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Veterinary Medical Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Emergency-services The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Cente r offers evaluation, medical care, and ... assist with patient diagnostics, procedures, and other necessary treatments. Instruct and ...

$153 - $187/hr

... veterinary assistants, an experienced hospital manager, and dedicated client care representatives who work together to ensure outstanding patient care and an efficient daily workflow. As an AAHA ...

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Veterinary Medical Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do veterinary medical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary medical assistant in Iowa is $16.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary medical assistant?

Veterinary Medical Assistants are professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the care and treatment of animals. Their duties often include restraining animals during examinations, preparing equipment, cleaning animal cages, and assisting with administrative tasks like scheduling appointments. They play a crucial role in ensuring veterinary clinics run smoothly and that animals receive proper care. While they do not perform advanced medical procedures, their support is essential to the daily operations of a veterinary practice.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a veterinary medical assistant?

To thrive as a Veterinary Medical Assistant, you need knowledge of animal care, basic medical procedures, and often a diploma or certificate in veterinary assisting. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, lab equipment, and sterilization tools is commonly required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and compassion for both animals and their owners are standout soft skills. These skills ensure efficient clinic operations, quality patient care, and positive client experiences in a veterinary setting.

What are common challenges veterinary medical assistants face in a busy clinic environment?

Veterinary Medical Assistants in busy clinics often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as assisting veterinarians during exams, handling administrative tasks, and providing compassionate care to animals and their owners. The fast-paced environment can present challenges like managing stressful situations, prioritizing tasks effectively, and communicating clearly with both clients and team members. Adaptability and strong organizational skills are essential to navigate these demands while ensuring the highest standard of animal care.

What is the difference between Veterinary Medical Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary Medical AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; licensing or certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssist veterinarians in clinics, animal hospitals, and sheltersPerform more advanced medical tasks, often working alongside veterinarians in clinics and hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesAnimal restraint, basic patient care, clerical dutiesPerform diagnostic tests, administer medications, assist in surgeries
Industry UsageCommon entry-level role in veterinary practicesMore specialized, requiring formal education and certification

Veterinary Medical Assistants and Veterinary Technicians both work in veterinary settings, but Veterinary Technicians typically have more advanced training and responsibilities. While Medical Assistants focus on basic animal care and clerical tasks, Technicians perform diagnostic and medical procedures, often requiring formal education and certification.

Can a veterinary medical assistant work as a veterinary assistant?

A veterinary medical assistant and a veterinary assistant are often used interchangeably, but their roles can differ depending on the practice. Both positions typically involve supporting veterinarians with patient care, handling equipment, and client communication, though specific duties and required certifications may vary. Generally, a veterinary medical assistant can perform many tasks of a veterinary assistant, but it's important to check the employer's specific requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Veterinary Medical Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Medical Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,681 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Veterinary Technician II

Ames, IA • On-site


Iowa State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Title:Veterinary Technician IIJob Group:MeritRequired Minimum Qualifications: Registered, licensed, or certified as a veterinary technician, and either Associates degree in a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and three years of experience with the care and treatment of animals in a veterinary teaching hospital, specialty and referral practice, laboratory animal medicine, or research enterprise, or Bachelor's degree in a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and two years of experience with the care and treatment of animals in a veterinary teaching hospital, specialty and referral practice, laboratory animal medicine, or research enterprise.Job Description:

Are you ready to advance your career as a Veterinary Technician in the Emergency and Critical Care department, working at the forefront of veterinary medicine, education, and research?

We're looking for you! Check out this great opportunity: Emergency-services

The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center offers evaluation, medical care, and surgical treatment to animals with urgent medical needs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The LVMC provides specialized care and comprehensive medical and surgical services for companion and large animals throughout Iowa and surrounding states. Our clinicians, residents and interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work in teams to provide 24-hour, state-of-the-art care to animal patients.

Successful candidates hired into a Veterinary Technician I/II/III position in the College of Veterinary Medicine'sSmall Animal Intensive Care Unit between 2/1/2025 and 6/30/2027 may be eligible to receive a recruitment incentive of $1,000. Payment terms and conditions will be provided in a payment agreement.

This Level II position provides care and assistance to patients under the supervision of Clinicians and House Officers at Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center within the Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Department. Responsibilities include the ability to proficiently perform technical skills, provide nursing care to small animal ICU patients, and coordinate and assist with patient diagnostics, procedures, and other necessary treatments. Instruct and demonstrate veterinary care and technical skills to 4th-year veterinary students.

The successful candidate will be well-rounded and possess multitasking skills to triage and help stabilize incoming ER patients. The candidate will also provide advanced nursing care to small animal ICU patients with the ability to recognize changes in the health of an animal. They should demonstrate attention to detail and have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with students, faculty, house officers, and staff members.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with restraining animals.

  • Experience working in veterinary setting.

  • Prior experience with large or small animals

At Iowa State University's Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC), you'll collaborate with a team of experts in diagnosis, treatment, and education while making a meaningful impact on the future of veterinary medicine.

Under the direction and supervision of a licensed Veterinarian, it provides advanced care for ill and injured animal patients or animals used in a clinical or hospital setting.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

  • Life insurance and long-term disability

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Wellbeing program

  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:Time Type:Full timePay Grade:7602aOriginal Posting Date:August 21, 2026Posting Close Date:August 30, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19844

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.



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