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Surgery Rvt Jobs in Santa Ana, CA (NOW HIRING)

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred, but experienced Veterinary Technicians are encouraged to apply * Experience with anesthesia monitoring and surgical assisting * Dental experience ...

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years experience as an RVT and be proficient and confident in surgery, anesthesia, and dentistry. This role would be great for someone who has a strong interest in ...

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Surgery Rvt information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

$13

$39

$150

How much do surgery rvt jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgery rvt in Santa Ana, CA is $39.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $46.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgery RVT?

Surgery RVTs, or Registered Veterinary Technicians specializing in surgery, are licensed veterinary professionals who assist veterinarians during surgical procedures. They prepare the operating room, monitor anesthesia, handle surgical instruments, and care for animals before, during, and after surgery. Their specialized training ensures that surgeries are performed safely and efficiently, contributing to positive patient outcomes. Surgery RVTs also play a key role in educating pet owners about post-operative care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgery RVT, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgery Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), you need a solid background in animal anatomy, surgical assisting, anesthesia monitoring, and a valid RVT certification. Familiarity with veterinary surgical instruments, anesthesia machines, and patient monitoring systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical procedures, and effective collaboration within the veterinary surgical team.

What are some common challenges faced by surgery RVTs, and how can they be addressed in a clinical setting?

Surgery Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) often encounter challenges such as maintaining sterile technique during fast-paced procedures, effectively communicating with the surgical team, and managing post-operative patient care. These challenges can be addressed by adhering to strict protocols, participating in ongoing training, and fostering strong teamwork and communication with veterinarians and other staff. Staying organized and proactive in monitoring patients before, during, and after surgery also helps minimize complications and ensures high-quality care.

What is the difference between Surgery Rvt vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectSurgery RvtVeterinary Technician
CertificationsLicensed RVT, Surgery specializationLicensed RVT, general practice
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, surgical prep areasClinics, hospitals, surgical suites
Employer & IndustryVeterinary hospitals, specialty clinicsVeterinary clinics, hospitals
Job FocusSurgical procedures, anesthesia supportPatient care, assisting surgeries

Both Surgery Rvt and Veterinary Technician roles require RVT licensure and involve working in veterinary settings. Surgery Rvt specializes in surgical procedures and anesthesia support, often working directly in operating rooms. Veterinary Technicians have broader responsibilities, including patient care and assisting in surgeries. While overlapping, Surgery Rvt focuses more on surgical support, making it a specialized subset within the veterinary technician profession.

Infographic showing various Surgery Rvt job openings in Santa Ana, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,259 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

PRN Registered Veterinary Technician - Surgery - Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group Orange County

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

Per diem

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support hospital operations by providing veterinary care and assisting during surgery and procedures.

  • Perform patient examinations, diagnostic procedures, and nursing care, including monitoring vital signs and administering medications.

  • Maintain medical records, ensure proper sterilization and equipment maintenance, and communicate with pet owners about patient status.


Job description

Bring your skills to PetVet and earn a sign-on bonus of up to $1,000 based on your experience as a credentialed veterinary technician!
PetVet Care Centers' Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group Orange County is currently seeking a Registered Veterinary Technician - Surgery to join their team!
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people - providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage - for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience - every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
  • Local autonomy with national support
  • Career mobility and development opportunities
  • A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
Join our team as a Registered Veterinary Technician who supports hospital operations by providing dedicated quality veterinary care and exceptional service to our patients and clients. Responsibilities include providing patient care by determining animal requirements, conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures, assisting during surgery and operations, providing nursing care, assisting with feeding and caring for patients, maintaining medical supplies and equipment, overseeing triage and discharging patients, and maintaining patient medical records.
Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group Orange County in San Juan Capistrano, California was founded in 2010 to bring the same internationally acclaimed standard of care that defines VMSG Ventura to Orange County - and it delivers, with a 24/7/365 ICU staffed by a board-certified criticalist, board-certified specialists in internal medicine, cardiology, and surgery, and a commitment to the highest nurse-to-patient ratios possible. Working seamlessly as an extension of primary care veterinarians, the team uses cutting-edge diagnostics, surgical instrumentation, and technical knowledge to tackle the most complex and challenging medical conditions with a collaborative team approach.
Key Responsibilities
  • Determine animal requirements by conducting examinations and interviews, reviewing care plans and records, completing laboratory tests and studies, and diagnostic imaging.
  • Care for patients by taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medications, drugs, and vaccines, and bandaging and wrapping wounds.
  • Support patient examinations and operations by assembling required supplies and instruments, securing and bringing patients to examination rooms, and restraining patients; aids as directed by the veterinarian.
  • Provide excellent pet care by applying full knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, specialized equipment usage, and specialized drug administration.
  • Obtain and verify medications.
  • Ensure that patients have food and water, clean patients' rooms, cages, and equipment; observe patients for clinical signs of disease.
  • As directed, fill prescriptions and administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
  • Maintain a safe, secure, healthy, and humane environment by sterilizing and wrapping instruments, sanitizing and disinfecting holding and operating areas, storing sterile supplies, verifying shelf life, following standards and procedures, and in compliance with applicable legal regulations.
  • Maintain medical records by documenting patients' conditions, reactions, and changes; update the database in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Communicate with the pet owner about the status of the patient, as directed by the veterinarian.
  • Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining equipment supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
  • Maintain inventory, place orders for needed supplies, verify, and maintain receipts.
  • Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading professional journals.
  • Release pets to their owners as directed; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed before their release.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Manager or practice.

Qualifications (Required)
  • 1-2 years vet med experience required; active Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license required.
  • Experience with hospitalizations, drug calculations, and full range of technician duty.
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
  • 2+ years of experience in emergency Veterinary Medicine.

Schedule
  • PRN, Open to all shifts: Day , Swing, Overnight

Pay Range
$31.57-$38.59 USD
At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care - for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
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