Iowa State

Veterinary Teaching Hospital Reception - Small Animal

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Veterinary Teaching Hospital Reception - Small Animal

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Customer service or receptionist experience which totals two years. • Knowledge of medical terminology or animal disease symptoms, or, Post high school education that provides the knowledge and skills to perform the job duties. • Data entry skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior receptionist experience ideally within a large or small animal clinic.

Customer service experience, particularly in high-volume or fast-paced environments.

Experience with payment processing, invoicing and/or bookkeeping.

Familiarity with scheduling systems or client management software.

Associate's degree or coursework in veterinary technology, animal science or related field.

Job Description:

Are you passionate about animals and providing outstanding customer service? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference? If so, we want YOU to join our veterinary hospital team as a Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital Assistant II!

Work Schedule:

  • Tuesday - Saturday, 12:00PM -9:00PM

Additional holiday and weekend coverage may be required to meet team needs.

Why You’ll Love This Position:

  • Meaningful Work: Help clients navigate their pet’s care journey and play a vital role in their health and happiness.

  • Team Atmosphere: Collaborate with skilled doctors, students, and support staff in a positive and supportive environment.

  • Exciting Responsibilities: Take on important tasks such as client communication, administrative duties, and service coordination to keep every day engaging.

  • Fast-Paced Energy: Stay active and focused in a role that keeps you on your toes with 200+ calls a day and a variety of tasks to accomplish.

Key Job Duties

Customer Service/Client Communication

  • Welcome clients and update patient information in the hospital database.

  • Schedule appointments, handle emergencies, and provide detailed instructions for visits.

  • Explain hospital policies, payment procedures, and consent requirements.

  • Manage high call volumes, transfer calls to appropriate departments, and address client inquiries.

  • Collect deposits for inpatient care and explain credit and billing policies.

Administrative Tasks

  • Manage communications for faculty, students, and staff.

  • Train and supervise students in office procedures and medical record handling.

  • Support doctors and students by providing access to client records, contact details, and visit history.

Service Coordination

  • Organize and maintain medical records.

  • Deliver food, supplies, and lab samples.

  • Prepare and send out billing statements and other client communications.

  • Maintain the reception area with necessary forms and supplies.

  • Sort and distribute mail and assist with database updates.

Join us and be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of animals and their families. Apply today to become a Veterinary Teaching Hospital Assistant and start a career you’ll be proud of!

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Schedule appointments using client and patient software to record the appointment.

• Determine if it is an emergency situation and which services to schedule.

• Relay information and requirements for the appointment to client or referring veterinarian.

• Provide special instructions for dermatology, ophthalmology, specialized radiological procedures, surgery, eye certification and proper usage of medication.

• Provide information to clients regarding Hospital policy on admitting animals; consent form for treatment; payment procedures, credit policy and billing procedures; types of services available and prices of hospital services.

• Receive and register clients.

• Collect information from client and establish or update client and patient information using the client and patient software program.

• Establish account.

• Enter exam fee and medical record fee.

• Compile charges on the account according to hospital policy.

• Collect deposits from clients for inpatient care.

• Enter payments and adjustments to client’s accounts.

• Prepare paperwork for patients visit.

• Assist veterinarian in pulling medical records or locating patient history.

• File client information in permanent files.

• Take prescription and food orders and deliver to appropriate veterinarian or pharmacy or customer as appropriate.

• Deliver prescribed medication and supplies to clients.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate by phone and in person with individuals in a variety of situations in a positive and helpful manner.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical records.

• Ability to multi-task and deal with multiple priorities.

• Knowledge of veterinary hospital routines and functions.

• Ability to assess emergencies and refer to appropriate hospital staff.

• Knowledge of medical terminology.

• Knowledge of animal disease symptoms.

• Ability to come in contact with animals.

• Ability to work in an environment that houses and heals sick animals.

• Ability to work in an environment with animal noise, animal odors, animal dander and hair, and animal excrement and blood.

• Ability to utilize veterinary client and patient registration system.

• Ability to enter data with speed and accuracy.

• Ability to provide assistance to veterinary students who are learning office systems and processes.

• Ability to work as part of a team.

• Ability to retrieve files and pet supplies.

• Ability to carry/hold/restrain animals.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

08

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:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

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.

Why Choose ISU?

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
 

Original Posting Date:

January 16, 2026

Posting Close Date:

January 29, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18470