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.

• 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 Vet Bloom access (RACE-approved CE)
• CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement
• RECOVER Training for advanced CPR skills
• Veterinary Technician Education Sponsor ships + 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 Vet Bloom’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 Vet Med Team  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…