Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Veterinary Assistant | Starting at $15.75/hour
Location: Lawrence, Massachusetts
Schedule: Full-Time | Morning, afternoon, and evening shifts
Compensation: Starting at $15.75/hour + Increase after AVA Certification Completion

Bulger Veterinary Hospital is hiring full-time entry-level Veterinary Assistants to join our team in Lawrence, Massachusetts. This opportunity includes a paid 24-month veterinary training program designed for individuals looking to start a career in animal healthcare.

No previous veterinary hospital or animal experience is required. Through structured online learning, hands-on training, mentorship, and clinical experience, you’ll develop foundational veterinary skills while working toward becoming a Level 1 Veterinary Technician within Ethos Veterinary Health.

Compensation

• Starting at $15.75/hour
• Compensation will increase by $1/hour within 30 days of successfully passing the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam

Full-Time Benefits:

• Continuing Education & Uniform Allowance + Free VetBloom access (RACE-approved CE)
• CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement
• RECOVER Training for advanced CPR skills
• Veterinary Technician Education Sponsorships + VTNE reimbursement + VTS Support
• 16-Week VTNE Study Group
• Professional Development Assistance
• Generous PTO + Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Bonuses + Employee Pet Discount
• Access exclusive financial benefits to help you save on student loans, mortgages, and personal loans
• NVA Pet Resort Discount + Pet Insurance Discount
• Medical, Dental, Vision + HSA/FSA Options
• Insurance Options: Life and AD&D + Short & Long-Term Disability + Critical Illness + Accident + Hospital Indemnity
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedule

• Full-time schedule
• Combination of morning, afternoon, and evening shifts required
• Holiday coverage required up to 3 holidays annually

Responsibilities
As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll support veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and hospital teams while learning foundational skills in patient care, animal handling, and veterinary medicine.

• Maintain a safe and clean hospital environment, including laundry, floors, cages, and patient care areas
• Assist with basic animal handling and restraint
• Provide basic animal husbandry and patient hygiene support
• Perform basic record-keeping procedures
• Ensure proper stocking of medical supplies and hospital resources
• Support veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians with daily patient care needs
• Build strong communication skills while supporting clients, patients, and hospital teams
• Maintain professionalism and compassion when caring for pets and interacting with clients

About the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Program

• This position includes enrollment in VetBloom’s Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) program, a 6-month blended learning experience combining online education with hands-on veterinary training.
• Through this program, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to sit for the national credentialing exam administered by VetMedTeam and overseen by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
• After successfully passing the exam, you’ll earn the credential of Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) and continue into the Next Step Veterinary Program.

About the Next Step Veterinary Program
The Next Step Veterinary Program is an 18-month advanced training program designed to help you progress from a Level 2 Veterinary Assistant to a Level 1 Veterinary Technician within Ethos Veterinary Health.
Training includes:

• Patient Care & Medical Skills:
  • Perform nail trims, suture removals, and subcutaneous fluid administration
  • Administer oral, IM, SQ, and IV medications
  • Place IV catheters and perform venipuncture
  • Assist with surgical preparation and anesthesia machine setup
  • Conduct basic patient assessments and monitor vital signs
• Surgical Support:
  • Clean and wrap surgical instruments
  • Prepare surgical packs and surgical suites
  • Maintain sterility using proper techniques
  • Assist with surgical procedures and postoperative patient care
• Diagnostic & Laboratory Skills:
  • Perform ear cytology and basic diagnostic testing
  • Operate blood analyzing equipment and perform routine bloodwork analysis
  • Assist with ophthalmologic evaluations
  • Learn radiation safety protocols for imaging procedures
• Client & Hospital Skills:
  • Communicate professionally with clients regarding patient care instructions
  • Maintain accurate medical records
  • Follow hospital safety and hygiene standards
  • Support proper medical waste disposal practices
• Veterinary Knowledge Development:
  • Learn animal anatomy and common disease processes
  • Build understanding of veterinary pharmacology
  • Develop safe handling techniques for patients with various medical and behavioral needs

This comprehensive 24-month journey is designed to provide the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to grow as a veterinary professional.

Upon completing the 24-month training program at Bulger Veterinary Hospital, your employment will end. However, you will have the opportunity to apply for positions at any Ethos hospital, including Bulger, as a Level 1 Veterinary Technician, contingent upon successful completion of the program and passing all required assessments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; candidates from vocational co-op programs will also be considered
• No previous veterinary experience required
• Interest in building a long-term career in veterinary medicine
• Ability to complete online and hands-on training requirements
• Ability to perform physical job functions including walking, standing, bending, sitting, writing, hearing, seeing, speaking, and lifting up to 50 pounds
• Knowledge and practical application of basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division required
• Positive attitude with self-awareness, authenticity, and compassion toward others
• Strong teamwork skills and desire to support pets, clients, and colleagues
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required

About Bulger Veterinary Hospital
Bulger Veterinary Hospital is a multi-specialty and emergency veterinary hospital serving pets and families throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Our hospital offers advanced diagnostics, specialty medicine, surgery, emergency and critical care, and collaborative treatment planning across services.
We are committed to helping veterinary technicians continue growing their skills while practicing high-quality medicine in a supportive team environment.

Surrounding Areas
Bulger Veterinary Hospital attracts veterinary professionals from across northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, including:

• Lawrence, MA & Andover, MA
• North Andover, MA & Methuen, MA
• Haverhill, MA & Lowell, MA
• Dracut, MA & Tewksbury, MA
• Salem, NH & Windham, NH
• Nashua, NH & Derry, NH
• Manchester, NH & Boston North Shore communities

Many of our team members commute from surrounding areas throughout the Merrimack Valley, Greater Boston, and southern New Hampshire.

Considering Relocating?
Great talent can come from anywhere, and we welcome candidates who are considering a move. Whether you're relocating from another city, another state, or across the country, our Talent Acquisition team is here to support you throughout the hiring process and answer questions about the role, the hospital, and the surrounding community.

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.

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.

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.