Surgical Veterinary Assistant: Perioperative Care & Team

Ethos Veterinary Health; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 63,039,000 - 80,231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, and vision insurance

CE allowance and professional developm

Paid time off

Retirement savings options (401k with

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Summit Veterinary Referral Center, part of Ethos Veterinary Health, seeks a Veterinary Assistant - Surgery in Tacoma, WA to support surgical procedures and perioperative care. The role requires flexibility for long shifts and on-call rotation as the team delivers high-level care.

The ideal candidate has veterinary terminology knowledge, has experience in a specialty setting or is eager to learn, and can work calmly under pressure while communicating clearly with clients and staff.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of veterinary terminology, anatomy and pharmacology preferred.
• Prior veterinary experience preferred, but willing to train the right candidate.
• Current WA state medical clerk license preferred; must be willing to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, often chaotic, and stressful environment.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care; team player with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients in the surgery department, obtaining vitals, restraints, blood collection, and IV catheter placement.
• Set up the OR for procedures with aseptic prep of the site.
• Safely move sedated patients to/from the OR and maintain sterile fields.
• Assist with recovery and maintain OR during daily/weekly/monthly tasks.
• Perform in-house lab work as required.
• Assist with imaging (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT) including radiograph positioning.
• Prepare prescriptions and communicate discharge orders clearly to clients.
• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams.
• Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture.

Skills

Veterinary terminology

Anatomy knowledge

Pharmacology knowledge

Communication skills

Teamwork

Ability to work under stress

Attention to detail

Education

WA state medical clerk license (preferred)

Tools

X-ray equipment

Ultrasound equipment

CT imaging equipment

Job description

Summit Veterinary Referral Center, part of Ethos Veterinary Health, seeks a Veterinary Assistant - Surgery in Tacoma, WA to support surgical procedures and perioperative care. The role requires flexibility for long shifts and on-call rotation as the team delivers high-level care.

The ideal candidate has veterinary terminology knowledge, has experience in a specialty setting or is eager to learn, and can work calmly under pressure while communicating clearly with clients and staff.