H-1B Visa Veterinary Surgery Technician Jobs
Veterinary Surgery Technician roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in veterinary technology or a related field. Employers file an LCA with the DOL before petitioning USCIS, and most large veterinary hospital groups and academic veterinary centers have active H-1B filing histories.
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Get Access To All JobsVeterinary Surgery Technician
The Animal Emergency & Referral Associates in West Caldwell, NJ is hiring a dedicated and enthusiastic Certified Veterinary Technician to join our Surgery team!
At Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA), excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s who we are. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, AERA represents the gold standard in veterinary medicine and patient care. We are proud recipients of the 2024 Neighborhood Fave award, recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Animal Hospitals of 2025, and honored with the dvm360 Hospital Design Merit Award for our innovative, state-of-the-art facility. In addition, AERA has been recognized as a Distinguished Kindness Workplace, reflecting our deep commitment to a supportive, respectful, and people-first culture.
With comprehensive services including 24/7 emergency care, advanced anesthesia, diagnostics and radiology, internal medicine, orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery, and radiation oncology, AERA stands at the forefront of specialty and emergency veterinary medicine—where advanced clinical expertise meets genuine compassion for patients, clients, and each other.
Position Overview:
The purpose of the position is to provide primary support to the Specialist with diagnostics, treatments, and procedures, while ensuring the best quality of care possible for our patients. The Veterinary Nurse must pay attention to detail and maintain very high standards of cleanliness and care. They must be able to communicate well with doctors and coworkers to ensure overall accuracy and satisfaction.
Compensation:
- Credentialed Veterinary Technicians: $29-$41 hourly
- Veterinary Technician Specialists: $42-$46 hourly
- We offer the highest industry-standard differentials for weekend and overnight shifts!
- Sign On Bonus offered to qualified candidates!
Anticipated Schedule:
- Full Time
- Monday – Friday
- 5x8 or 4x10 hour shifts available
Key Responsibilities:
- Practice “Fear Free” standards and protocols
- Understand the organization and operations of the department
- Ability to manage the daily OR schedule timely and efficiently
- Ensuring the safety and set-up of each induction station and OR scheduled for the day
- Completing pre-operative testing required for anesthesia (blood draws, radiographs, etc)
- Preparing drugs, fluids, and CRIs for the next surgery
- Pre-medicating patients, setting IVC, and preparing patients for induction
- Assisting Anesthetist with completion of pre-op checklist, induction, and intubation of patient
- Monitoring patient under good anesthetic plane during surgical preparation and local/regional block administration
- Having the knowledge and ability to identify normal vs abnormal vitals and communicating concerns to the anesthetist
- Documenting vitals, recording problems and interventions, ensuring completion of 2nd check list
- Carry out orders from the anesthetist (i.e. changes in anesthesia, drug administration, etc)
- Knowledge of proper surgical scrubbing, gowning, and gloving to assist surgeon in OR
- Instrument and equipment care: cleaning, maintenance, packing, and sterilization
- Complete post-operative diagnostics and other orders
- Recover each patient smoothly with the ability to intervene if delirium, dysphoria, and/or pain is displayed
- Ability to properly assess pain, assign pain score, and treat pain if present
- Knowing, understanding, and ensuring the surgery scheduling protocols are followed
- Ability to communicate effectively and put both clients and patients at ease
- Monitoring the appointment schedule and put appointments in rooms at their scheduled time
- Ensuring the doctors stay on time, and have ability to gently and tactfully move things along
- Assist doctors with restraint/handling, suture removals, and medication refills
- Facilitate bandage changes and radiographs for outpatient rechecks
- Provide basic client education on nutrition, home care, zoonotic diseases, medication administration, post-operative care, and all other hospital recommendations/protocols, as directed by the Specialist
- Re-stock and maintain cleanliness of specialty department area, exam rooms, and all other areas of hospital
- Train less experienced staff members on proper policies, procedures, technical skills, and medical information
- Cross-train to assist in other areas of the hospital as needed work
Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Credentialed Veterinary Technician required (LVT, CVT, RVT)
- 2 years’ experience working as a veterinary technician in an emergency or specialty setting
- Knowledge of safety procedures and acceptable sanitation/sterilization practices
- Comprehension of commonly used medical terminology and equipment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to calculate accurate dosages and injections
- Familiarity with CPR and rescue breathing
- Ability to take direction from a variety of people under various situations and accurately follow instructions
- Capability of anticipating needs of Doctors and Nurses and show initiative
- Ability to react quickly and appropriately during emergency situations, and remain calm under pressure
- Excellent communication/people skills
- Good grooming and hygiene
- Must have team-oriented attitude and promote positive culture
- Considerable tact and diplomacy in dealing with clients affected by a variety of problems
- Ability to work with and without direct supervision
- Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!
