Common Planner
K–12 Standards

VETERINARY ASSISTING, 51.0808.00

Other Arizona CTE sets

PERFORM SCHEDULING AND OTHER OFFICE FUNCTIONSVET.1.0

  • 1.1

    Demonstrate proper appointment scheduling and make appointments (paper and electronic)VET.1.1

  • 1.2

    Prepare appropriate forms and certificates for signature (e.g., rabies, sterilization, health)VET.1.2

  • 1.3

    Demonstrate admission and discharge of patientsVET.1.3

  • 1.4

    Perform basic filing, retrieving, and maintenance of medical records (in accordance with AZ Veterinary Medical Examining Board, Administrative Rules. Article 5 Standards of Practice R3-11-502 Standards of Practice.L.) VET.1.4

  • 1.5

    Demonstrate computer skills in relation to electronic health recordsVET.1.5

  • 1.6

    Perform basic invoicing, billing, and payment on account proceduresVET.1.6

  • 1.7

    Answer and prioritize phone calls and accurately document communicationVET.1.7

  • 1.8

    Request records and information from other veterinary facilitiesVET.1.8

DEMONSTRATE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND CLIENT RELATIONS SKILLSVET.2.0

  • 2.1

    Demonstrate appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication skillsVET.2.1

  • 2.2

    Demonstrate appropriate electronic communication with clientsVET.2.2

  • 2.3

    Identify and respect cultural differencesVET.2.3

  • 2.4

    Describe the steps and stages of the grief processVET.2.4

  • 2.5

    Identify components of the medical recordVET.2.5

  • 2.6

    Identify and define commonly used root word, prefixes, and suffixesVET.2.6

  • 2.7

    Identify and use commonly used medical abbreviationsVET.2.7

  • 2.8

    Ensure completeness of the medical recordVET.2.8

  • 2.9

    Maintain integrity and security of the medical recordVET.2.9

  • 2.10

    Explain release of medical record requirements (in accordance with AZ Veterinary Medical Examining Board, Administrative Rules. Article 5 Standards of Practice R3-11-501 Ethical Standards.8.)VET.2.10

APPLY LEGAL, ETHICAL, AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICESVET.3.0

  • 3.1

    Distinguish between ethical and unethical conduct in a veterinary practice (in accordance with R3-11-501 1-5, 9 and ARS 32-2232), i.e., honesty, reliability, and integrityVET.3.1

  • 3.2

    Explain the human-animal bond and its implications for veterinary practiceVET.3.2

  • 3.3

    Demonstrate appropriate professional appearance and language in the workplaceVET.3.3

  • 3.4

    Demonstrate appropriate use of electronic communication in the workplace (e.g., cell phone, text messaging, social networking, digital photography)VET.3.4

  • 3.5

    Explain confidentiality issues, regulations, and requirements related to veterinary medicineVET.3.5

  • 3.6

    Follow local, state, and federal laws and regulations as they apply to Veterinary AssistantsVET.3.6

APPLY SANITATION AND SAFETY MEASURESVET.4.0

  • 4.1

    Demonstrate knowledge of basic sanitation and disinfection techniques (in accordance with AZ Veterinary Medical Examining Board, Administrative Rules R311-101 26)VET.4.1

  • 4.2

    Inventory and restock suppliesVET.4.2

  • 4.3

    Demonstrate knowledge of communicable and zoonotic diseasesVET.4.3

  • 4.4

    Use precautions according to OSHA and comply with hazardous labeling requirementsVET.4.4

  • 4.5

    Use proper hand hygiene according to CDC (Center for Disease Control)VET.4.5

  • 4.6

    Don, remove, and discard PPE (personal protective equipment) according to standard procedure (e.g. gloves, gowns, masks, lab coats, goggles, and face shields)VET.4.6

  • 4.7

    Explain isolation protocols and demonstrate isolation proceduresVET.4.7

  • 4.8

    Explain procedures for cleaning laboratory spillsVET.4.8

  • 4.9

    Handle and dispose of contaminated and hazardous items according to OSHA guidelinesVET.4.9

  • 4.10

    Use fire and chemical safety protocols (e.g., SDSs (Safety Data Sheets) and the use of fire extinguishers)VET.4.10

  • 4.11

    Describe evacuation plans used by various facilities and statewide alert codesVET.4.11

  • 4.12

    Report unsafe conditions for self and others (e.g., electrical hazards, spillages, puddles on floor, fractious patients)VET.4.12

