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Compounding Assistant Jobs in Altoona, IA (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Technician - Anesthesia

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Expansive In-house pharmacy as well as several compounding pharmacies in area * Hospitals are open ... to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems. * Administers emergency first ...

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Compounding Assistant information

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$14

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$22

How much do compounding assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for compounding assistant in Altoona, IA is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compounding assistant?

Compounding Assistants are pharmacy support staff who help pharmacists prepare customized medications for patients. Their duties often include measuring, mixing, and labeling ingredients under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. They ensure that compounded medications meet quality and safety standards, and may also assist with inventory management and equipment cleaning. Compounding Assistants play a vital role in delivering personalized medicine, especially for patients who require non-standard dosages or formulations.

What does a compounding assistant do?

Compounding Assistants are responsible for preparing and measuring ingredients for customized medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. Their daily tasks often include weighing and mixing compounds, labeling containers, maintaining a clean work environment, and managing inventory of raw materials. By handling these preparatory steps, they help pharmacists focus on verifying prescriptions and ensuring patient safety. Compounding Assistants also assist with documentation and may collaborate closely with pharmacy technicians and pharmacists to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a compounding assistant?

To thrive as a Compounding Assistant, you need a solid understanding of pharmaceutical principles, precise measurement skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring pharmacy technician certification. Familiarity with compounding equipment, safety protocols, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate medication preparation, safety compliance, and efficient support of pharmacists in providing tailored patient care.

What is the difference between Compounding Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician?

AspectCompounding AssistantPharmacy Technician
CertificationsOften requires compounding-specific training, but not always certifiedTypically requires state certification or registration
Work EnvironmentCompounding labs, pharmacies, healthcare facilitiesRetail or hospital pharmacies, healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing compounded medications, assisting pharmacistsDispensing medications, managing inventory, customer service

While both roles support pharmacy operations, a Compounding Assistant focuses on preparing customized medications, whereas a Pharmacy Technician handles broader pharmacy tasks. The roles often overlap in work environment and required certifications, but their primary responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities near Altoona, IA are hiring for Compounding Assistant jobs?

Cities near Altoona, IA with the most Compounding Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Compounding Assistant job openings in Altoona, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,270 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Veterinary Technician - Anesthesia

NVA

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description


Do you love animals and their people and have a passion for their well-being?
Are you looking for a fun and empowering work environment?
Starch Pet Hospital and University West Pet Clinic are seeking a Veterinary technician like you to join our fast-paced 9 doctor practice. Come grow with us where you will use all of the skills and abilities your education and experience have provided you in an engaging work environment with a great client base. We are committed to providing excellent healthcare to pets and their pet family members. We have great benefits and an amazing and supportive team.
Starch Pet Hospital and University West Pet Clinics are two well-established full service veterinary hospitals in the Des Moines metro area. Starch Pet Hospital was originally founded in the late 1940's and moved to a new 4500 sq. ft. building in 1996. University West is a 4500-sq. ft. hospital that was established in 1976. Both hospitals were extensively remodeled in 2025.
  • Both hospitals are full service hospitals with 8 exam rooms, dedicated dual Dental and surgery suites, large well equipped treatment areas, as well as grooming areas.
  • Fully equipped in house laboratory with IDEXX chemistry, blood analyzers and a Sedivue
  • Digital Radiology
  • Image Value DR30 - Acquire an image in less than 5 seconds with superior diagnostic image quality.
  • Ultrasound
  • Dental services: Dental exams, Dental Radiographs, cleaning, polishing and extraction
  • Midmark Vetpro 1000 Dental Suite
  • Midmark Vetpro DC Digital Dental Radiograph
  • Cardell Touch Anesthetic Monitor Units
  • Expansive In-house pharmacy as well as several compounding pharmacies in area
  • Hospitals are open from M-F 7:30-6:00 and Saturday 8:00-12:00
  • Full Time includes a 4 day work week with a Saturday rotation. (Approximately 1 Saturday per month)

Job Responsibilities Include:
  • Support veterinarians to ensure quality veterinary care, advocate for pets, and educate clients
  • Assists the veterinarian during an examination of animals, providing restraint as needed in order to work safely and effectively.
  • Prepares and administers medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments, as prescribed by the veterinarian.
  • Performs routine dental cleanings on animals under the direction of the veterinarian.
  • Administers anesthesia to animals under the direction of the veterinarian and monitors animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
  • Obtains radiographs of animals with knowledge of proper positioning and techniques.
  • Obtain relevant health history and information from clients and maintain medical charts
  • Performs laboratory tests on blood, urine, and feces, such as urinalyses and blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
  • Administers emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life-saving procedures.
  • Collects, prepares, and labels samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
  • Provides the veterinarian with the correct equipment and instruments, as needed.
  • Fills prescriptions, measures medications, and labels containers.
  • Prepares animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas and placing IV catheters.
  • Maintains clean examination rooms and treatment areas.
  • Works collaboratively with veterinarians to ensure that all animals are being cared for properly and moving through the system efficiently.

Full-Time Benefits include:
• Employee Discounts
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Other Ancillary Benefits
• Uniform Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• 401 K with company match
• CE Benefits
• Student Loan Refinancing Benefits
• Discount on Cell Phone Plans through Verizon and AT&T
• Veterinary Technician Penn Foster Sponsorship Program
National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.
At NVA, we're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.
At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what to expect when interacting with us:
• We'll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
• We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication
• All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
• There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position
If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at hiringhub@nva.com. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.

NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US