VCA

Veterinary Technician - Ultrasound

San Diego, CA Part time

Relief- Registered Veterinary Technician – Veterinary Ultrasound Sonographer

VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center


Location: 7675 Mission Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92108

Schedule: Saturdays (with potential Sundays)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Compensation: $125–$175 per patient (dependent on experience)

About Us

VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center, located in the heart of San Diego’s Mission Valley, is seeking an experienced Relief Credentialed Veterinary Technician – Ultrasound Sonographer to join our team as we continue expanding services within our state-of-the-art 26,000 sq. ft. specialty and emergency hospital.

Our hospital offers advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities similar to those found in human medical centers. Our specialists and clinical teams work together in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment to ensure every patient receives the most advanced and compassionate care possible.

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside specialty teams, including oncology, internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, and emergency/critical care, while providing high-quality diagnostic imaging that supports advanced patient care.

Position Summary

The Veterinary Ultrasound Sonographer performs diagnostic ultrasound examinations for canine and feline patients with minimal supervision. This role supports specialty services by producing high-quality diagnostic images, assisting veterinarians in identifying abnormalities, and ensuring accurate documentation of findings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform diagnostic abdominal ultrasound examinations in canine and feline patients.
  • Produce high-quality diagnostic images for veterinarian review and interpretation.
  • Work collaboratively with veterinarians, specialists, and veterinary technicians during imaging procedures.
  • Ensure proper operation of ultrasound equipment and imaging software.
  • Maintain accurate medical records, imaging files, and procedure documentation within the hospital’s medical record system.
  • Communicate effectively with doctors and technical staff regarding imaging findings and procedural needs.
  • Follow all hospital protocols, safety standards, and infection control procedures.
  • Assist with maintaining the ultrasound suite and ensuring all equipment and supplies are properly stocked.

Qualifications

Required

  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), CVT, or LVT credential (preferred but not required depending on experience).
  • Graduate of an accredited ultrasound technician or diagnostic imaging program, or equivalent veterinary ultrasound training.
  • Experience performing ultrasound procedures in small animal patients.
  • Strong knowledge of ultrasound imaging techniques and anatomy.

Preferred

  • Minimum 1 year experience performing diagnostic ultrasound.
  • Experience in veterinary specialty or emergency hospitals.
  • Experience with abdominal ultrasound imaging in dogs and cats.

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong attention to detail and diagnostic imaging quality
  • Excellent patient handling and restraint skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Compassionate patient care and commitment to veterinary excellence

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
  • Frequent bending, crouching, reaching, pushing, and pulling
  • Ability to stand for extended periods during imaging procedures

Why Join VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center?

  • Work in a brand-new 26,000 sq. ft. specialty and emergency facility
  • Collaborative environment with board-certified specialists
  • Opportunity to support advanced diagnostics and specialty care
  • Flexible part-time weekend schedule

VCA Animal Hospitals offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Pet Care Discounts
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Time
  • Health and Well-being Programs
  • Continuing Education Opportunities

Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials.

Apply Today

If you are passionate about advanced veterinary diagnostics and patient care, we encourage you to apply and become part of our exceptional team.

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.