  • 4.13

    Demonstrate proper body mechanics and lifting techniquesVET.4.13

  • 4.14

    Demonstrate radiation safetyVET.4.14

  • 4.15

    Demonstrate understanding of and maintain SDSs (Safety Data Sheets)VET.4.15

  • 4.16

    Store, safely handle, and dispose of biological and therapeutic agents and sharps, pesticides, and hazardous wasteVET.4.16

APPLY PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGYVET.5.0

  • 5.1

    Defend the importance and explain legal implications of the veterinary-client-patient relationship (AZ Veterinary Medical Examining Board definition of VCPR. ARS 32-2201, 24 a-c)VET.5.1

  • 5.2

    Recognize legal issues involving all controlled and non-controlled drugs (in accordance with Article 7 Dispensing of drugs and devices 32-2281, Article 8 Drug Dispensing R3-11-801 to R3-11-807. R3-11-502, K, controlled drug log. 32-1901 controlled/non-controlled) VET.5.2

  • 5.3

    Compare and contrast types and groups of drugs and demonstrate proper terminologyVET.5.3

  • 5.4

    Differentiate prescription drugs from over-the-counter drugs and describe proper prescription label requirementsVET.5.4

  • 5.5

    Explain the importance of checking expiration datesVET.5.5

  • 5.6

    Reconstitute vaccines and be familiar with proper protocolsVET.5.6

  • 5.7

    Describe possible routes and methods of drug and vaccine administration that the veterinarian or veterinary technician may chooseVET.5.7

DEMONSTRATE EXAMINATION ROOM PROCEDURESVET.6.0

  • 6.1

    Place and remove small animals from cagesVET.6.1

  • 6.2

    Place and restrain small animals on tables and floorVET.6.2

  • 6.3

    Apply dog and cat safety muzzleVET.6.3

  • 6.4

    Apply Elizabethan collarVET.6.4

  • 6.5

    Apply restraint poleVET.6.5

  • 6.6

    Demonstrate standing, sitting, lateral, sternal, and dorsal restraint positionsVET.6.6

  • 6.7

    Recognize when to alter normal restraint for compromised patients in the exam room (e.g., ringworm, contagious diseases, ectoparasite infestation) and describe appropriate action or personnel to notifyVET.6.7

  • 6.8

    Restrain birds, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, and other exoticsVET.6.8

  • 6.9

    Restrain large animals (e.g., halter, tie, and lead horses; restrain cattle and horses; apply twitch; apply nose tongs/leads; restrain sheep and swine; load large animals)VET.6.9

  • 6.10

    Determine and record temperature, pulse, respiration, mucous membrane color, CRT (capillary refill time), body condition score, and weight of patientsVET.6.10

  • 6.11

    Perform toenail trim on cats and dogs (birds and exotics optional)VET.6.11

  • 6.12

    Express anal sacs using the external methodVET.6.12

  • 6.13

    Recognize AKC dog breeds and CFA cat breedsVET.6.13

  • 6.14

    Identify the gender of small animal species, particularly felinesVET.6.14

  • 6.15

    Perform exam room grooming (e.g., trimming nails, external ear canal cleaning, sanitary trimming)VET.6.15

  • 6.16

    Explain small animal nutritional requirements, pet food labeling standards, dry matter basis calculations, and the differences between pet food productsVET.6.16

  • 6.17

    Apply ear medicationVET.6.17

  • 6.18

    Apply eye medicationVET.6.18

  • 6.19

    Record an accurate history and report chief complaintVET.6.19

PERFORM PATIENT CAREVET.7.0

  • 7.1

    Describe the roles and responsibilities of each member of the veterinary health team and the important part that each plays in the delivery of excellent careVET.7.1

  • 7.2

    Perform routine record-keeping and observation of hospitalized patients (e.g., stress importance of notations made when cleaning and feeding)VET.7.2

  • 7.3

    Monitor/restrain patients for fluid therapyVET.7.3

  • 7.4

    Document and explain execution of patient treatment planVET.7.4

  • 7.5

    Perform hand pilling for dogs and catsVET.V7.5

  • 7.6

    Administer oral liquid medication to dogs and catsVET.7.6

  • 7.7

    Perform IV catheter removal and apply pressure bandageVET.7.7

  • 7.8

    Perform therapeutic bathing, basic grooming, and dipping of small animalsVET.7.8

  • 7.9

    Differentiate between normal and abnormal animal behavior (e.g., seizure, shock, irritability, fear, agnostic aggression)VET.7.9

  • 7.10

    Recognize abnormal patient health status (e.g., ataxia, dyspnea)VET.7.10

  • 7.11

    Recognize and respond appropriately to veterinary medical emergencies by notifying the appropriate hospital personnelVET.7.11

