Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Ethos Veterinary Health; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

CE allowance and professional development support

Paid time off

Retirement savings options (401(k) with employer match)

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Ethos Veterinary Health is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for the Surgery department in Tacoma, Washington. This role involves assisting in patient preparation, maintaining sterile environments during surgeries, and working closely with veterinarians. Strong attention to detail and a collaborative mindset are essential.

The position offers a competitive hourly pay range of $22–$28 based on experience, health benefits, and a comprehensive perks package.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology preferred.
• Prior veterinary experience preferred, especially in a specialty hospital.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient preparation in the surgery department.
• Set up the OR for surgical procedures.
• Safely move sedated or anesthetized patients.
• Assist with recovery and maintenance of OR.
• Perform in-house lab work as required.

Skills

Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology

Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Collaborative mindset

Attention to detail

Education

Current WA state medical clerk license

Job description

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery

Hourly pay range: $22–$28 depending on experience.

Location: Tacoma / South Puget Sound, WA.

Schedule: Must be available for either 3 twelve‑hour shifts or 4 ten‑hour shifts. On‑call rotation required once fully trained. Flexibility is required as surgery times may extend beyond scheduled hours.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of patients in the surgery department, including obtaining vitals, patient restraint, blood collection, and IV catheter placement.
• Set up the OR for surgical procedures, including appropriate shaving and aseptic prep of the surgery site.
• Safely move sedated or anesthetized patients to/from the OR and maintain sterile fields as needed.
• Assist with recovery and OR daily/weekly/monthly maintenance.
• Perform in‑house lab work as required.
• Assist with advanced imaging (X‑ray, ultrasound, CT), including radiograph positioning for orthopedic procedures, chest radiographs, chest tube placements, and urethral catheterization.
• Prepare prescriptions and communicate discharge orders to clients clearly and compassionately.
• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams.
• Contribute to a positive, team‑focused hospital culture.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology preferred.
• Prior veterinary experience preferred, especially in a specialty hospital, 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.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care; team player with strong attention to detail, reliability, dependability, and trustworthiness.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• CE allowance and professional development support.
• Paid time off.
• Retirement savings options (401(k) with employer match).
• Comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.