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Criticalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you a criticalist who would love to work at the beach and be a part of an exciting and rapidly growing program? If so, Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina ...

We're seeking a Board Eligible or Board Certified Criticalist to join our Team. If you've got the skills to keep hearts pumping and find joy in being a veterinarian, we want you on our team! What We ...

We're seeking a Board Eligible or Board Certified Criticalist to join our Team. If you've got the skills to keep hearts pumping and find joy in being a veterinarian, we want you on our team! What We ...

Alpharetta Veterinary Specialty + Emergency is hiring a full-time Veterinary Criticalist to join our outstanding team! Who We Are AVSE is a brand new 20,500-square-foot facility that houses ER ...

Veterinary Criticalist

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center of Hawaii (VERC) is looking for a criticalist to join their dynamic and growing team. VERC is an advanced 24-hour veterinary emergency and specialty hospital.

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Criticalist information

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$140.5K

$211.9K

$237K

How much do criticalist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for criticalist in the United States is $211,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $205,000.00 and $220,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Criticalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Criticalist, you need advanced training in veterinary emergency and critical care, typically including a DVM degree and board certification (DACVECC). Familiarity with advanced monitoring equipment, ventilators, and specialized diagnostic tools is essential. Outstanding decision-making, stress management, and teamwork skills are vital for managing high-pressure situations and collaborating with other veterinary professionals. These competencies are crucial for ensuring rapid, accurate interventions and delivering optimal care to critically ill animals.

What are some common challenges faced by a veterinary Criticalist, and how can they be managed effectively?

Veterinary Criticalists often handle high-pressure situations involving critically ill or injured animals, which can be emotionally and physically demanding. Managing a dynamic caseload, making rapid decisions in emergencies, and communicating effectively with both medical teams and pet owners are daily challenges. To manage these pressures, Criticalists typically rely on strong teamwork, clear protocols, and continuous professional development. Building resilience and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are also key to long-term success in this fast-paced specialty.

What is a Criticalist?

A Criticalist is a veterinary specialist who is trained in emergency and critical care medicine for animals. They are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating life-threatening conditions such as trauma, shock, severe infections, and organ failure in pets. Criticalists often work in veterinary emergency hospitals or intensive care units, providing advanced monitoring and therapies to stabilize and support critically ill animals. Their expertise helps improve survival rates and outcomes for pets facing severe medical emergencies.

What is the difference between Criticalist vs Anesthesiologist?

AspectCriticalistAnesthesiologist
Required CredentialsMedical degree, residency in critical careMedical degree, residency in anesthesiology
Work EnvironmentIntensive care units, emergency settingsOperating rooms, surgical centers
Industry UsageHospitals, critical care unitsSurgical hospitals, clinics
Common Search IntentCritical care, ICU managementAnesthesia, perioperative care

Criticalists specialize in managing critically ill patients in intensive care units, focusing on life support and complex medical conditions. Anesthesiologists primarily administer anesthesia during surgeries and manage perioperative patient care. While both roles require medical training and work in hospital settings, Criticalists focus on critical care management, whereas Anesthesiologists concentrate on anesthesia and pain control during procedures.

More about Criticalist jobs
What cities are hiring for Criticalist jobs? Cities with the most Criticalist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Criticalist jobs? The most popular types of Criticalist jobs are:
What states have the most Criticalist jobs? States with the most job openings for Criticalist jobs include:
Veterinary Criticalist

$200K - $275K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Criticalist Opportunity at Pacific Care Pet Emergency and Specialty


Join Our Growing Specialty Team in Sunny Irvine, CA!


Pacific Care Pet Emergency and Specialty is seeking a board-certified or residency-trained Veterinary Criticalist to join our expanding team in Irvine, California!


We are a thriving specialty and emergency hospital in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. Currently home to 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care, Surgery, Medical Oncology, and Internal Medicine services, Pacific Care is proud to be growing into a premier specialty center in Orange County.


Why Join Us?

We're all about care, collaboration, and comprehensive medicine. At Pacific Care, you'll find a warm, supportive team that's passionate about advancing veterinary care and helping each other grow-professionally and personally.


Our Facility Includes:

  • 10 spacious exam rooms
  • Dedicated radiology reading room
  • GE CT scanner & ultrasound capabilities
  • ICU and isolation ward
  • Separate feline waiting area
  • Endoscopy and scoping capabilities

We're excited to welcome Critical Care as a new service, with full support from our collaborative team and referring community.


Why Irvine?

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Irvine offers something for everyone:

  • Centrally located: 45 mins from Los Angeles, 85 mins from San Diego, and just 15 mins from Disneyland
  • Outdoor lovers can enjoy trails at Bommer Canyon, Turtle Rock, or paddleboarding at Newport Back Bay
  • Endless shopping and dining at Irvine Spectrum Center and The Trade Marketplace
  • Family-friendly activities like Pretend City Children's Museum and top-rated schools
  • A vibrant arts and culture scene, from classical music to contemporary art

Benefits: Our staff enjoy competitive compensation and benefits including Health & Dental, FSA, 401 (k), CE allowance, professional expenses.


Compensation: If you are looking for a collaborative team environment that works compassionately with pet owners, this is the hospital for you. We work in partnership with our primary care veterinarians to fulfill our mission of improving the quality of life of our patients through care, collaboration, and comprehensive treatment. The compensation range for this role will typically fall between $200,000 and $275,000 based on experience and qualifications.


Ready to make a move?

Join a hospital where your skills are valued and your growth is supported. To learn more or apply, contact jennifer.harper@ethosvet.com


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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