Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking dedicated and collaborative Veterinary Operating Room Technicians to join our Surgery Service. This role is an integral member of a highly specialized surgical team supporting faculty surgeons, residents, interns, and veterinary students in a world-class academic teaching hospital.

Our technicians play a critical role in delivering exceptional patient care while contributing to the education of future veterinary professionals. Surgical procedures range from routine and elective surgeries to complex emergency, reconstructive, transplant, minimally invasive, and advanced specialty procedures.

What You'll Do As a Veterinary Operating Room Technician, you will support all aspects of surgical patient care and operating room management, including:

• Preparing operating rooms, equipment, instruments, and supplies for surgical procedures
• Maintaining and enforcing sterile and aseptic technique throughout all surgical procedures
• Serving as a circulating nurse and/or scrub nurse during surgery
• Performing patient skin preparation and positioning for surgery
• Performing surgical case setup and breakdown, including instrument processing and sterilization
• Operating and troubleshooting surgical and monitoring equipment
• Obtaining diagnostic radiographs using mobile imaging equipment as needed
• Supporting infection control practices and maintaining a clean, organized surgical environment
• Collaborating closely with surgeons, residents, interns, students, and nursing colleagues to ensure outstanding patient outcomes
• Assisting in the instruction and mentorship of veterinary students, interns, and residents in surgical nursing principles and techniques

What We're Looking For Successful candidates thrive in a fast-paced clinical environment and demonstrate strong critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills. We value team members who are eager to learn, adaptable, and committed to advancing patient care and veterinary education.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program or equivalent education and experience
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a busy specialty hospital environment
• Strong communication, multitasking, and time-management skills

Schedule

• Full-time position
• Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Participation in a mandatory on-call rotation is required

Compensation & Benefits We are hiring at all technician levels for this opportunity. Compensation is commensurate with experience, credentials, skills, and level placement.

• Entry-level positions begin at $20.00/hour, with higher minimum rates available for experienced technicians
• Eligible for a $1,000 sign-on incentive
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, tuition benefits, and paid time off

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently stand and walk for extended periods throughout a shift
• Ability to lift, carry, and restrain animals weighing up to 50 pounds independently and larger patients with team assistance
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, and perform repetitive movements associated with surgical nursing duties
• Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment while maintaining attention to detail and patient safety

Join Penn Vet's Surgery Service and become part of a team dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine through exceptional patient care, innovation, and education.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$22.75 - $36.00 Hourly Rate

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.