Benefits Include:
- 401(k) with matching
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life and Disability insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
- Professional development
- CE Allowance
- Uniform stipend
- Access to VetBloom for RACE-approved continuing education and training
Why Choose AERA?
- Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
- Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
- Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.
- Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.
- Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.
If you’re ready to take on a rewarding role that combines communication, organization, and compassion, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become an essential part of a team where your efforts truly make a difference—one pet and one family at a time!
Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence.
Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
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.
Veterinary Surgery Technician
The Animal Emergency & Referral Associates in West Caldwell, NJ is hiring a dedicated and enthusiastic Certified Veterinary Technician to join our Surgery team!
At Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA), excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s who we are. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, AERA represents the gold standard in veterinary medicine and patient care. We are proud recipients of the 2024 Neighborhood Fave award, recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Animal Hospitals of 2025, and honored with the dvm360 Hospital Design Merit Award for our innovative, state-of-the-art facility. In addition, AERA has been recognized as a Distinguished Kindness Workplace, reflecting our deep commitment to a supportive, respectful, and people-first culture.
With comprehensive services including 24/7 emergency care, advanced anesthesia, diagnostics and radiology, internal medicine, orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery, and radiation oncology, AERA stands at the forefront of specialty and emergency veterinary medicine—where advanced clinical expertise meets genuine compassion for patients, clients, and each other.
Position Overview:
The purpose of the position is to provide primary support to the Specialist with diagnostics, treatments, and procedures, while ensuring the best quality of care possible for our patients. The Veterinary Nurse must pay attention to detail and maintain very high standards of cleanliness and care. They must be able to communicate well with doctors and coworkers to ensure overall accuracy and satisfaction.
Compensation:
- Credentialed Veterinary Technicians: $29-$41 hourly
- Veterinary Technician Specialists: $42-$46 hourly
- We offer the highest industry-standard differentials for weekend and overnight shifts!
- Sign On Bonus offered to qualified candidates!
Anticipated Schedule:
- Full Time
- Monday – Friday
- 5x8 or 4x10 hour shifts available
Key Responsibilities:
- Practice “Fear Free” standards and protocols
- Understand the organization and operations of the department
- Ability to manage the daily OR schedule timely and efficiently
- Ensuring the safety and set-up of each induction station and OR scheduled for the day
- Completing pre-operative testing required for anesthesia (blood draws, radiographs, etc)
- Preparing drugs, fluids, and CRIs for the next surgery
- Pre-medicating patients, setting IVC, and preparing patients for induction
- Assisting Anesthetist with completion of pre-op checklist, induction, and intubation of patient
- Monitoring patient under good anesthetic plane during surgical preparation and local/regional block administration
- Having the knowledge and ability to identify normal vs abnormal vitals and communicating concerns to the anesthetist
- Documenting vitals, recording problems and interventions, ensuring completion of 2nd check list
- Carry out orders from the anesthetist (i.e. changes in anesthesia, drug administration, etc)
- Knowledge of proper surgical scrubbing, gowning, and gloving to assist surgeon in OR
- Instrument and equipment care: cleaning, maintenance, packing, and sterilization
- Complete post-operative diagnostics and other orders
- Recover each patient smoothly with the ability to intervene if delirium, dysphoria, and/or pain is displayed
- Ability to properly assess pain, assign pain score, and treat pain if present
- Knowing, understanding, and ensuring the surgery scheduling protocols are followed
- Ability to communicate effectively and put both clients and patients at ease
- Monitoring the appointment schedule and put appointments in rooms at their scheduled time
- Ensuring the doctors stay on time, and have ability to gently and tactfully move things along
- Assist doctors with restraint/handling, suture removals, and medication refills
- Facilitate bandage changes and radiographs for outpatient rechecks
- Provide basic client education on nutrition, home care, zoonotic diseases, medication administration, post-operative care, and all other hospital recommendations/protocols, as directed by the Specialist
- Re-stock and maintain cleanliness of specialty department area, exam rooms, and all other areas of hospital
- Train less experienced staff members on proper policies, procedures, technical skills, and medical information
- Cross-train to assist in other areas of the hospital as needed work
Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Credentialed Veterinary Technician required (LVT, CVT, RVT)
- 2 years’ experience working as a veterinary technician in an emergency or specialty setting
- Knowledge of safety procedures and acceptable sanitation/sterilization practices
- Comprehension of commonly used medical terminology and equipment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to calculate accurate dosages and injections
- Familiarity with CPR and rescue breathing
- Ability to take direction from a variety of people under various situations and accurately follow instructions
- Capability of anticipating needs of Doctors and Nurses and show initiative
- Ability to react quickly and appropriately during emergency situations, and remain calm under pressure
- Excellent communication/people skills
- Good grooming and hygiene
- Must have team-oriented attitude and promote positive culture
- Considerable tact and diplomacy in dealing with clients affected by a variety of problems
- Ability to work with and without direct supervision
- Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!
