ECC Veterinary Assistant

Tufts V.E.T.S. is a multispecialty emergency and critical care VECCS level 1 certified facility in New England. We are an affiliate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, at Tufts University, providing a unique environment that integrates learning into a busy private practice setting.  We are committed to providing the highest standard of patient care from a wide range of specialty services including emergency and critical care, anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, radiology and diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, and urgent care.  We are continually seeking to unite highly skilled professionals in veterinary medicine to provide a collaborative environment that strives to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond.    

Tufts V.E.T.S. strives to be a community where diversity and inclusion are a priority. 

REPORTS TO:  ECC Technician Supervisor

POSITION OVERVIEW

Veterinary Assistants play an essential role in supporting the ECC team by providing compassionate patient care, assisting with medical procedures, and maintaining a clean and organized hospital environment. In this role, Veterinary Assistants work closely with technicians and doctors to support treatments, procedures, and client communication while also handling daily responsibilities such as patient husbandry, feeding, cleaning, and stocking. Each Veterinary Assistant level has defined skills that may be performed once successfully signed off, ensuring a structured path for professional development and advancement through Levels 1–3.

This position requires flexibility, teamwork, and strong communication skills, as responsibilities range from patient handling and basic laboratory work to assisting with surgical preparation and client interactions. Veterinary Assistants are expected to remain proactive, organized, and professional in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing tasks effectively. Opportunities for growth are built into the role, with ongoing training and skills sign-offs that expand the scope of responsibilities as each level is achieved.

POSITION RESPONSBILITIES

Veterinary Assistants in this role are expected to actively work toward and complete Level 1 and Level 2 Veterinary Assistant skill sign-offs as part of their professional development. Veterinary Assistants will have the opportunity to also work towards Level 3. See Veterinary Assistant Skills List for detailed requirements.

• Each VA Level has specific skills that can only be performed once the Veterinary Assistant has successfully passed that level outside of the responsibilities listed below.

• Provide compassionate care to all patients and clients.

• Conduct oneself in a confident, professional manner—even under stress or while focused on individual tasks.

• Assist veterinary technicians with patient treatments, procedures, and triage.

• Perform general husbandry of all inpatients.

• Follow a consistent schedule for cleaning and sanitizing cages, runs, wards, and related areas, including changing litter boxes and refreshing food/water bowls.

• Take direction from the Supervisor or Lead on prioritizing responsibilities during shifts.

• Assist with general department cleaning and stocking; understand and complete daily, weekly, and monthly checklists to maintain ECC cleanliness, equipment, and overall appearance.

• Feed patients according to attending doctor’s orders or owner’s requests and record appetite.

• Demonstrate proficiency with basic functions of the EMR (StringSoft), including: printing patient labels, entering patient history, looking up patients/clients, recording client communications, checking appointments, reviewing invoices/estimates, and completing patient treatments (with technician/doctor oversight).

• Collect and enter basic patient history into EMR.

• Obtain and document patient vitals (TPRW) in EMR.

• Safely and effectively restrain patients for exams, blood draws, catheter placement, procedures, or treatments.

• Set up for ECC procedures (e.g., laceration repairs, urinary blockages, tracheal washes).

• Perform basic in-house laboratory tests (PCV/TS, Chemistry, CBC, EPOC, Coagulation, SNAP tests).

• Prepare and submit samples to outside laboratories (Antech, IDEXX, Tufts).

• Position patients and assist with radiographs using non-manual restraint.

• Set up, operate, and maintain IV pumps.

• Support veterinary technicians in both ER and ICU as needed.

• Prioritize tasks appropriately and remain productive throughout shifts.

• Maintain hospital laundry.

• Bathe and brush patients as needed.

• Collect non-sterile urine and fecal samples for lab submission.

• Recognize and report unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors in patients.

• Assist with administration of medications under technician or doctor supervision.

• Clean equipment and facilities according to hospital protocols, using approved TVETS chemicals and following safety procedures.

