Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Assistant

Apex Vets; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Continuing education support

On-site gym

Job summary

Apex Vets is seeking a dedicated veterinary assistant to join our emergency and specialty hospital. You’ll be part of the ER team, assisting with restraints, triage, treatments, radiographs, and daily patient care in a fast-paced environment.

You'll work with skilled veterinarians and technicians, receive training and coaching, and be challenged to grow your clinical skills while contributing to a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in emergency or critical care preferred.
• Strong technical and nursing skills applicable to emergency veterinary care.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient restraint, triage flow, and treatments.
• Support technicians and doctors during procedures.
• Monitor, clean, walk, and care for hospitalized patients.
• Help with radiographs, lab work, and equipment prep.
• Keep treatment areas clean, stocked, and ready.
• Communicate clearly with team members and clients.
• Anticipate needs and stay one step ahead during busy shifts.

Skills

Technical nursing

Multitask prioritization

Communication

Team collaboration

Physical stamina

Job description

Most hospitals say they care about culture. We designed ours.Apex Vets is an independently owned emergency & specialty hospital built on what we call the Apex Climb—a team-first approach where no one climbs alone. We operate like a rope team: we support each other, communicate clearly, and move forward together, especially when things get hard.We believe great medicine comes from people who feel supported, challenged, and proud of the work they do.What Makes This Role DifferentYou’re not here to “just help.”You’re here to become great at emergency medicine—and to climb with a team that expects the same.We train, coach, and develop our assistants with intention. Growth here isn’t accidental—it’s expected. You’ll be supported, but you’ll also be challenged to step up, learn fast, and contribute to the team’s success.What You’ll DoYou’ll be part of the engine that keeps the ER moving:Assist with patient restraint, triage flow, and treatmentsSupport technicians and doctors during proceduresMonitor, clean, walk, and care for hospitalized patientsHelp with radiographs, lab work, and equipment prepKeep treatment areas clean, stocked, and readyCommunicate clearly with team members and clientsAnticipate needs and stay one step ahead during busy shiftsThis is hands-on, fast-paced, real emergency work.Who Thrives Here (The Apex Climb Mentality)People who:Climb as part of a team, not as a soloistStay calm and steady when the “weather shifts” (because it will)Take initiative and communicate early instead of waitingLean into growth—even when it’s uncomfortableSupport teammates and expect the same in returnHandle feedback directly and use it to improveIf you want to grow into a technician role or advance your clinical skills, this is your runway.If you prefer staying comfortable and doing the minimum, this won’t be the right fit.What You’ll GainCompetitive payMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with employer matchPaid time offContinuing education supportStructured training and skill progressionOn-site gymWellness roomLarge break spaceA leadership team that teaches, supports, and climbs alongside youWe invest in assistants because they become the backbone of the hospital.The Reality of the RoleThis job is physically and mentally demanding:You’ll be on your feetYou’ll lift and handle patientsYou’ll see high-stress and emotional situationsBut you’ll also be part of a team that protects each other, communicates clearly, and keeps moving forward together—even on the hard days.Requirements3+ years of experience in emergency or critical care preferredStrong technical and nursing skillsAbility to multitask and prioritizeStrong communication and teamwork skillsAbility to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periodsReliable attendance and transportationScheduleDay, evening, overnight, opportunities availableWeekend availability requiredFull-time positionReady to Join the Team?If you’re looking for a place where you can build real technical skill, work with a strong team, and grow in emergency medicine—this is it.Apply to learn more about the role and the team.