Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

Northwest Veterinary Hospital; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary hospital in Pittsburgh seeks a skilled Surgery Veterinary Assistant. This role provides crucial support in patient care, medication administration, and emergency triage. With opportunities for continuing education and career growth, candidates are invited to join a compassionate and dedicated team that values diverse healthcare for pets.

Benefits

Trupanion pet insurance

Annual continuing education allowance

Paid Time Off and holidays

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

Parental leave

Company-paid disability insurance

401(k) plan

Referral bonuses

Qualifications

• Must understand medication classifications and side effects.
• Experience handling emergency cases preferred.
• Knowledge of anesthesia/monitoring equipment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Triaging emergency cases and assisting DVMs.
• Providing nursing care according to hospital standards.
• Administering medications and performing physical exams.

Skills

Patient Care

Communication

Medication Administration

Diagnostic Procedures

Anesthesia Knowledge

Job description

BluePearl Pet Hospital in North Hills, Pittsburgh is seeking a knowledgeable and skilled Surgery Veterinary Assistant.

Pay: $17.50 - $25.50 / hour

This pay band is a starting point and is dependent on experience and advancement through our leveling system.

Candidates with VTS credentialing are eligible for compensation commensurate with experience.

We also offer competitive shift differential pay for eligible hours worked during nights and weekends.

*Shift differentials are based on a 4-hour minimum.

For example:

• Mon - Fri: 6pm to 8am = $3.00 Shift Differential
• Sat & Sun: 6pm to 8am = $4.50 Shift Differential
• Sat & Sun: 8am to 6pm = $3.00 Shift Differential

Our Veterinary Assistants triage emergency cases, assist DVMs with crafting and reviewing estimates, perform diagnostics (radiographs, labwork, etc.), set patients up in ICU or Inpatient ward, discharge patients, and handle client communication.

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will:

• Provide nursing care to patients according to hospital standards of care and core values.
• Report patient signalment, problem list, and plan during nursing rounds.
• Understand classification of commonly used medications, their side effects, and monitor therapeutic responses.
• Administer medications via appropriate routes and durations.
• Perform physical exams, accurately recording heart rate, pulse, capillary refill time, mucous membranes, temperature, respiratory rate, and effort.
• Possess a working knowledge of anesthesia/monitoring equipment and assist with ASA I or II classified patients.
• Remain current on R.E.C.O.V.E.R CPR guidelines and demonstrate proficiency in assigned roles as directed by clinicians or supervisors.

Why BluePearl?

• Our passion is pets. We offer Trupanion pet insurance and discounts for pet treatments, procedures, and food.
• We encourage growth. Our technicians are leveled by skillset and can advance as they gain more skills and experience. We focus on developing our associates into leaders through talent development programs and workshops. As part of Mars Veterinary Health, there are endless opportunities for career advancement.
• We value continuous learning, offering annual continuing education allowances, free sessions, our BluePearl University, and access to over 2,000 medical journals.
• Support for mental health and well-being, including access to Lyra, an online mental health platform offering 12 free sessions annually, and guidance from a regional licensed social worker.
• We foster a family-like culture, emphasizing teamwork and remarkable pet care.

Our Continuing Education Plan includes annual reimbursements: $500 for CVT, $750 for VTS, with rollover options. Non-Credentialed full-time Paraprofessionals receive a stipend, and full-time CVT and VTS associates get paid CE hours annually, with carryover options up to 24 hours.

Additional benefits include:

• Company-paid disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid Time Off and holidays
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) plan
• Annual scrub allowance
• Referral bonuses
• Licensure and VTNE reimbursements
• VTS benefits for pursuing and established technicians

BluePearl is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment. We provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. We are a drug-free workplace.