• Maintain cleanliness and stock exam rooms.

• Assist with processing deliveries.

• Clean, wrap, sterilize, and maintain ECC surgical instruments per SOP.

• Assist with setup, operation, and maintenance of patient monitoring equipment and warming devices.

• Aseptically prep patients for procedures.

• Sterilely glove up when required.

• Operate autoclave and ultrasonic cleaner.

• Process client requests for end-of-life patient remains in accordance with SOP.

• Demonstrate critical thinking when communicating with clients to assess concerns, urgency, and need for intervention.

Front Desk Responsibilities (Third Shift)

• Communicate with clients in person and on the phone.

• Register and check patients in and out of the hospital.

• Handle monetary transactions during shift.

• Complete aftercare paperwork and procedures per SOP.

• Participate in client care rounds at the start and end of each shift.

General Expectations

• Assist in training new team members and veterinary students

• Collaborate effectively with veterinary staff to provide comprehensive patient care 

• Participate in continuous education to stay updated with advancements in veterinary practices.  

• Meet with Supervisor regularly to review any concerns or issues

• Participate in regular team meetings 

• Follows appropriate leadership structure when communicating, reporting, and resolving concerns and issues 

• Maintain an optimistic attitude and follow TVETS policies including the Employee Code of Conduct. Your conduct and interaction with team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated 

• Adhere to all hospital policies and standards as required by the employee manual 

• Serve as a representative of the hospital. Display courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and team member 

• Adhere to your work schedule. Be on the floor ready to work at the start of your shift 

• Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in your duties each day 

• Demonstrate professionalism and discourage gossip/rumors 

• Maintain strict confidentiality 

• Follow all hospital safety protocols 

• Providing compassionate care to patients and clients 

• Conducting oneself in a professional and confident manner, even under pressure 

• Maintaining positive, cooperative working relationships with all team members 

• Communicate openly, effectively, and regularly with all management/supervisors and specialists 

• Maintain positive rapport between all hospital team members and clients 

• Maintain open, positive, and productive communications 

• Performs other duties as assigned by the ECC Technician Supervisor

Personal conduct and interpersonal skills are very important.  Interaction with hospital team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated. 

**Position responsibilities may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the service or business without it being specifically included in the job description.

SCHEDULE 

Shifts TBD. Weekend and holiday coverage as required by the service. Schedule subject to change at managements discretion to meet the needs of the service. This position is considered essential and is therefore required to work as scheduled during inclement weather (i.e., during snowstorms). 

Compensation: Is based on education, experience, credentials, and skill level.

Benefits: Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401K, flexible spending accounts, PFML, Employee Assistance Program, paid maternity leave, paid vacation/sick/personal time, employee pet discount, apparel reimbursement, CE opportunities and allowance, and paid holidays.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent 

• Degree in Veterinary Technology and/or Animal Science preferred 

• Certified Veterinary Assistant preferred 

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 1 year working in the veterinary field as a Veterinary Assistant 

• Prior experience working in diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, or specialty medicine preferred  

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 18 years old

• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and can treat them compassionately even when they are stressed, ill or in pain

• Must support and foster an environment of diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and empathy

• Must have excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills

• Can multi-task in a fast-paced working environment

• Can stay calm and efficient under pressure

• Is detail oriented and reliable

• Has a high commitment to providing exceptional patient/client care

• Has excellent communication skills

• Must be professional, approachable, and maintain an optimistic outlook

• Proficient at working with digital records, Microsoft Word/Excel, and Google Docs 

• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs.).  Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position

• Working conditions:  May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noise, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases. Will be exposed (with proper PPE and protocols in place) to chemotherapeutic agents

CONTINUING EDUCATION

• Advanced training and credentialing are strongly encouraged 

• Required to attend in-hospital training and CE as assigned 

• Required to attend and submit 10 CE courses every 2 years for VECCS 

Salary : $20 - $24