Veterinary Assistant - Ophthalmology

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

50% discount on veterinary care

403b matching

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Public Loan Forgiveness Program (501(c

Job summary

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City seeks a skilled ophthalmology assistant to join our growing team. You will handle patients, assist with ophthalmology exams, manage records, and support the perioperative workflow in a fast-paced, 24/7 hospital.

Ideal candidates have veterinary assistant experience, comfort with restraints across species, and a strong commitment to high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Approved Veterinary Assistant or equivalent certificate a plus
• Generous sign-on bonus and extensive benefits are offered

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent care and ensure cleanliness and comfort of all AMC patients
• Safely handle and restrain patients of all species, including those in pain or critical condition for ophthalmology examinations
• Provide appropriate assistance with Ophthalmology patients for outpatient and perioperative
• Perform treatments within the scope of a NYS non-licensed team member
• Conduct in-house diagnostics lab testing per SOPs
• Manage inventory, including ordering and restocking supplies
• Communicate professionally with rDVMs, clients, and pharmacy representatives as needed
• Operate and maintain sensitive, high-value medical equipment
• Advocate for the wellbeing of patients, clients, and the veterinary team
• Assist with patient appointments, admissions, transfers, and discharges
• Work independently as well as in a team, showing initiative
• Maintain organization, multitasking, and communication skills
• Remain composed in stressful situations
• Follow detailed protocols and accurately complete paperwork
• Perform accurate record keeping and data entry

Skills

Patient handling and restraint

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Team collaboration

Independent initiative

Documentation proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Approved Veterinary Assistant certificate (plus)

Job description

510 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065

Our growing Ophthalmology department is seeking a skilled and compassionate veterinary assistant to join our team. In this role, you will play a part in delivering exceptional specialty eye care, ensuring the highest standard of care for our patients. The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is seeking candidates that possess exceptional assistant knowledge, patient care and technical skills. The ophthalmology assistant will perform excellent patient handling tasks, complete administrative duties, be proficient in medical record keeping, client & patient advocacy, and training

MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience as a veterinary assistant is required, experience in a specialty hospital or ophthalmology is preferred.
• Proficiency in patient handling and restraint across all species
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while managing multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Strong commitment to providing high-quality patient care, technical services, and client communication.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team with a proactive approach.
• Ability to safely lift and transport animals up to 50 pounds.
• Composure and professionalism in stressful and emergency situations.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills.
• Adherence to detailed protocols and documentation requirements.
• Commitment to continuous learning and skill development.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a 24/7 hospital setting

SPECIFIC DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide excellent care and ensure cleanliness and comfort of all AMC patients
• Safely handle and restrain patients of all species, including those in pain, debilitated, or in critical condition for ophthalmology examinations
• Provide appropriate assistance with Ophthalmology patients for outpatient and perioperative
• Perform treatments within the scope of a NYS non-licensed team member.
• Conduct in-house diagnostics lab testing per establish standard operating procedures.
• Manage inventory, including ordering and restocking supplies.
• Communicate professionally with rDVMs, clients, and pharmacy representatives as needed.
• Operate and maintain sensitive, high-value medical equipment..
• Advocate for the wellbeing of patients, clients, and the veterinary team.
• Assist with patient appointments, admissions, transfers, and discharges
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, demonstrating a high level of initiative
• Must exhibit good organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills
• Must have the ability to remain composed in stressful and emergency situations
• Must be able to follow detailed protocols
• Must neatly and correctly fill out paperwork as necessary
• Perform accurate record keeping and data entry

EDUCATION:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Approved Veterinary Assistant or equivalent certificate a plus
• Generous sign-on bonus $1,000
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• 50% discount on veterinary care
• 403b matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• You may be eligible for The Public Loan Service Forgiveness Program as we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer

Pay Range

$17.80 - $22 USD

Excellence in veterinary medicine since 1910. AMC Offers:

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Founded in 1910, the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital, offering compassionate, collaborative, and cutting-edge veterinary care. Our commitment to innovation has led to the creation of one of the most advanced veterinary facilities in the world.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: AMC just completed a major expansion and renovation. This project transformed the hospital’s entire 83,000-square-foot space into a state-of-the-art facility unlike any other.

Highlights include: A brand-new full floor surgical center, 1.5 Tesla Philips MRI (the exclusive high field MRI for small animals in NYC), 64-slice spiral CT scanner, Electroencephalography (EEG), Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator, In-house Laboratory, Ultrasound, Echocardiogram, and Mobile Cone Beam CT

A multidisciplinary team of 140+ veterinarians across 20+ specialties: With over 20 specialties and services under one roof, our departments frequently work together to deliver the highest quality of patient care in the veterinary field. Our dynamic array of specialists means that we are the go-to place for complex cases.

A Hospital in the heart of NYC: AMC is located in Manhattan, surrounded by leading research and teaching institutions such as Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical School, and NYU. Collaborative research opportunities abound, and our strong focus on education ensures a rewarding career for those passionate about mentoring and advancing veterinary medicine.