Veterinary Summer Student Patient Care Associate

Overview

Blue Pearl Pet Hospital in Levittown, PA is seeking a dedicated Summer Student Patient Care Associate to join their team!

We are looking for students enrolled full-time in an AVMA-accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) training program or veterinary technician/technologist/nursing training program. The position is a temporary role for 8–12 weeks, between May and September, designed to immerse students in specialty and emergency medicine to augment their existing knowledge and skills. The summer student patient care associate will assist doctors, technicians, and advanced patient care associates with all aspects of patient care and client communication.

• Possess knowledge of basic veterinary terminology and abbreviations
• Able to appropriately and safely restrain canine and feline patients
• Able to perform a basic physical examination to collect patient vital signs
• Triage patients over the phone and in person
• Collect a basic history from a client
• Input patient data into the medical record system; document treatments administered, treatment adjustments per the attending doctor, and communication with the doctor, client, or primary care veterinarian
• Assist clinicians and technicians through the exam and diagnostic workup process
• Communicate discharge instructions to clients
• Support clinicians and clients through the euthanasia process
• Participate in the delivery of basic and advanced life support as directed by the clinician
• Perform phlebotomy
• Place intravenous catheter
• Accurately perform basic medical math
• Administer subcutaneous fluids
• Administer SQ, IM, or IV injections
• Operate basic equipment including fluid pumps, syringe pumps, SpO2 monitor, ETCO2 monitor, 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 be able to complete additional responsibilities:

• Placement of the indwelling urinary catheter
• Bandage application
• Endotracheal intubation
• Anesthesia monitoring
• Assist clinicians in advanced procedures such as endoscopy or surgical assist

• 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; however, animal experience is preferred

• We encourage growth with leadership development and opportunities to advance within Mars Veterinary Health
• We offer ongoing continuing education, training resources, and access to medical journals
• Supportive resources, including guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative, family-like culture focused on remarkable care for pets

Blue Pearl is committed to a diverse work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We provide reasonable accommodation during the application process upon request. We are a Drug-Free Workplace.