomy, technical proficiency, client communication skills, and contributions to departmental operations and student education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (all levels)

• Assist rehabilitation technicians, veterinarians, and students with patient care and rehabilitation treatments.
• Safely restrain and handle canine and feline rehabilitation patients
• Assist with patient transfers, mobility support, and positioning
• Prepare treatment areas and rehabilitation equipment prior to patient appointments
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain rehabilitation equipment and treatment areas
• Monitor patients during rehabilitation sessions and communicate concerns promptly
• Assist with therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation activities as directed
• Maintain accurate medical record documentation and treatment logs
• Provide professional client service and communication
• Assist with inventory management and supply organization
• Support veterinary students during rehabilitation appointments and procedures
• Follow all hospital safety, infection control, and OSHA standards
• Participates in continuing education and departmental training
• Perform other duties as assigned

Level I – Developing Rehabilitation Technician Assistant

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Provides patient care and rehabilitation support under direct supervision
• Demonstrates safe patient handling, restraint, and mobility assistance techniques
• Assists with therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation modalities as directed
• Maintains treatment areas, equipment, and supplies according to departmental standards
• Accurately documents treatments and patient observations in the medical record
• Provides professional client interactions and reinforces prescribed home care instructions
• Demonstrates developing knowledge of rehabilitation principles, patient safety, and infection control practices.
• Builds foundational teaching and teamwork skills while supporting veterinary students and clinical staff

Level II – Proficient Rehabilitation Technician Assistant

In addition to Core Responsibilities:

• Independently supports rehabilitation appointments and patient treatments with minimal supervision
• Assists with or performs advanced therapeutic exercises, rehabilitation modalities, and mobility support for complex patients.
• Recognizes changes in patient comfort, mobility, and treatment response and communicates findings appropriately.
• Supports client education by reinforcing treatment plans and home exercise programs
• Assists with equipment maintenance, inventory management, and workflow efficiency initiatives
• Serves as a resource for Level I assistants and participates in onboarding and training activities
• Demonstrates strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills within the rehabilitation service.
• Contributes to a positive teaching environment through support of students, faculty, and clinical staff

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but may assist in training and mentoring veterinary students and Level I Rehabilitation Veterinary Technician Assistants.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have regular, predictable, in-person attendance and be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Other Qualifications

• Proficiency in general veterinary assistant skills, patient care, and outpatient clinical procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with clients and students.
• Dedication to team-based care, client service, and patient well-being.
• Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic teaching environment.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

Level I:

• Previous animal handling experience
• Veterinary assistant, small animal, animal care, or rehabilitation experience preferred.

Level II:

• Veterinary Technician Assistant Certification preferred
• Minimum 2-4 years of progressive clinical experience in a veterinary rehabilitation setting.

General Knowledge

• Understand the scope of general practice veterinary services and common small animal conditions.
• Be familiar with breeds and coat colors.
• Follow OSHA standards. Be able to find Material Safety Data Sheets quickly.
• Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations.
• Use proper medical terminology and spelling when speaking and writing.
• Be familiar with infectious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission.  Know the most common zoonotic diseases (infections from animals to humans). 

Computer Skills

Ability to learn veterinary practice information management software. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Physical Demands

Must be able to stand for long periods and lift animals or equipment up to 40 pounds without assistance. Assist in lifting or moving heavier animals with team support.

Animal Allergies Statement

No inhibiting allergies to animals, hay, or dust.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.