Benefits Include:
- 401(k) with matching
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life and Disability insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
- Professional development
- CE Allowance
- Uniform stipend
- Access to VetBloom for RACE-approved continuing education and training
Why Choose AERA?
- Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
- Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
- Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.
- Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.
- Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.
If you’re ready to take on a rewarding role that combines communication, organization, and compassion, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become an essential part of a team where your efforts truly make a difference—one pet and one family at a time!
Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence.
Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
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.
See all Veterinary Surgery Technician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Veterinary Surgery Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Veterinary Surgery Technician
Verify your credentials meet specialty occupation
USCIS requires your degree to directly relate to veterinary surgery tech duties. A veterinary technology degree qualifies clearly, but if your degree is in a adjacent science, document how your coursework maps to surgical assistance, anesthesia monitoring, and sterile technique.
Target academic and referral veterinary hospitals
University veterinary teaching hospitals and specialty referral centers file H-1B petitions far more frequently than general practice clinics. Look for employers with dedicated surgery departments, board-certified surgeons on staff, and existing international hires.
Use Migrate Mate to filter verified H-1B sponsors
Search Migrate Mate to see which veterinary employers have filed LCAs for surgery technician roles. DOL Labor Condition Application data shows you actual filing history by employer, so you're targeting practices that have sponsored before.
Check the prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your job zone and location. Run your title and metro area through the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating, so you know the floor your offer must meet.
Confirm the employer files before April 1
H-1B cap-subject petitions open in March each year, with employment starting October 1 if selected. If your start date falls mid-year, ask the employer whether they'll file cap-subject or if the role qualifies for a cap-exempt institution like a nonprofit veterinary teaching hospital.
Document surgical caseload and specialty certifications
When USCIS evaluates specialty occupation status for vet surgery techs, hands-on evidence strengthens the petition. Gather letters from supervising surgeons, your VTS certification if you have one, and case logs showing the technical complexity that requires your specific training.
Veterinary Surgery Technician jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Veterinary Surgery Technician JobsVeterinary Surgery Technician H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Veterinary Surgery Technician role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
It can qualify, but the employer must demonstrate the position normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in veterinary technology or a related field. Roles at specialty referral centers or academic teaching hospitals, where surgical complexity demands formal theoretical training, have a stronger case than general practice positions where a two-year associate degree is the typical standard.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas for this role?
University veterinary teaching hospitals, large specialty and emergency referral centers, and corporate veterinary groups with dedicated surgery departments are the most active H-1B sponsors for surgery tech positions. You can browse verified H-1B-sponsoring veterinary employers directly on Migrate Mate, which surfaces DOL LCA filing history so you can see who has sponsored before.
Does a Veterinary Technician Specialist certification help the H-1B petition?
A VTS credential in surgery strengthens the specialty occupation argument considerably. It demonstrates that your role requires knowledge beyond a generalist technician's scope and that professional credentialing bodies recognize the specialty. Include your VTS certification and the specialty academy's requirements when your employer assembles the petition support documentation.
Can my employer sponsor me if I'm currently working on OPT?
Yes. If you're on OPT and your employer wants to retain you long-term, they can file an H-1B cap-subject petition during the March registration window. If your OPT expires before October 1, you may qualify for a cap-gap extension that bridges your status while the petition is pending, provided the petition was filed before your OPT ended.
What should I do if my degree is in biology or a field other than veterinary technology?
USCIS allows a combination of education and progressive work experience to meet the degree requirement for specialty occupation. Three years of qualifying veterinary surgery experience can substitute for one year of a bachelor's degree. You'll need detailed experience letters from supervising veterinarians and documented evidence linking your academic coursework to the surgical duties in the job description.
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