Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Ethos Veterinary Health; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 57,308,000 - 74,501,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401k with company match

Learning & Development (VetBloom)

Pet insurance discounts

Uniform allowance

Referral program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center in Wilmington, NC is hiring a full-time Veterinary Assistant to join our specialty Surgery team. You will assist with surgery consultations, prep, and perioperative care, working closely with surgeons, technicians, and the medical team.

The role emphasizes hands-on patient care, skill development in surgery, and collaboration across a busy hospital environment. Monday–Friday schedule and comprehensive benefits accompany this position.

Qualifications

• Previous veterinary assistant or patient care experience preferred.
• Comfortable safely handling dogs and cats of varying sizes.
• Strong interest in veterinary surgery and specialty medicine.
• Organized and able to prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Enjoys both hands-on patient care and client interaction.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Works well as part of a collaborative veterinary team.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and follows established protocols.
• Dependable, proactive, and willing to assist where needed.
• Motivated to continue developing veterinary technical and patient care skills.
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with surgery consultations, rechecks, and outpatient appointments, including intake, histories, vitals, and patient preparation.
• Safely restrain and handle patients and assist with diagnostics, treatments, and procedures.
• Prepare patients, surgical suites, equipment, and supplies for procedures.
• Support surgical patient positioning, transport, perioperative care, and operating room turnover.
• Assist with bandage changes, blood draws, catheter placement, and other patient care procedures.
• Assist with instrument cleaning, packaging, sterilization, and surgical area preparation.
• Support patient discharges by preparing medications, supplies, and discharge materials.
• Maintain organized, clean patient care and surgery areas and restock supplies as needed.
• Communicate effectively with clients, Veterinary Technicians, doctors, and other members of the medical team.
• Help maintain efficient workflow and provide support wherever needed throughout the day.

Skills

Vet assistant exp

Dog/Cat handling

Interest in surgery

Organization

Client interaction

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Willingness to assist

Fluent English

Job description

Veterinary Surgery Assistant | $20–$26/hrbased on experience

Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center|Wilmington, NC

Full-Time | Monday–Friday

Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center is hiring a full-time Veterinary Assistant to join our specialty Surgery team. This is an excellent opportunity for a veterinary assistant who enjoys hands‑on patient care, wants to develop technical skills, and is interested in specialty veterinary surgery. You’ll support surgical procedures and outpatient appointments while working closely with surgeons, Veterinary Technicians, scrub technicians, and other members of the medical team.

Compensation

• $20–$26/hour based on experience

Benefits

• Paid Time Off benefits available upon hire
• Veterinary Social Worker on Staff at Hospital Location
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Health Insurance Plans
• Discounted Employee Pet Insurance,Pet Services, and Supplies
• 401k Planning, with Employer Matching Structure
• Access to Ethos-wide expansive VetBloom Learning and Development platform with RACE approved CE
• Veterinary Nurse Champion Awards
• Recover CPR and Fear Free certification initiatives
• Ethos Peer‑to‑Peer Mentorship Networks for continued LVT/CVT growth and aspiring VTS team members
• Referral Program
• Uniform Allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• And more!

Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday–Friday

Responsibilities

• Assist with surgery consultations, rechecks, and outpatient appointments, including intake, histories, vitals, and patient preparation
• Safely restrain and handle patients and assist with diagnostics, treatments, and procedures
• Prepare patients, surgical suites, equipment, and supplies for procedures
• Support surgical patient positioning, transport, perioperative care, and operating room turnover
• Assist with bandage changes, blood draws, catheter placement, and other patient care procedures
• Assist with instrument cleaning, packaging, sterilization, and surgical area preparation
• Support patient discharges by preparing medications, supplies, and discharge materials
• Maintain organized, clean patient care and surgery areas and restock supplies as needed
• Communicate effectively with clients, Veterinary Technicians, doctors, and other members of the medical team
• Help maintain efficient workflow and provide support wherever needed throughout the day

Qualifications

• Previous veterinary assistant or patient care experience preferred
• Comfortable safely handling dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
• Strong interest in veterinary surgery and specialty medicine
• Organized and able to prioritize responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment
• Enjoys both hands‑on patient care and client interaction
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Works well as part of a collaborative veterinary team
• Demonstrates attention to detail and follows established protocols
• Dependable, proactive, and willing to assist where needed
• Motivated to continue developing veterinary technical and patient care skills
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required.

About the Hospital

ECVMC is dedicated to delivering the highest level of veterinary care through exceptional services in Emergency Medicine, Surgery, and Rehabilitation for patients, clients, and referring veterinarians.

Our team is committed to excellence in both medicine and patient care, and we have worked hard to cultivate an inclusive, collaborative environment where every team member is supported and valued. At ECVMC, Veterinary Assistants have the opportunity to work with cutting‑edge equipment, unique cases, and innovative procedures while developing their technical skills alongside experienced veterinary professionals.

Surrounding Areas

ECVMC serves patients and veterinary clients throughout the surrounding community, providing advanced emergency, surgical, and rehabilitation care. The area offers opportunities to enjoy a variety of local amenities, outdoor recreation, and community activities while building your veterinary career. If you’re considering relocating for the right veterinary opportunity, ECVMC offers the chance to join a collaborative specialty team while gaining valuable experience in surgery, advanced patient care, and specialty veterinary medicine.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world‑class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic‑caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two‑way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

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.