Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health.
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications
Previous animal care in an oncology unit where chemotherapy is used for treatment in a veterinary teaching hospital setting.
Position Summary
The veterinary assistant (VA) in the Oncology Unit plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to oncology patients across all stages of diagnosis and treatment. This position supports the full spectrum of oncology services, including patient care, advanced diagnostics, and administration of chemotherapeutic agents, while maintaining strict adherence to safety and handling protocols.
The VA is responsible for assisting with and performing a wide range of technical duties under direction of LVT and DVM , including the collection of laboratory samples, safe chemotherapy preparation and administration after sufficient training, and support of diagnostic procedures such as CT scans requiring heavy sedation. This role also includes maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment, ensuring proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, and supporting the overall workflow of the oncology service.
In addition, the VA actively participates in the clinical teaching of fourth-year veterinary students and veterinary technician trainees, fostering hands-on learning, technical skill development, and adherence to best practices. The VA also plays a key role in client communication, providing clear, compassionate updates and education to pet owners throughout the course of care.
Success in this position requires strong proficiency in medical calculations, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment. Must demonstrate excellent communication skills, collaborating closely with veterinarians, team members, students, and clients to ensure continuity of care and a positive patient experience. A commitment to patient safety, technical excellence, and compassionate care is essential.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Ability to manage stressful situations.
Phlebotomy on small animals.
Manually calculating basic formulas for weight conversions, medication dose conversions.
Knowledge of small animal anatomy.
Physical Demands
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds assisted.
Working with medical treatments that include chemotherapy drugs.
Sit, stand, stoop, bend, and walk intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
Manual dexterity sufficient to accurately work with small, delicate pieces of equipment or large, heavy objects/containers/machinery.
Wear all protective gear, including mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles, etc.
Work for long periods of time with arms extended.
Work within an environment that has high levels of animal sounds, bodily fluids that need disposal, and open wound management.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?
No
Is this a Position of Trust?
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?
No
Does this position require a P-Card?
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?
Yes
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)
Yes
Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Patient care management and treatments. Collection of blood. Assist with collection of urine by expression, cystocentesis, or catheterization. Assist with collection and preparation of tissue, cellular, or microbiological samples by aspiration, biopsy, impressions, or skin scraping. Submission of laboratory test samples. Client communication via in-person and over the phone, including collecting patient history, reviewing treatment plan, answering questions, and conveying information to doctors and students.
Percentage of time
40
Duties/Responsibilities
Animal restraint during chemotherapy treatment administration. Administration and application of treatments, drugs, fluids, medications, and immunological agents by oral, parenteral, and injectable routes after sufficient training. Monitoring and recovery of patients for diagnostic imaging and/or sample collection. Resuscitative procedures.
Percentage of time
35
Duties/Responsibilities
Entering proper charges for cases, as well as submitting and checking lab work and imaging results through the Hospital computer system. Professionally communicate with doctors, technicians, and students concerning the affected workflow, time limitations, and patient status.Medical record keeping. Reading and understanding patient records.
Percentage of time
25
Contact Information
Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name
Kris Mitchell
Recruitment Contact Email
Krista.Mitchell@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone
(706)542-4459
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents
Job ID: 83644325
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Median Salary
Net Salary per month
$3,519
Median Apartment Rent in City Center
(1-3 Bedroom)
$1,333
-
$2,306
$1,820
Safety Index
50/100
50
Utilities
Basic
(Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage for 915 sq ft apartment)
$85
-
$600
$157
High-Speed Internet
$50
-
$125
$64
Transportation
Gasoline
(1 gallon)
$2.76
Taxi Ride
(1 mile)
$3.75
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