Veterinary Criticalist

National Veterinary Associates; West Caldwell (NJ); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Sign‑on or relocation assistance

CE allowance & professional support

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Potential leadership opportunities

Job summary

Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in West Caldwell, New Jersey, is seeking a Veterinary Criticalist for a full‑time permanent role. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team delivering advanced critical care alongside anesthesia, internal medicine, radiation oncology and surgery.

The ideal candidate is board‑certified or residency‑trained in Emergency & Critical Care, with a DVM and valid state licensure.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree with eligibility for state veterinary licensure.
• Board Certification in Emergency & Critical Care (DACVECC) or Residency Trained in Emergency & Critical Care.
• Strong communication skills with a compassionate, client‑centered approach.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.
• A passion for continuous learning, teamwork, and advancing specialty medicine.

Responsibilities

• Manage high-acuity emergency and ICU patients, providing advanced critical care and stabilization.
• Collaborate with Emergency doctors, surgeons, internists and anesthesiologists for coordinated care.
• Lead interdisciplinary rounds and help develop clinical protocols.
• Perform advanced critical care therapies including mechanical ventilation and high‑flow oxygen.
• Utilize MRI, CT, C‑Arm and other resources to support decision‑making.
• Provide timely communication to pet owners navigating complex decisions.
• Build relationships with referring veterinarians for coordinated care.
• Support growth initiatives like blood bank services and residency training.
• Mentor clinicians, technicians, interns, and staff toward teamwork and learning.

Skills

Board certification in ECC

DVM or equivalent

Communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Lifelong learning

Education

DVM or equivalent

Eligibility for state licensure

Job description

Hospital Name: Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA)

Job Type: Veterinarian - Specialty

Employment Type: Permanent

Description & Requirements

Veterinary Criticalist
Full-Time opportunity in West Caldwell, New Jersey

Why Join Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA)

At Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA), you'll join one of New Jersey's premier specialty and emergency hospitals, where advanced medicine, collaboration, and clinical excellence drive everything we do. We are seeking a board-certified or residency-trained Veterinary Criticalist who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care while working alongside a highly skilled and collaborative multidisciplinary team.

Since opening as an after-hours emergency clinic in 1977, AERA has grown into a leading referral center serving patients throughout the region. In 2021, we opened our state-of-the-art 45,000-square-foot facility, designed to support innovation, efficiency, and collaboration across specialties. You'll work alongside specialists in Anesthesia, Internal Medicine, Radiation Oncology, and Surgery, supported by a strong 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care team committed to providing the highest level of patient care.

Our hospital is equipped with advanced technology including on-site MRI, CT, Varian Halcyon linear accelerator, C-Arm imaging, and other cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Whether you're an experienced Criticalist or completing residency training, AERA provides the caseload, mentorship, technology, and collaborative culture needed to build a rewarding and successful career.

To learn more about what matters to us and meet the team, https://www.aeravet.com/.

Location Highlight

West Caldwell offers the best of both worlds, combining suburban comfort with easy access to major metropolitan amenities. Located just 25 miles from New York City, the area provides convenient commuting options while still offering quick access to the mountains, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities of northern New Jersey. With Newark International Airport less than 30 minutes away, excellent schools, diverse dining, and vibrant communities, West Caldwell is an exceptional place to live and work.

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance

• Competitive compensation
• Sign-on or relocation assistance
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• CE allowance and professional development support
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings options
• Employee assistance programs
• Exceptional earning potential
• Leadership and career advancement opportunities within Ethos Veterinary Health

The anticipated starting base salary range for individuals expressing interest in this position is $200,000 to $240,000 per year.

In your day-to-day, you will:

• Manage high-acuity emergency and ICU patients, providing advanced critical care, triage, stabilization, and ongoing treatment for complex and life‑threatening conditions.
• Partner closely with Emergency doctors, surgeons, internists, anesthesiologists, and other specialists to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care for hospitalized patients.
• Lead and participate in interdisciplinary rounds, contribute to case discussions, and help develop clinical protocols that support best practices and exceptional patient outcomes.
• Perform advanced critical care therapies, including mechanical ventilation, high‑flow oxygen therapy, and other specialized treatments based on available hospital resources and patient needs.
• Utilize advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including MRI, CT, C-Arm, and other specialty resources to support critical patient management and clinical decision‑making.
• Provide timely and compassionate communication to pet owners, helping them navigate complex medical decisions during stressful and emotional situations.
• Build collaborative relationships with referring veterinarians through consultation, case updates, and coordinated patient management.
• Support program growth initiatives, including development of blood bank services, residency training opportunities, clinical protocols, and other strategic Critical Care initiatives.
• Mentor emergency clinicians, technicians, interns, and support staff while fostering a culture of teamwork, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Engage in ongoing continuing education and mentorship opportunities, including point‑of‑care ultrasound (POCUS), echocardiography training, and other advanced Critical Care skill development.
• Contribute to a collaborative hospital culture focused on innovation, professional growth, exceptional patient care, and advancing specialty medicine.

What You Bring

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree with eligibility for state veterinary licensure.
• Board Certification in Emergency & Critical Care (DACVECC) or Residency Trained in Emergency & Critical Care.
• Strong communication skills with a compassionate, client‑centered approach.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.
• A passion for continuous learning, teamwork, and advancing specialty medicine.

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.