Veterinary Technician
Hybrid-based
ONET: 31-9096.00
2
Years
105
Skills
4000h
On-the-job training
Classroom instruction topics
- Orientation to Veterinary Technology
- Introduction to Veterinary Technology
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology I
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology II
- Veterinary Office Management and Skill with People
- Medical Nursing for Veterinary Technician
- Medical Mathematics
- Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians
- Clinical Pathology I
- Clinical Pathology II
- Surgical Nursing for Veterinary Technicians
- Clinical Parasitology for Veterinary Technicians
- Radiography for Veterinary Technicians
- Small and Large Animal Medicine
- Animal Nutrition, Reproduction, Genetics, and Aging
- Veterinary Technician National Examination
On-the-job training
- Applied Knowledge of Basic Facility Operation
- Provide quality health care to patients as part of the veterinary health care team
- Sanitize cages and accessories according to SOP.
- Use humane, effective handling and restraint techniques on patients.
- Safely move patients in and out of cages, kennels, and rooms and through facility.
- Observe SOP in preparing caging, accessories, water and food for animals.
- Follow isolation procedures while caring for potentially infectious or immunocompromised animals.
- Prepare/Administer medications, immunizations, and treatments as prescribed by Veterinarian.
- Identify emergencies in person & over the phone.
- Demonstrate ability to perform CPR.
- Prepare medical facility & supplies for use.
- Maintain inventory of medical supplies.
- Observe Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Routine Veterinary Procedures
- Recognize signs of fear, aggression and/or stress in patients and adjust approach appropriately.
- Administer /demonstrate knowledge of special diets according to SOP.
- Observe, identify, and report animals with signs of pain or illness.
- Prepare & administer medications according to SOP.
- Weigh animals in a consistent manner according to protocol.
- Calculate dosing for oral medications, injections, and fluids.
- Monitor and document animals' vital signs.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of small animal breeding cycles.
- Understanding of zoonotic diseases, their transmission and able to educate clients regarding proper precautions.
- Order medical supplies or equipment.
- Accurately discuss healthcare products and services with clients.
- Demonstrate proper use, calibration and maintenance of equipment
- X-ray (e.g. body & dental)
- Autoclave
- Anesthesia machine
- Scales & balances
- Blood machines
- Dental probe, scalers & accessories
- Electrocautery equipment
- Microscope
- Ultrasound
- Anesthesia monitors (e.g. EKG, blood pressure, pulse-ox and EtCo2)
- IV pump/ Syringe Pumps
- Documentation, communication & problem solving
- Schedule patient procedures & appointments.
- Complete daily and weekly animal charting.
- File documents in appropriate locations.
- Correctly and consistently input animal health data into electronic form.
- Demonstrate proficiency in making appropriate medical notes.
- Proficient use of medical software.
- Proficient use of imaging software.
- Communicate clearly w/ clients; instructions for care, treatments, feeding, & post hospitalized care for pets.
- Evaluate medical records from other facilities to determine patient vaccination status and chief complaints.
- Observe Safe and Compliant Practices
- Dispose of specimens and laboratory waste in accordance with SOP, regulatory agencies and protocol requirements
- Demonstrate consistent and appropriate hand-washing techniques.
- Use of protective equipment, chemical showers, eye wash stations, and fire extinguishers.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment for radiology processing.
- Demonstrate knowledge of facility's chemical hygiene plan and location of MSDS sheets.
- Demonstrate knowledge of handling procedures and precautions for chemical, biological and radiological materials.
- Comply with all regulations regarding logging and maintaining prescribed medications including controlled and non-controlled substances.
- Demonstrate knowledge of clinic safety procedures in relation for all areas of work including fires, natural disasters etc.
- Demonstrate Ethical and Responsible Conduct in all Animal Related Activities
- Knowledge of legal issues applicable to veterinary care (e.g. client/patient confidentiality, suspected animal abuse or neglect).
- Understand scope of practice and responsibilities for licensed personnel (e.g. DVM and technician).
- Provide/Maintain Aseptic Environment & Assist with Surgical Procedures
- Maintain surgery room cleanliness and organization.
- Clean and sterilize instruments.
- Wear gloves as appropriate. 4. Dispose of hazardous waste.
- Identify names and use of common surgical instruments.
- Set-up and assist with minor and major surgical procedures.
- Position, prep and drape patient as appropriate.
- Induce anesthesia and intubate patients.
- Demonstrate proper technique for scrubbing in, including use of gown and sterile gloves.
- Maintain sterile field while surgery is being performed.
- Monitor animals' vital signs and anesthetic depth during surgery.
- Recognize when a patient is doing poorly or declining under anesthesia using both monitoring equipment and direct patient observation.
- Monitor patient recovery after surgery including extubation and confirm return to pre-op TPR.
- Perform dental scaling and polishing.
- Prepare Animal Examination& Client Interaction
- Measure patient's weight.
- Obtain vital signs/TPR.
- Obtain health history.
- Use signalment when transferring or discussing case with other staff members.
- Euthanasia preparation & discussion with owners.
- Proper care and handling of bodies after euthanasia.
- Maintain professionalism when interacting with grieving and/or angry clients.
- Demonstrate rabies knowledge & local laws regarding human safety.
- Provide client counseling/education (e.g. vaccines, rabies, licensing, geriatric screening, pet behavior).
- Perform Clinical Procedures/Implement Veterinarian Orders
- Remove wound/incision closures.
- Perform wound lavage.
- Preform Tear Production test & Fluorescein Stain.
- Place and maintain IV catheters.
- Perform ear lavage.
- Apply bandages/support wraps.
- Administer medication (e.g. oral, injectable and topical).
- Perform nail trim.
- Perform anal gland expression.
- Perform Diagnostic Procedures
- Collect skin specimens for cytology and mite check.
- Collect urine sample by cystocentesis.
- Perform sampling for bacterial and fungal cultures.
- Measure patient and adjust radiograph equipment settings.
- Take diagnostic quality radiographs of the abdomen, thorax, spine and extremities.
- Obtain blood pressure.
- Perform glucose testing.
- Perform hematocrit determination.
- Run snap-tests for FIV/Fel. Leuk, Parvo and HW.
- Perform urinalysis - including dip stick, sediment evaluation and specific gravity
- Collect fecal sample using a fecal loop.
- Perform ear cytology.
- Obtain blood samples from jugular, cephalic and saphenous veins.
- Prepare and stain blood smears for viewing.
- Perform manual CBC.
- Perform full chemistry and CBC bloodwork using in-house machines.
- Prepare samples and complete paperwork for send-out laboratory testing.
- Maintain Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain personal hygiene
- Participate in continuing education
- Maintain professional network
- Participate in performance improvement
- Perform within legal & ethical boundaries
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Made in the USA.