Veterinary Technician Assistant - Neurology
Full-Time
About Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital
Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital is a ground-breaking specialty hospital located in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia. We are host to multiple specialists and departments including Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Anesthesia, Neurology, Cardiology, Radiology, Emergency/ECC with a dedicated ICU, Surgery and Exotics. We have been expanding since opening and are constantly growing.
At Coastal Care, we strive to provide a collaborative and cohesive work environment. We encourage growth, innovation, and continued training. We practice in a rich and rewarding environment where patient care is optimized, and learning is continuous.
Overview
Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital is hiring an experienced Veterinary Technician Assistant with a passion for Neurology cases to work with our board-certified Neurologist. This position requires a driven individual with attention to detail and who is a self-starter and able to work in a very busy department. We are proud to provide advanced specialty care, including CT, MRI, and neurosurgical procedures. The Neurology VTA will play a supporting role in MRI workflow, assisting with patient preparation and case coordination with Radiology and Anesthesia for complex spinal and intracranial cases, while gaining exposure to advanced neuroimaging. The ideal candidate must be computer literate and have solid analytical and medical skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are a must; you must be able to multitask, collaborate and communicate with co-workers efficiently and effectively. We like to work with energetic, motivated, and communicative individuals with a strong desire to make a positive difference in the lives of pets and their people. Come and join our diverse and professional team – we look forward to hearing from you!
What to Expect / Skills You’ll Gain
- Hands-on experience assisting in ORs for neurologic procedures, including CSF taps, V-slot decompression surgeries, and other spinal or neurosurgical procedures.
- Exposure to advanced neuroimaging workflows, including brain and spinal MRIs, supporting patient preparation and case coordination alongside our dedicated Radiology team.
- Opportunity to operate and gain proficiency with IV fluid pumps, syringe pumps, and multiparameter monitoring equipment in both critical care and specialty settings.
- Significant client-facing experience, including collecting detailed patient histories, supporting client communication, and helping guide clients through the diagnostic and treatment process with empathy and clarity.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-specialty environment, collaborating closely with Neurology, Critical Care, Radiology, and Anesthesia teams.
- Development of technical and digital skills, including navigating multiple software platforms, cloud-based medical records, and basic IT troubleshooting.
- Growth in safe handling and restraint of canine and feline patients, with or without sedation, for exams and procedures.
- Training in safe handling of large dogs and assisting with patient mobility in surgical and ICU settings.
- Working knowledge of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) for retrieval and storage of diagnostic imaging studies, including MRI and CT.
- Sharpening professional communication skills and precise medical charting in a high-level specialty hospital.
- Exposure to collaborative specialty care with a front-row view of advanced neuro, anesthesia, and ICU workflows, building confidence in supporting complex cases.
Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:
- Graduate from a Veterinary Assistant program
- Minimum of 2-3 years in clinical setting.
- Prior experience working within a Specialty Referral Hospital an asset
- Able to perform moderately physically demanding work that requires lifting (up to 50 pounds), cleaning, and constant motion.
Email: Jennifer Sutton, VTA Manager [email protected]
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: starts at $23.00
Expected hours: 40 per week, 10hr day shifts, Mon-Thurs
Benefits:
- 100% employer paid Manulife for medical, dental and more
- Free Employee Family Assistance Program (Telus)
- Lifestyle and Healthcare Spending Accounts
- Professional Services coverage for chiropractor, physiotherapy, massage etc
- RRSP matching
- Uniform allowance
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- PTO and Vacation
- Paid holidays beyond the standard NS requirements
- CE allowance and paid time to attend
- Wellness program, staff discount and Veterinary discount pricing through Hills, RC, PPVD portals
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $20.00-$25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Store discount
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person