Veterinary Assistant Trainee

Ethos Veterinary Health; Bel Air (MD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k

Dental and vision coverage

Shift differentials for overnight/week

Job summary

Ethos Veterinary Health in Bel Air, MD is hiring a Veterinary Assistant Trainee with no prior veterinary experience. You will receive a structured training program combining hands-on practice with classroom-style learning to build real-world skills and earn your Veterinary Assistant certification.

You'll work with a collaborative team, support veterinarians and technicians, handle animals safely, learn basic record-keeping, and grow toward credentialed technician roles as you progress through

Qualifications

• No veterinary experience required; willingness to learn and commit to training.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and ability to balance priorities.
• Strong communication and listening skills with clients and team.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians and technicians in patient care and hospital operations.
• Learn safe animal handling and basic restraint techniques.
• Assist with basic husbandry, hygiene, and patient comfort.
• Maintain basic veterinary record-keeping procedures.
• Restock supplies and assist with patient transport as needed.
• Work with a collaborative team to learn and grow.

Skills

Communication skills

Time-management

Teamwork

Attentive to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Veterinary Assistant Trainee, No Experience Required

Location: Bel Air, MD

Schedule: Full-Time | 4x8 to 10/ hr shifts per week | Scheduling needs may include: 7:30am - 3:30pm, 3:30pm - 11:30pm, 11:30pm - 7:30am

Compensation: $15/hr Note that the starting compensation of $15/hr is during the completion of the Veterinary Assistant Training Program. Once the program is complete, Assistants can expect a compensation increase.

Looking for a career where you can make a difference for both people and animals and turn something you’re passionate about into meaningful work? No previous veterinary experience is required. We’ll help you build it.

Veterinary medicine is about more than caring for animals. It’s about supporting the people who love them, providing comfort during difficult moments, and helping beloved family members get back home.

Our Veterinary Assistant Training Program combines education, hands‑on training, and support to help you build real‑world skills while working toward your Veterinary Assistant certification.

And this can be just the beginning. Grow your career with Ethos as a Veterinary Assistant, pursue a pathway toward becoming a credentialed Veterinary Technician, or explore other opportunities as your skills and experience grow.

In Your Day-to-Day, You Will:

• Support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in delivering exceptional patient care.
• Learn safe animal handling and basic restraint techniques.
• Support the basic husbandry, hygiene, comfort, and care of patients.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with veterinary technicians, doctors, other hospital team members, and clients as you support patient care and hospital operations.
• Learn basic veterinary record-keeping procedures.
• Recognize when you need assistance and learn when and how to escal… questions or concerns to the appropriate team member.
• Clean and disinfect treatment areas, kennels, and equipment to maintain a safe, sanitary hospital environment.
• Restock medical supplies and treatment areas to ensure the hospital is prepared for patient care.
• Assist with patient transport and provide support throughout the hospital within the scope of your training.
• Maintain client and patient confidentiality.
• Complete required coursework, hands‑on training, and program milestones.
• Work alongside a collaborative veterinary team committed to helping you learn and grow.

What You Bring:

No veterinary experience? No problem. We’re looking for people who are ready to learn, contribute, and commit to building a career in veterinary medicine.

You may be a great fit if you bring:

• A work, school, volunteer, or other history that demonstrates genuine interest, engagement, and commitment to the work you take on.
• The discipline and time‑management skills to balance competing priorities, including online learning, hands‑on training, and daily work responsibilities.
• The self‑awareness to ask questions, seek help when needed, and recognize the boundaries of your knowledge, training, and role.
• A positive, team‑oriented approach and willingness to work collaboratively with others.
• A track record of dependability, punctuality, and following through on commitments.
• Strong communication and listening skills when working with clients and colleagues.
• The ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain effective in a busy, high‑stress environment.
• Basic computer skills and comfort learning new technology and systems.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• The ability and commitment to successfully complete all required training and program milestones within six months.
• The ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing and moving for extended periods, bending and reaching frequently, safely lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and assisting with the movement and handling of animals of varying sizes.

Schedule:

• 4x8- hour shifts per week (this role may require you to stay longer than the duration of your scheduled shift)
• Nights, weekends, & holidays
• 7:30am - 3:30pm, 3:30pm - 11:30pm, 11:30pm - 7:30am
• Flexibility is required for this position, and schedules will vary based on the needs of the hospital.

Perks & Benefits:

• $15/hr during the completion on the Veterinary Assistant Training Program.
• Compensation increase upon completion of the program.
• $3/hr shift differential for overnight shifts.
• $4/hr shift differential for weekend shifts.
• Compensation increase once credentialed.
• Full health care packages (medical, dental, vision).
• Pet service discounts and employee pet wellness days.
• Discounted pet bloodwork.
• Cell phone discounts.
• Insurance, 401k.
• Free therapy & Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee professional mentorship programs.
• Onsite classes, training, & CE opportunities.
• VTS support groups, resources, webinar training & mentorship to specialize in ER & Critical Care.
• Rabies vaccinations.
• Referral bonuses.
• Continuing education & conference allowance
• Cover costs of license and profession fees.
• + so much more!

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.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.