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Veterinary Medical Assistant information

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$23

How much do veterinary medical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary medical assistant in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Veterinary Medical Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary Medical AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; licensing or certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssist veterinarians in clinics, animal hospitals, and sheltersPerform more advanced medical tasks, often working alongside veterinarians in clinics and hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesAnimal restraint, basic patient care, clerical dutiesPerform diagnostic tests, administer medications, assist in surgeries
Industry UsageCommon entry-level role in veterinary practicesMore specialized, requiring formal education and certification

Veterinary Medical Assistants and Veterinary Technicians both work in veterinary settings, but Veterinary Technicians typically have more advanced training and responsibilities. While Medical Assistants focus on basic animal care and clerical tasks, Technicians perform diagnostic and medical procedures, often requiring formal education and certification.

What are Veterinary Medical Assistants?

Veterinary Medical Assistants are professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the care and treatment of animals. Their duties often include restraining animals during examinations, preparing equipment, cleaning animal cages, and assisting with administrative tasks like scheduling appointments. They play a crucial role in ensuring veterinary clinics run smoothly and that animals receive proper care. While they do not perform advanced medical procedures, their support is essential to the daily operations of a veterinary practice.

Can a medical assistant work at a vet?

A veterinary medical assistant is trained to support veterinarians by performing tasks such as animal restraint, basic clinical procedures, and client communication. They typically work in veterinary clinics or hospitals and may need specific training or certification related to animal care and medical procedures.

What are some common challenges Veterinary Medical Assistants face when working in a busy clinic environment?

Veterinary Medical Assistants in busy clinics often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as assisting veterinarians during exams, handling administrative tasks, and providing compassionate care to animals and their owners. The fast-paced environment can present challenges like managing stressful situations, prioritizing tasks effectively, and communicating clearly with both clients and team members. Adaptability and strong organizational skills are essential to navigate these demands while ensuring the highest standard of animal care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Medical Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Medical Assistant, you need knowledge of animal care, basic medical procedures, and often a diploma or certificate in veterinary assisting. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, lab equipment, and sterilization tools is commonly required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and compassion for both animals and their owners are standout soft skills. These skills ensure efficient clinic operations, quality patient care, and positive client experiences in a veterinary setting.
More about Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Veterinary Medical Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Medical jobs? The most popular types of Veterinary Medical jobs are:
What states have the most Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs are:
Veterinary Medical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Medical Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Veterinary Medical Assistant for Surgery Service

Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital

Durham, NC • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Veterinary Medical Assistant for Surgery Department
1st Shift, Weekdays (Some on-call hours required, Experienced)

The Triangle's premier emergency and specialty hospital is seeking a highly motivated, highly skilled veterinary medical assistant to join our fast-paced surgery team. This is a great opportunity for a hardworking, dedicated veterinary professional who is excited to grow their skill and knowledge base. We provide 24-hour emergency service and specialty referrals in surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, radiology and rehabilitation, and we're looking for veterinary medical support staff who want to utilize their skills to the fullest potential in a fast paced, fun, and stimulating environment.
Members of the surgery team function with a great deal of autonomy and responsibility. Solid technical skills and drug knowledge base, sound judgment, and the ability to function both independently and with a team are required. Strong communication skills, verbal and written; organizational skills; proactive thinking and the right attitude are also a must.
Our new facility, advanced equipment (including digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and CT) and services allow plenty of opportunities for growth.
Job Summary
The Surgery Veterinary Medical Assistant (VMA) is an integral part of a busy and growing surgery service. The primary duty of the surgery VMA is to facilitate surgery consults and rechecks, maintain medical records, discharge surgical patients from the hospital, and provide excellent client communication. Other duties include patient prep and recovery; patient assessment; pain management; and anesthesia monitoring using multi-parameter monitoring equipment for a variety of sedated procedures including bandage changes, wound repairs, and sedated radiographs and suture removals. The veterinary medical assistant will not be responsible for inducing and maintaining general anesthesia on surgical patients.
Floor Responsibilities
  • Enter medical record documentation
  • Ensure information in medical record is accurate and up to date in a timely fashion
  • Provide excellent client communication
  • Admit surgery patients for hospitalization, enter hospitalization orders and charges, appropriately round ICU on the incoming cases
  • Use all in house laboratory equipment to provide accurate results
  • Learn parameters to produce accurate images on CT and run machine appropriately
  • Safely and effectively take digital radiographs
  • Calculate drug dosages accurately
  • Give medications via all prescribed routes: PO, SC, IM, IV
  • Proficiency with venous catheterization
  • Patient restraint safely using stress-free handling techniques
  • Work collaboratively and positively with all coworkers
  • Set-up, break down and clean surgical suites
  • Understand broad range of surgical procedures and instrumentation including instrument identification, proper sterilization techniques, principles of infection control and aseptic techniques
  • Assist in surgery as necessary including:
  • patient preparation
  • sterile gowning and gloving
  • opening of the sterile surgical packs
  • appropriately draping patient for the given procedure
  • setting up the sterile surgical table
  • assisting the surgeon during the procedure by being proactive and anticipatory of surgical and surgeon needs
  • Maintain familiarity of surgical procedures including soft tissue, orthopedic and arthroscopic/laparoscopic procedures
  • Maintain a clean work environment to maintain any infectious disease protocols as well as handle biomedical and infectious waste appropriately
  • Follow radiation safety and OSHA standards
  • General
  • Identify and bring to the attention of the management, any issues or concerns that require attention and assist in the development of solutions
  • Maintain professionalism in high pressure situation and around clients in varying emotional states.

Competencies
  • Problem solving and analysis
  • Process management
  • Written and verbal communication proficiency
  • Teamwork
  • Technical capacity
  • Flexibility
  • Initiative
Work Environment

This job operates in a veterinary healthcare environment that performs in- and out-patient procedures as well as provides hospitalization care for small companion animals. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, as well as specialized veterinary medical equipment including anesthesia machines, radiology machines, ultrasound, CT, oxygen therapy units, and IV fluid pumps.
Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping all day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds.
TVRH offers a comprehensive benefits package in addition to competitive salary:
  • Health, vision, and dental
  • HSA and FSA Plans
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity
  • Life Insurance
  • 401k with employer match
  • Paid Parental Leave
Internal benefits include PTO, CE allowance, veterinary services discount, and uniform allowance.

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