OPT Veterinary Technician Jobs
Veterinary Technician roles on OPT require hands-on clinical authorization, so your EAD must reflect your degree field in veterinary technology or animal science. Most positions are full-time with consistent hours, which helps you maintain valid OPT status throughout your authorized period.
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Get Access To All JobsPay Range: USD $37,910.00 - USD $66,050.00 /Yr.
Overview:
The College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking candidates for a Veterinary Technician – Equine Inpatient position. This position will provide patient care, including physical exams, medication administration (IV, IM, PO, SQ), constant patient monitoring and hygiene, for all patients admitted by equine emergency care, medicine, surgery and theriogenology and all in-house patients.
This technician will directly instruct senior veterinary students and student workers in the technical aspects of patient care. This position will also monitor the welfare of University-owned horses, including those enrolled in research projects. This position will provide assistance to clinicians with procedures and receiving of emergency cases.
This is a rotating overnight position: Weekdays: Monday – Thursday 9pm – 7am, and weekends: Friday – Sunday 7pm – 8am. Rotating holiday coverage as well as flexibility with scheduling will be necessary.
This position involves direct contact with animals susceptible to rabies. Employees in this role must complete a rabies pre-exposure vaccination series and maintain adequate rabies antibody titer (0.5 IU/mL) as recommended by CDC guidelines.
Auburn University will cover the cost of the rabies vaccination series, periodic titer checks, and any necessary boosters.
Learn more about VET MED and take a campus tour here: https://www.auburnvetmed.com/
Responsibilities:
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Instruction of veterinary students in various aspects of equine patient exam, catheter placement, nasogastric intubation, and general horse handling.
- Assist clinicians, students, and residents with admission, patient restraint, and diagnostic procedures of equine cases admitted to the equine hospital.
- Provide direct patient care, including, but not limited to physical exams, medication administration, catheter placement, nasogastric intubation, obtaining blood, fecal and urine samples, and fluid therapy.
- Maintain floor stock and biosecurity of the hospital ICU, inpatient and outpatient barns, Isolation, main treatment areas, and procedural areas.
Qualifications:
Depending upon a combination of education and experience, the finalist selected for this position will be hired as a Veterinary Technician - Inpatient and assigned levels I, II, or III.
Level I: Requires an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field that qualifies an individual to obtain certification.
Level II: Requires an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field that qualifies an individual to obtain certification plus 2 years of experience working in a veterinary hospital environment.
Level III: Requires an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field that qualifies an individual to obtain certification plus 4 years of experience working in a veterinary hospital environment.
Substitutions Allowed for Experience:
Degrees may be accepted in lieu of experience.
License and Certifications:
- Active license with the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medicine as a Veterinary Technician, OR
- Have met all requirements to become licensed in the State of Alabama. Licensure must be obtained within 6 months of hire date.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of processes, method, and procedures associated with veterinary medicine.
Why Work at Auburn:
- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
- Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
- We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
- Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
- A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
- Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement: It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Pay Range: USD $37,910.00 - USD $66,050.00 /Yr.
Overview:
The College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking candidates for a Veterinary Technician – Equine Inpatient position. This position will provide patient care, including physical exams, medication administration (IV, IM, PO, SQ), constant patient monitoring and hygiene, for all patients admitted by equine emergency care, medicine, surgery and theriogenology and all in-house patients.
This technician will directly instruct senior veterinary students and student workers in the technical aspects of patient care. This position will also monitor the welfare of University-owned horses, including those enrolled in research projects. This position will provide assistance to clinicians with procedures and receiving of emergency cases.
This is a rotating overnight position: Weekdays: Monday – Thursday 9pm – 7am, and weekends: Friday – Sunday 7pm – 8am. Rotating holiday coverage as well as flexibility with scheduling will be necessary.
This position involves direct contact with animals susceptible to rabies. Employees in this role must complete a rabies pre-exposure vaccination series and maintain adequate rabies antibody titer (0.5 IU/mL) as recommended by CDC guidelines.
Auburn University will cover the cost of the rabies vaccination series, periodic titer checks, and any necessary boosters.
Learn more about VET MED and take a campus tour here: https://www.auburnvetmed.com/
Responsibilities:
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Instruction of veterinary students in various aspects of equine patient exam, catheter placement, nasogastric intubation, and general horse handling.
- Assist clinicians, students, and residents with admission, patient restraint, and diagnostic procedures of equine cases admitted to the equine hospital.
