Surgical Veterinary Assistant | Advanced OR Care

Ethos Veterinary Health; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Continuing education assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Generous PTO

Job summary

Ethos Veterinary Health’s SAVES in Asheville, NC seeks a Veterinary Surgical Assistant to join the Surgery team. This full-time role supports surgeons, prepares patients and sterile areas, and assists with CT imaging and lab work to ensure high-quality patient care from admission through discharge.

You’ll work with a collaborative specialty team, develop surgical skills, and contribute to compassionate, industry-leading veterinary medicine in a state-of-the-art hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant, preferably in emergency or specialty medicine.
• Current RVT students are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with surgical patient preparation and sterile technique.
• Strong animal handling and restraint skills.
• Proficiency in venipuncture and peripheral catheter placement.
• Knowledge of medication administration through multiple routes.
• Ability to accurately monitor and document patient vital signs.
• Familiarity with in-house diagnostics including CBC/Chem, electrolytes, urinalysis, and iStat.
• Experience with CT imaging and contrast studies preferred.
• Strong medical record-keeping and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and client service skills.
• Ability to lift at least 35 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required.

Responsibilities

• Support surgeons by anticipating procedural needs and assisting with advanced surgical and diagnostic procedures
• Prepare patients and surgical areas while maintaining appropriate sterile technique
• Perform sterile clipping and patient preparation for surgery
• Maintain sterile surgical fields throughout procedures
• Identify and prepare surgical instruments and equipment
• Drape patients and set up instrument tables
• Assist with CT imaging and contrast studies
• Perform laboratory testing, sample collection, and processing
• Monitor and accurately record patient vital signs, including TPR, SpO₂, CO₂, and blood pressure
• Assist with venipuncture and peripheral catheter placement
• Administer medications through multiple routes as directed by the medical team
• Maintain accurate medical records and manage laboratory results
• Assist with short-term case management and continuity of patient care
• Communicate with clients by preparing estimates, providing patient updates, and facilitating discharges
• Collaborate closely with surgeons, veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and other members of the specialty team
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe clinical environment

Skills

Animal handling

Sterile technique

Venipuncture

Vital signs monitoring

Client communication

Fluent English

Education

Minimum 2 years Veterinary Assistant experience

RVT student encouraged

Tools

CT imaging

iStat

CBC/Chem analysis

Job description

Ethos Veterinary Health’s SAVES in Asheville, NC seeks a Veterinary Surgical Assistant to join the Surgery team. This full-time role supports surgeons, prepares patients and sterile areas, and assists with CT imaging and lab work to ensure high-quality patient care from admission through discharge.

You’ll work with a collaborative specialty team, develop surgical skills, and contribute to compassionate, industry-leading veterinary medicine in a state-of-the-art hospital setting.