Veterinary Assistant – Anesthesia (Level 1-3)

About the role

This position provides anesthesia and anesthetic support across all clinical service areas of the LSU Veterinary Medicine teaching hospital, including small and large animal services. The assistant works closely with faculty clinicians, house officers, and veterinary students to ensure safe and effective delivery of anesthesia.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with anesthetic induction, patient preparation, and monitoring before, during, and after procedures.
• Place and maintain peripheral IV, central venous, and arterial catheters.
• Perform endotracheal intubation, verify tube placement, and manage airway complications.
• Support epidural injections, regional nerve blocks, and other advanced anesthesia techniques.
• Maintain and clean anesthesia equipment, perform routine quality‑control checks.
• Provide instruction and guidance to veterinary students on anesthesia techniques and animal handling.

Required profile

• Experience handling and restraining small animals safely.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced clinical environment and respond to emergencies.
• Strong communication skills for teaching and teamwork.

Required skills

• IV catheter placement
• Central venous catheter placement
• Arterial catheter placement
• Endotracheal intubation
• Epidural injection
• Regional nerve block
• Knowledge of injectable and inhalant anesthetic agents
• Operation of anesthesia equipment
• Patient monitoring
• Equipment maintenance and cleaning