Veterinary Assistant - Emergency

Veterinary Assistant | $21.75-$28.00/hr

Location: Wilmington, NC
Schedule: Full-Time | Three 12-Hour Overnight Shifts | Thursday-Saturday | 6:00 PM-6:00 AM
Compensation: $21.75-$28.00/hour based on experience + $2.00/hour overnight differential + $1.00/hour weekend differential

Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center (ECVMC) is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant to join our Emergency team in Wilmington, NC. If you thrive in a fast-paced emergency environment, enjoy supporting advanced patient care, and want to work alongside experienced emergency and specialty professionals, we'd love to meet you.

Compensation

• $21.75-$28.00/hour based on experience
• $2.00/hour overnight shift differential
• $1.00/hour weekend shift differential

Full-Time Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance 
• Paid Time Off available upon hire
• Veterinary Social Worker onsite
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts
• Discounts on pet services and supplies
• Uniform allowance
• Employee Referral Program
• VetBloom Learning & Development Platform with RACE-approved Continuing Education
• Veterinary Nurse Champion Awards
• RECOVER CPR certification opportunities
• Fear Free certification opportunities
• Ethos Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Networks
• Ethos Scholarship opportunities and for Veterinary Assistants pursuing LVT/CVT credentialing
• And more!

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Three 12-hour overnight shifts
• Thursday-Saturday
• 6:00 PM-6:00 AM
• Weekend and holiday availability required as part of the Emergency team schedule

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians with emergency patient care, treatments, and procedures.
• Safely restrain patients and assist with examinations, diagnostics, and treatments.
• Monitor hospitalized patients and report changes to the medical team.
• Perform routine diagnostic procedures, including radiographs, laboratory testing, and fecal analysis.
• Administer medications under the direction of a veterinarian or Veterinary Technician.
• Prepare, clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and medical equipment.
• Maintain inventory, stock treatment areas, and ensure supplies are readily available.
• Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, exam rooms, treatment areas, and hospital equipment.
• Assist with patient feeding, bathing, and general nursing care.
• Support clients by answering phones and assisting with patient admissions and discharges.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and efficient Emergency department.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of Veterinary Assistant experience in General Practice or 2 years of Veterinary Assistant experience in Emergency Veterinary Medicine required
• Experience working in a fast-paced veterinary hospital environment preferred
• Strong patient handling and restraint skills
• Experience performing radiographs, laboratory testing, and assisting with patient treatments
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to remain calm in emergency situations
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds independently and assist with larger patients
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and squat for extended periods throughout the shift
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required

About the Hospital

Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center (ECVMC) is a 24/7 emergency and specialty referral hospital dedicated to providing exceptional care in Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Orthopedics, and Rehabilitation.

Our collaborative team works with advanced technology and innovative procedures to provide outstanding patient care while supporting professional development and continued learning. At ECVMC, you'll gain experience with challenging cases while working alongside experienced emergency clinicians and specialists in a supportive, team-focused environment.

Surrounding Areas

ECVMC proudly serves Wilmington, NC and surrounding communities including Leland, Hampstead, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Burgaw, Southport, Jacksonville, Surf City, Sneads Ferry, Shallotte, and Oak Island.

Relocating for the right opportunity? Qualified candidates may be eligible for relocation assistance. Wilmington offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle with nearby beaches, boating, fishing, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant downtown, making it an exceptional place to build your veterinary career.

Join Us

Ready to take the next step in your veterinary career? We'd love to hear from you. Apply today to join our team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets, their families, and the veterinary community.

Employee Referral Bonus

Know someone who would be a great fit for our team? Ask us about our Employee Referral Program and earn rewards for referring qualified candidates.

Wilmington, NC

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.

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.