- Provide direct patient care, including, but not limited to physical exams, medication administration, catheter placement, nasogastric intubation, obtaining blood, fecal and urine samples, and fluid therapy.
- Maintain floor stock and biosecurity of the hospital ICU, inpatient and outpatient barns, Isolation, main treatment areas, and procedural areas.
Qualifications:
Depending upon a combination of education and experience, the finalist selected for this position will be hired as a Veterinary Technician - Inpatient and assigned levels I, II, or III.
Level I: Requires an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field that qualifies an individual to obtain certification.
Level II: Requires an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field that qualifies an individual to obtain certification plus 2 years of experience working in a veterinary hospital environment.
Level III: Requires an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field that qualifies an individual to obtain certification plus 4 years of experience working in a veterinary hospital environment.
Substitutions Allowed for Experience:
Degrees may be accepted in lieu of experience.
License and Certifications:
- Active license with the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medicine as a Veterinary Technician, OR
- Have met all requirements to become licensed in the State of Alabama. Licensure must be obtained within 6 months of hire date.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of processes, method, and procedures associated with veterinary medicine.
Why Work at Auburn:
- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
- Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
- We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
- Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
- A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
- Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement: It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
See all 263+ OPT Veterinary Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Veterinary Technician
Target STEM-adjacent programs when possible
Some veterinary technology programs qualify for STEM OPT extension if the CIP code aligns. Confirm with your DSO early, as a 24-month extension dramatically expands your job search window and makes you more attractive to employers planning long-term hires.
Lead with your credentials in applications
Employers screening veterinary technician candidates prioritize state licensure and certifications like the VTNE. Mention your credentials and OPT authorization in your opening paragraph so hiring managers immediately understand your qualifications and legal right to work without delays.
Focus on practices familiar with international hires
Veterinary hospitals affiliated with universities, large corporate groups like VCA or Banfield, and research institutions have dedicated HR teams that understand OPT paperwork. Independent single-doctor practices often lack that infrastructure and may hesitate despite genuine interest in your skills.
Address OPT timing proactively with hiring managers
Veterinary practices often need technicians immediately. Clarify your EAD start date and authorized period upfront so employers can plan around your timeline. Waiting until late in interviews creates friction that proactive disclosure at the outset avoids entirely.
Document that your role matches your degree field
OPT requires employment directly related to your major field of study. Keep a brief written description of your duties that maps clinical responsibilities back to your veterinary technology coursework. Your DSO may request this documentation if your status is later reviewed.
Track your unemployment days carefully
OPT permits a maximum of 90 unemployment days for standard authorization. Veterinary technician hiring can move slowly, especially in rural areas. Monitor your day count from your EAD start date and contact your DSO immediately if you approach the limit without securing a position.
Veterinary Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Veterinary Technician on OPT?
Yes, provided your degree is in veterinary technology, animal science, or a closely related field and the role directly applies those skills. Clinical technician positions at animal hospitals, research facilities, and university veterinary programs all meet the direct-relationship requirement. Your EAD is your proof of authorization, and you do not need employer sponsorship during your OPT period.
Does a Veterinary Technician degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your program's CIP code. Veterinary technology programs classified under CIP 51.0808 do not typically qualify for STEM extension, but programs in biological sciences or biomedical fields sometimes do. Check your I-20 and confirm the CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify. If your program does qualify, you can apply for a 24-month extension through your school.
What types of employers hire Veterinary Technicians on OPT?
Corporate veterinary groups, university teaching hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies like the USDA and Department of Defense regularly hire on OPT. These employers have established HR processes for work authorization verification. You can browse currently open Veterinary Technician positions that accept OPT students on Migrate Mate, filtered specifically for F-1 work authorization.
Does my Veterinary Technician job need to be full-time to satisfy OPT requirements?
USCIS requires at least 20 hours per week to count as valid OPT employment. Part-time positions above that threshold are acceptable, but most veterinary technician roles are scheduled at 35 to 40 hours weekly. If you hold multiple part-time positions, each must relate to your degree field and their combined hours must exceed 20 per week.
Do I need to be licensed to work as a Veterinary Technician on OPT?
Licensing requirements are set by individual states, not by USCIS. Most states require passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination and registering with the state board before you can practice. Some states allow supervised practice under a temporary permit while your application is pending. Confirm your target state's requirements before accepting a position, as unlicensed practice could affect employment and your OPT standing.