Veterinary Assistant - Emergency Triage & Oncology

Chattanoogaspecialty; Chattanooga, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

Animal Emergency and Specialty Center of Chattanooga is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant to support both Emergency Triage and Oncology departments. The role involves fast-paced patient care, triage assessments, and client communication in a dual-discipline setting.

You will work Saturday–Monday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., in a hospital focused on 24-hour emergency and specialty services. Training is available for the right candidate and growth within the veterinary field is encouraged.

Qualifications

• No prior veterinary experience required; willing to train the right candidate.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are desired.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in a fast-paced emergency environment.

Responsibilities

• Triage incoming emergency patients and prioritize care.
• Obtain patient histories and vital signs; assist with treatments and procedures.
• Support Emergency/Triage and Oncology teams with patient handling and client communication.
• Prepare patients and equipment for procedures; monitor patients and relay changes to the medical team.
• Maintain clean, organized treatment areas and ensure proper stocking.

Skills

Compassionate care

Team player

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Calm under pressure

Willingness to learn

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Emergency Triage & Oncology

Department: Veterinary Assistants

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Compensation: $18.00 - $19.00 / hour

Description

Full-Time | Saturday–Monday | 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Are you passionate about veterinary medicine and interested in emergency and specialty care? Are you looking for a position where you can build your skills, work alongside an experienced team, and have opportunities to grow your veterinary career?

Animal Emergency and Specialty Center of Chattanooga is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant to join our team in a unique dual-role position supporting both our Emergency/Triage and Oncology departments.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment, wants to expand their clinical skill set, and is passionate about providing exceptional care to both patients and their families.

Who We Are

Animal Emergency and Specialty Center of Chattanooga is East Tennessee’s premier provider of 24-hour veterinary emergency and specialty services. Our highly trained and compassionate team provides advanced care across Emergency and Critical Care, Surgery, Oncology, and Internal Medicine.

We are committed to investing in our team because your success is our success. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced veterinary professionals while working with advanced equipment and providing high-quality patient care.

About the Position

As a Veterinary Assistant – Emergency Triage & Oncology, you will support two specialty areas of our hospital.

In Emergency/Triage, you will help assess and manage incoming emergency patients, obtain patient information and vital signs, assist with procedures and treatments, and help our emergency team provide efficient, compassionate care in a fast-paced environment.

In Oncology, you will assist with appointments, patient handling and restraint, medication preparation and dispensing, client communication, and patient follow-up.

This is a hands-on position that requires someone who is adaptable, dependable, compassionate, and eager to learn.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Emergency & Triage

• Triage incoming emergency patients and assist with prioritizing patient needs
• Obtain and document patient histories and vital signs
• Assist with patient restraint and handling
• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with diagnostics and treatments
• Prepare patients and equipment for procedures
• Monitor patients and communicate changes to the medical team
• Assist with patient care and treatment throughout the emergency visit
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked treatment areas
• Provide compassionate and professional client communication

Oncology

• Assist with oncology appointments and patient care
• Safely handle and restrain patients
• Assist veterinarians and technicians with examinations and treatments
• Prepare and dispense medications as directed
• Assist with medication and treatment-related tasks
• Communicate with clients regarding appointments, medications, and follow-up care
• Assist with patient/client follow-up
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked oncology area

Team & Hospital Support

• Maintain a high standard of patient care and client service
• Clean and restock treatment and patient care areas
• Communicate effectively with doctors, technicians, assistants, and other hospital team members
• Demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence when working with clients during stressful or emotional situations
• Follow hospital safety, patient-care, and infection-control protocols
• Maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented attitude

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

We are looking for someone who has:

• A genuine passion for veterinary medicine and animal care
• A strong work ethic and dependable attendance
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• The ability to remain calm and focused in a fast-paced emergency environment
• A willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities
• A positive, team-oriented attitude
• The ability to work effectively with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, assistants, and clients
• Strong attention to detail and organization
• A desire to grow within the veterinary field

Previous veterinary experience is not required, although veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel, shelter, or other animal-care experience is preferred. We are willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates the right attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous benefits package
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-match 401(k)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Training and career development opportunities
• Continuing education benefits
• Hands-on experience in emergency and specialty veterinary medicine
• The opportunity to work alongside an experienced team of veterinary professionals
• Opportunities to develop skills across both Emergency and Oncology
• A supportive team environment focused on learning, growth, and exceptional patient care

If you are looking for an opportunity to gain experience in emergency veterinary medicine and oncology, work with an exceptional team, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families, we would love to hear from you.

Come join Animal Emergency and Specialty Center of Chattanooga and help us make a difference, one patient at a time.