Pre-Licensed Veterinary Technician - Small Animal Emergency

The Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) is seeking a Pre-Licensed Veterinary Technician to join our team while actively pursuing an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology degree. Working under the supervision of experienced Licensed Veterinary Technicians and veterinarians, this role provides hands-on clinical support in a fast-paced teaching hospital environment. Responsibilities include assisting with patient care, laboratory procedures, clinical preparation, client service, and maintaining organized, efficient clinical spaces. This position offers a valuable opportunity to develop practical veterinary nursing skills while contributing to exceptional patient care and advancing toward veterinary technician licensure.

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Assist with patient care activities, including physical exams, low-stress handling and restraint, medication administration, and patient transport.

• Support diagnostic and treatment procedures through laboratory sample collection, processing, and clinical area preparation.

• Provide excellent client service by assisting with appointments, consultations, and patient discharges.

• Maintain organized clinical operations through stocking supplies, sanitizing workspaces, and completing basic electronic medical record (ezyVet) tasks.

Employees working in the hospital must receive the pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis vaccination series prior to or immediately after hire, which will be paid for by the department.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma with six months of basic animal handling experience. 

• Accepted and enrolled in an AVMA accredited associates’ degree in veterinary technology distant learning program.   The preferred program is SUNY Delhi with consideration to other programs, such as Penn Foster.   

• Must successfully obtain Veterinary Technology degree within three years with consistent enrollment.  

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to follow instructions, complete assigned tasks independently, and seek clarification when needed.

• Working knowledge of basic veterinary medicine concepts, including vaccinations, laboratory testing, common diseases, medical terminology, and animal behavior.

• Ability to learn and effectively use electronic medical record systems, including ezyVet.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to receive, apply, and respond positively to feedback.

• Ability to stand, kneel, lift, and safely restrain animals weighing more than 50 pounds.

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other shifts as needed under the supervision of a veterinarian or Licensed Veterinary Technician.

Important Details about the Position

• This is an onsite position located in Ithaca, NY.

• We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for this position.

While the regular business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the specific schedule may change to meet the needs of the business, requiring employees to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and University holidays and scheduled breaks.

The Following Documents are Required to be Submitted with your Application

• Resume

• Cover Letter

What We Offer:

Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• 3 weeks of paid vacation

• 13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays to be used at your discretion

• An award-winning employer provided benefits program

  • Comprehensive health care options

  • Access to wellness programs

  • Employee discounts with local and national retail brands

  • Generous retirement contributions

  • Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program

• Follow this link for more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits

Employees are expected to meet all of the Cornell University Staff Skills for Success, which are essential for individual and organizational success. 

Questions?

Gabriel Gonzalez - [email protected]

University Job Title:

Pre-Licensed Veterinary Technician

Job Family:

Health

Level:

B

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$23.40 - $24.28

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Gabriel Gonzalez

Contact Email:

[email protected]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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2026-08-21