Full-Time Veterinary Assistant

VetEvolve•Kensington, MD

15h•$22 - $24

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinary team in providing attentive, efficient, and compassionate care to patients and their families. The role assists with appointments, surgery, nursing care, diagnostics, and other clinical and technical tasks while educating clients about their pets’ care. The Veterinary Assistant also helps maintain a safe, organized hospital and supports high medical standards, smooth daily operations, and a positive client experience. The role includes preparing, monitoring, and recovering surgical patients; assisting veterinarians with examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures; performing laboratory diagnostics; operating and maintaining diagnostic equipment; administering prescribed medications and vaccines; maintaining controlled-drug records; and documenting treatment plans, patient information, and charges. It also involves client communication and education, maintaining clean and stocked clinical areas, and following applicable laws, regulations, and hospital policies. The position is based at Wheaton Animal Hospital in Kensington, Maryland. Employees must be available for scheduling during all hours the practice is open.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrated proficiency in anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, laboratory procedures, radiology, and dentistry.
Basic computer literacy, including navigating practice management software and using Microsoft Office applications.
Strong communication and organizational skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Professionalism, composure, and sound judgment in emotionally charged or high-stress situations.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Compassion and commitment to exceptional patient care and client service.
Ability to work safely around cleaning chemicals, anesthetic gases, radiation, zoonotic diseases, and animal bodily fluids.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely handle animals up to 130 pounds.
Comfort sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods.
Professional, neat appearance consistent with hospital standards.
Ability to work a flexible schedule and be available for scheduling during all hours the practice is open.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience as a Surgical/Appointment Veterinary Assistant preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate, professional care to patients and clients.
Communicate respectfully with clients, doctors, and team members, answer phones, and route inquiries as needed.
Handle sensitive client situations with empathy and discretion, escalating medical questions appropriately.
Provide nursing care to hospitalized patients, including IV catheter placement, medication administration, and ongoing monitoring.
Assist veterinarians with examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures, including patient restraint, preparation, and monitoring.
Prepare, monitor, and recover surgical patients, ensuring their safety and comfort.
Safely restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques.
Administer medications and vaccines, collect laboratory samples, and perform basic laboratory tests as directed.
Perform laboratory diagnostics, including urinalysis, hematology, fecal testing, and cytology; document, interpret, and communicate results as appropriate.
Operate and maintain radiology and ultrasound equipment in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Prepare and administer prescribed medications, vaccines, and treatments in compliance with DEA, OSHA, and hospital regulations.
Maintain controlled-drug logs and ensure proper handling, storage, and documentation of controlled substances.
Educate clients about vaccinations, medications, treatment plans, preventative care, products, nutrition, and follow-up recommendations.
Accurately create, review, and enter treatment plans and patient information in medical records.
Support operations through accurate medical recordkeeping, charge entry, chart auditing, and checkout, including payment processing when needed.
Keep exam rooms, treatment areas, surgical areas, and other hospital spaces clean, organized, stocked, and well maintained, including maintaining sterile conditions for procedures.
Promote a positive and professional workplace through communication, teamwork, and collaboration.
Perform duties in accordance with state practice acts, legal requirements, and hospital policies.
Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and commitment to patients, clients, and hospital operations.
Perform additional duties as assigned based on hospital needs.