Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Research & Education Center (VREC), Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA
Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN, USA
USD 47,840-70,720 / year
Posted on Feb 4, 2026
The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Research & Education Center, located within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide entry-level nursing care for the reproductive clinical service and the large animal teaching and research programs. This includes making patient assessments, performing triage, and preparing patients for exams or treatments. Position helps with performing diagnostic tests, analyzing results, recording patients' medical histories and symptoms, including observations. Position administers treatments, establishes plan of care, and operates medical equipment. Incumbent serves as a resource of information and guidance. Position supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents. Position also prepares for teaching labs and assists Principal Investigators with research projects as needed.
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The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Research & Education Center, located within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department. The primary purpose of this position is to provide entry-level nursing care for the reproductive clinical service and the large animal teaching and research programs. This includes making patient assessments, performing triage, and preparing patients for exams or treatments. Position helps with performing diagnostic tests, analyzing results, recording patients' medical histories and symptoms, including observations. Position administers treatments, establishes plan of care, and operates medical equipment. Incumbent serves as a resource of information and guidance. Position supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents. Position also prepares for teaching labs and assists Principal Investigators with research projects as needed.
Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Veterinary Nurse 1, Veterinary Nurse 2, Senior Veterinary Nurse 1, or Senior Veterinary Nurse 2:
Veterinary Nurse 1:
Minimum Education:
- Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
- Upcoming graduates will be considered with the understanding that degree must be obtained prior to hire date.
Additional Requirements:
- Must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Entry-level knowledge of veterinary medical concepts for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas, and more.
- Knowledge of animal behavior and animal husbandry
- Knowledge of disinfection
- Knowledge of and ability to perform resuscitation
- Ability to perform diagnostic procedures
- Ability to adhere to hospital safety procedures
- Ability to work in a high stress environment
- Ability to calculate dosages and to administer drugs
- Ability to obtain patient stats
- Ability to conduct oneself if a professional manner
- Animal handling skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Time management skills
- Ability to operate heavy equipment such as forklift, bobcat, and tractors.
Veterinary Nurse 2:
Minimum Education:
- Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum Experience:
- 1 year of relevant experience in a veterinary medical center or in a private/specialty veterinary practice
Additional Requirements:
- Must hold a Veterinary Technician license and must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- More advanced knowledge of veterinary medical concepts for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas, and more.
- Knowledge of animal behavior and animal husbandry
- Knowledge of disinfection
- Knowledge of and ability to perform resuscitation
- Ability to perform diagnostic procedures
- Ability to adhere to hospital safety procedures
- Ability to work in a high stress environment
- Ability to calculate dosages and to administer drugs
- Ability to obtain patient stats
- Ability to conduct oneself if a professional manner
- Animal handling skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Time management skills
- Ability to operate heavy equipment such as forklift, bobcat, and tractors.
- Ability to train employees.
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to teach others
- Ability to take initiative
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
Senior Veterinary Nurse 1:
Minimum Education:
- Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum Experience:
- 3 years of relevant experience in a veterinary medical center or in a private/specialty veterinary practice
Additional Requirements:
- Must hold a Veterinary Technician license and must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities in nursing care and veterinary medical concepts for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas, and more.
- Knowledge of animal behavior and animal husbandry
- Knowledge of disinfection
- Knowledge of and ability to perform resuscitation
- Ability to perform diagnostic procedures
- Ability to adhere to hospital safety procedures
- Ability to work in a high stress environment
- Ability to calculate dosages and to administer drugs
- Ability to obtain patient stats
- Ability to conduct oneself if a professional manner
- Animal handling skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Time management skills
- Ability to operate heavy equipment such as forklift, bobcat, and tractors.
- Ability to train employees.
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to teach others
- Ability to take initiative
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to be a leader
- Ability to be a self-starter
- Ability to be proactive
- Ability to oversee and advise students, interns, and residents
- Ability to make sound decisions related to work and patient care
Senior Veterinary Nurse 2:
Minimum Education:
- Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum Experience:
- 3 years of internal, relevant experience.
- 6 years of relevant experience in a veterinary medical center or 7 years in a private/specialty veterinary practice.
Additional Requirements:
- Must hold a Veterinary Technician license and must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment.
- Must have successfully completed requirements for credentials, examination, and certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in a NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) recognized technician specialty organization.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Expert knowledge, skills, and abilities in nursing care and veterinary medical concepts for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas, and more.
- Knowledge of animal behavior and animal husbandry
- Knowledge of disinfection
- Knowledge of and ability to perform resuscitation
- Ability to perform diagnostic procedures
- Ability to adhere to hospital safety procedures
- Ability to work in a high stress environment
- Ability to calculate dosages and to administer drugs
- Ability to obtain patient stats
- Ability to conduct oneself if a professional manner
- Animal handling skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Time management skills
- Ability to operate heavy equipment such as forklift, bobcat, and tractors.
- Ability to train employees.
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to teach others
- Ability to take initiative
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to be a leader
- Ability to be a self-starter
- Ability to be proactive
- Ability to oversee and advise students, interns, and residents
- Ability to make sound decisions related to work and patient care
- Ability to effectively problem solve
- Ability to develop and implement protocols and policies
- Ability to professionally represent the Veterinary Nursing field and CVM, whether in publications, public engagements
Candidates must provide proof of attending an AVMA accredited program via official transcripts or diploma.
The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required of this position.
Work Location:
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- On-Site
Compensation and Benefits:
- UT market ranges: MR06-MR07
- Anticipated hiring range: $47,840-$70,720
- Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
- Find more information on UT Benefits here
About The College:
The UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), located in Knoxville, was established by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1974 and is part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
UTCVM is one of 33 veterinary colleges in the United States and provides opportunities for Tennessee students while serving pet owners and the livestock industry as well as protecting public health, enhancing medical knowledge and generating economic benefits to the state and nation.
- Provides entry-level nursing care in the reproductive clinical service by making patient assessments, performing triage, prepping animals for and assisting with exams and treatments, including surgical artificial insemination, breeding soundness, embryo transfer, reproductive ultrasounds, venipuncture, hormone administration (ensures animals are on same reproductive cycles), and labor and delivery.
- Provides nursing care for teaching herd, including health management, triage, routine medical care, farrier appointments, exams, and treatments. Serves on-call as necessary for herd care and support.
- For both services, records medical histories, symptoms, and observations. Restrains animals. Regularly communicates with supervising Clinician. Operates medical equipment, including heavy equipment. Collaborates with others to ensure quality care is received. Maintains proper records according to hospital, USDA, and/or IACUC regulations. Ensures protocols are followed and up-to-date.
- In conjunction with clinicians, supports teaching efforts by instructing students in the application of veterinary nursing skills. Provides preparation and clean up for teaching labs, including planning, assigning animals, ensuring proper supplies are available, and participating in lab.
- Supports research efforts by assisting principal investigators with research projects as necessary.
- Ensures IACUC and safety protocols are followed.
- Manages supplies, equipment, and inventory for reproductive service, teaching, and research. Organizes products, maintains equipment (e.g., microscopes, ultrasound machines), and orders supplies. Maintains cleanliness and order of facilities. Enters charges for clients, teaching, and research expenses.