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Petco

Vetco Total Care Extern

Homestead, FL · On-site

S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of ...

Petco

Vetco Total Care Extern

Homestead, FL

S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local ...

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How much do total care jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for total care in the United States is $26.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Total Care Nurse, you need comprehensive clinical skills, patient assessment abilities, and typically a nursing degree with active RN or LPN licensure. Familiarity with medical equipment, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and specialized care protocols is often required. Compassion, strong communication, and resilience are essential soft skills for supporting patients with complex, long-term needs. These competencies ensure holistic, high-quality care and improve outcomes for patients requiring extensive assistance.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals in a Total Care role, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in a Total Care role often manage multiple patients with diverse and complex needs, which can present challenges in prioritizing care and maintaining clear communication among team members. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on care requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. Many find that proactively collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and leveraging digital health records can help streamline workflows and ensure high-quality patient outcomes. Ongoing training and open communication channels also support professionals in staying updated on best practices and managing the emotional demands of the role.

What is Total Care in the context of healthcare?

Total Care typically refers to a comprehensive approach to healthcare that addresses all aspects of a patient's well-being, including physical, mental, and social needs. This model often involves coordinated care among various healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive continuous and holistic support. The goal is to improve health outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations by providing personalized and preventative care.

What is the difference between Total Care vs Patient Care Assistant?

AspectTotal CarePatient Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized certificationsCPR, First Aid, basic healthcare training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, home careHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, home health agenciesHospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics

Both roles involve direct patient support, but Total Care often encompasses a broader scope of responsibilities, including personal care and health monitoring, while Patient Care Assistants focus primarily on assisting with daily activities and basic patient needs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Total Care jobs
What cities are hiring for Total Care jobs? Cities with the most Total Care job openings:
What states have the most Total Care jobs? States with the most job openings for Total Care jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Total Care jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Total Care jobs are:
Total Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Total Care job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,574 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Vetco Total Care Extern

Vetco Total Care Extern

Petco

Homestead, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Petco rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 631 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

430th of 727 rated retailers

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
Healthier pets. Happier people. Better world. Our vision might sound lofty, but we believe it's attainable when we obsess about providing complete care for our amazing pets. Our approach goes far beyond addressing our animals' basic needs to support their physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. By being sure we take all these elements into consideration, we can help pet parents take the very best care of their pets.
Position Purpose:
Gain valuable experience in one of our state-of-the-art hospitals. Grow your skill set and explore future career paths while under direct supervision from one of our highly skilled doctors.
If you participate in our externship program, you can expect to be exposed to, or gain hands-on experience with a plethora of medical, surgical, diagnostic, and dental skills.
Vetco Total Care is committed to the development of veterinary students. As such we welcome the opportunity to participate in accredited Universities externship programs.
Potential Services (Each Hospital Varies Based on Doctor/Mentor)
  • Anesthesiology
  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Pathology
  • Dentistry (including DDXR)
  • Dermatology
  • Neurology (limited)
  • Ophthalmology (limited)
  • Pathology (limited)
  • Imaging/Radiology/Ultrasonography
  • Small Animal Emergency Critical Care (limited)
  • Small Animal Medicine
  • Small Animal Surgery
  • Zoo/Exotic Animal Medicine (limited)

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Work closely with mentor for guidance and development of hands-on veterinary experience and knowledge.
    • Learn components of the physical examination
    • Observe (first) then assist during surgeries
    • Continue to develop technical skills such as blood draws, fecal analysis, urine analysis, catheter setting, ET tube placement
  • Learn all aspects of hospital environment by observing and participating in procedures with your mentor:
    • Review patient history, differential, diagnosis and costs
    • Create treatment protocols
    • Calculate drug dosages and fluid rates
    • Support mentor with client communication
  • Ensure safety of pets, clients and team members by adhering to all medical standard operating protocols.
    • Gain understanding in safety and restraint procedures
    • Follow sterility procedure
    • Understand radiation and controlled substance compliance
  • Perform only care that is outlined in a State Practice Act and only under direct supervision of a DVM &/or Licensed Veterinary Technician
  • All responsibilities and duties will be dependent on education level and experience.
  • Timely submission of all paperwork and licenses required.

Essential Job Skills:
  • Must love dogs, cats and people too!
  • Team player who thrives in supporting the team in every way
  • Strong observational and communication skills
  • Ability to maintain a respectful and professional manner at all times
  • Initiative: Willingness to learn and take direction
  • Problem solving skills: ability to identify, analyze and provide solutions
  • Flexibility: adaptable to changing situations

Supervisory Responsibility:
None.
Work Environment:
  • Vetco Total Care hospital located inside of a Petco pet care center.
  • Remember to have fun! Where else will you find four-legged companions sharing a workspace after all? Jump in and enjoy this experience-it's a special one!

Education/Experience:
  • Must be enrolled in an AVMA accredited program.
  • Must be able to provide proof of medical and professional liability insurance

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. 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, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
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