Summer Student Patient Care Associate

BluePearl Pet Hospital is seeking a dedicated Summer Student Patient Care Associate to join our team for 8-12 weeks between May and September. This temporary role is designed for students enrolled full-time in an AVMA-accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or veterinary technician/technologist/nursing program, offering immersion in specialty and emergency medicine to enhance medical knowledge and technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist doctors, technicians, and advanced patient care associates with all aspects of patient care and client communication.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic veterinary terminology and abbreviations.
• Safely restrain canine and feline patients.
• Perform basic physical examinations to collect patient vital signs.
• Triage patients over the phone and in-person.
• Collect basic history from clients.
• Input patient data into the medical record system and document treatments, adjustments, and communications.
• Assist clinicians and technicians through the exam and diagnostic workup process.
• Effectively communicate discharge instructions to clients.
• Support clinicians and clients through the euthanasia process.
• Participate in basic and advanced life support as directed by the clinician.
• Perform phlebotomy and place intravenous catheters.
• Accurately perform basic medical math.
• Administer subcutaneous fluids and SQ, IM, or IV injections.
• Operate basic equipment including fluid pumps, syringe pumps, SpO₂ monitors, ETCO₂ monitors, and indirect blood pressure monitors (Doppler and oscillometric).
• Run basic in-house diagnostic tests including CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis, coagulation profiles, blood gases, and process slides for cytologic interpretation.
• Obtain diagnostic-quality radiographs using proper techniques and personal protective equipment.
• Students with prior veterinary medical experience or in advanced stages of their curriculum may also:
  • Place indwelling urinary catheters.
  • Apply bandages.
  • Perform endotracheal intubation.
  • Monitor anesthesia.
  • Assist clinicians in advanced procedures such as endoscopy or surgical assist.

Requirements

• Must be a full-time student enrolled in an AVMA-accredited DVM/VMD or veterinary technician/technologist/nursing program.
• Must be available for a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks during May–September.
• No prior emergency or specialty medicine experience is required, though animal experience is preferred.

Benefits

• Skill-based leveling system with opportunities for advancement as you gain experience.
• Leadership development through talent programs and workshops.
• Career advancement opportunities within Mars Veterinary Health.
• Annual continuing education allowance and free continuing education sessions.
• Access to BluePearl University for training and over 2,000 medical journals for clinicians.
• Support from a regional licensed social worker to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Collaborative, family-like culture focused on teamwork and remarkable pet care.