Veterinary Assistant Internal Medicine

VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists is adding an experienced Veterinary Assistant to our Internal Medicine Team.

Location : 16756 SE 82nd Dr, Clackamas, OR 97015

Compensation : $ 21 - $ 24 / hr

Schedule : FT Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm

Job Summary

Support the Internal Medicine service by delivering compassionate, high-quality patient care and assisting with advanced diagnostics and procedures. Contribute to an efficient, organized hospital environment while upholding VCA’s Mission Statement and delivering exceptional client service through every interaction.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Internal Medicine Support

· Provide compassionate nursing care to hospitalized and outpatient internal medicine cases, including chronic and complex disease management.

· Assist veterinarians and technicians with advanced diagnostics, including ultrasound support, radiology, sample collection, and procedure preparation.

· Collect and process laboratory samples (blood, urine, fecal, cytology) with accuracy and efficiency.

· Prepare patients for procedures such as endoscopy, imaging, and minimally invasive diagnostics.

· Monitor patients for comfort, changes in condition, and response to treatment; promptly communicate findings to the medical team.

· Maintain accurate patient identification, treatment sheets, and cage-side documentation.

Client Experience & Communication

· Deliver client care aligned with VCA’s Three Steps of Service:

1. Make eye contact, smile, and greet clients warmly

2. Use the client’s and pet’s name

3. Communicate next steps clearly and provide updates

· Support the medical team in reviewing care instructions, medications, and follow-up plans.

· Reinforce client education on diet, chronic disease management, and general care (non-diagnostic guidance only).

· Maintain a professional, empathetic approach when supporting clients with complex or long-term cases.

Hospital Operations & Team Support

· Maintain cleanliness and organization of treatment, procedure, and exam areas to specialty hospital standards.

· Ensure readiness of internal medicine equipment and supplies, including diagnostic and procedural tools.

· Assist with inventory management, stocking, and proper medication handling.

· Support efficient patient flow and scheduling in coordination with the Internal Medicine team.

· Cross-train to assist other departments and front office operations as needed to support hospital workflow.

Medical Records, Safety & Compliance

· Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely medical records, including treatments, diagnostics, and charges.

· Adhere to hospital protocols for radiology safety, anesthesia support, and infection control.

· Recognize and report safety concerns or equipment issues promptly.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

· Prior veterinary experience required; specialty or internal medicine experience preferred.

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.

· Excellent communication and client service skills.

· Ability to adapt to evolving patient needs and medical protocols.

· Team-oriented with a commitment to continuous learning and high-quality care.

· Basic computer and phone proficiency required.

Education & Experience

· High School Diploma or equivalent required.

· Veterinary assistant experience or formal training preferred.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand/walk for extended periods.

· Frequent bending, reaching, and handling of patients and equipment.

· Adequate visual, auditory, and fine motor skills for clinical tasks.

· Reliable attendance and scheduling flexibility required.

· Manageable animal-related allergies (if applicable).

Benefits: VCA offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and professional development of its associates.

• Mental Health: Access to the Lyra mental health platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources. 

• Full Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options, as well as fertility benefits. 

• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave. 

• Financial Support: 100% employer-paid short-term and long- 

• Protection: Access to the Better Together Fund for crisis support in qualifying situations. 

• Perks: Rabies prophylaxis vaccine and titer testing. 

• Education: Continuing Education (CE) allowance for veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, along with access to WOOF University®, which includes RACE-approved courses. 

• Latest Tech & Innovation: Opportunities to work with the latest technology and programs that encourage innovation and creativity, such as VCA Next. 

• Sponsorships: Penn Foster and VTNE test prep sponsorships, as well as VTNE prep courses. 

• Discounts: Discounted Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly certifications, along with VETGirl and VIN subscriptions. 

• Freebies: Free NAVTA membership and a free subscription to Plumb’s. 

• Programs: Leadership development and mentorship programs. 

• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with increasing employer contribution. 

• Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal to one year’s salary. 

• Pet Care Perks: Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs. 

• Advisory Services: Student loan advisory services, tools, and resources. 

• Legal Resources: Access to legal resources for common legal services. 

• Transfer Opportunities: Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities. 

If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com