  • 7.12

    Prepare food and prescription diets according to special dietary needsVET.7.12

  • 7.13

    Provide care and maintenance of medical equipment and supplies (e.g., IV drip counter, water blanket, bedding)VET.7.13

  • 7.14

    Compare and contrast bandage types and materials used for each (e.g., cast padding, stretch gauze, Telfa pad, self-adherent bandage wrap, medical tape, elastic tape)VET.7.14

  • 7.15

    Explain the process of euthanasia and post mortem care (in accordance with 32-2240.01 Burial in Landfill, Licensed Crematory 32-2291-32-2296. AZ Vet Med Exam Board Administrative Rules Article 10 Animal Crematory Minimum standards R3-11-1001 to 1010. R311-502 Standards of Practice, F.) VET.7.15

ASSIST WITH SURGICAL PREPARATION AND PROCEDURESVET.8.0

  • 8.1

    Prepare surgical equipment and supplies based on surgical procedure and veterinarian preferencesVET.8.1

  • 8.2

    Sterilize instruments and sanitize supplies using appropriate methodsVET.8.2

  • 8.3

    Operate and maintain autoclavesVET.8.3

  • 8.4

    Identify common surgical instrumentsVET.8.4

  • 8.5

    Identify common suture materials, types, and sizesVET.8.5

  • 8.6

    Assist the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician with preparation of patients using aseptic techniqueVET.8.6

  • 8.7

    Assist with positioning of surgical patientsVET.8.7

  • 8.8

    Aid the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician with physical monitoring of recovering surgical patientsVET.8.8

  • 8.9

    Maintain the Surgical Log (in accordance with R311-502 Standards of Practice H. Anesthesia log - separate from controlled drug log)VET.8.9

  • 8.10

    Maintain proper operating room conduct and asepsisVET.8.10

  • 8.11

    Perform post-surgical cleanupVET.8.11

  • 8.12

    Fold surgical gowns and drapesVET.8.12

  • 8.13

    Maintain operating room sanitation and careVET.8.13

ASSIST WITH LABORATORY PROCEDURES AND PREPARE SPECIMENSVET.9.0

  • 9.1

    Collect voided urine samplesVET.9.1

  • 9.2

    Determine physical properties of urine including color and clarityVET.9.2

  • 9.3

    Assist in the collection of blood samples by providing restraint and supply preparationVET.9.3

  • 9.4

    Compare and contrast common blood tubes used in veterinary medicineVET.9.4

  • 9.5

    Collect voided fecal samples for examinationVET.9.5

  • 9.6

    Prepare fecal flotation solutions and set up fecal flotations and direct smearsVET.9.6

  • 9.7

    Describe necropsy proceduresVET.9.7

  • 9.8

    Explain procedures for handling rabies suspects and samples safely (Rabies suspects. Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (Arizona Manual for Rabies Control and Bite Management azdhs.gov. Federal—cdc.gov))VET.9.8

  • 9.9

    Demonstrate appropriate procedure for disposal of deceased animals (Disposal of deceased animals Article 8, 32-22 in ARS, Minimum standards for animal crematories Rules R3-11-1001-1010, and R311- 701, 5. Defining adequate refrigeration for deceased) VET.9.9

  • 9.10

    Identify external parasites (e.g., mites, lice, fleas, ticks)VET.9.10

  • 9.11

    Assist in the preparation of various specimen staining techniquesVET.9.11

  • 9.12

    Compare and contrast preparation procedures of in-house lab vs reference lab sample submissionVET.9.12

  • 9.13

    Confirm all laboratory results are accurately recordedVET.9.13

  • 9.14

    Maintain Laboratory LogVET.9.14

IDENTIFY NORMAL STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND COMMON DISEASES OF BODY SYSTEMSVET.10.0

  • 10.1

    Identify structure and function of the Integumentary SystemVET.10.1

  • 10.2

    Identify structure and function of the Musculoskeletal SystemVET.10.2

  • 10.3

    Identify structure and function of the Circulatory SystemVET.10.3

  • 10.4

    Identify structure and function of the Respiratory SystemVET.10.4

  • 10.5

    Identify structure and function of the Gastrointestinal SystemVET.10.5

  • 10.6

    Identify structure and function of the Urinary SystemVET.10.6

  • 10.7

    Identify structure and function of the Nervous SystemVET.10.7

  • 10.8

    Identify structure and function of the Endocrine SystemVET.10.8

  • 10.9

    Identify structure and function of the Reproductive SystemVET.10.9

  • 10.10

    Identify structure and function of the Sensory SystemVET.10.10

  • 10.11

    Identify structure and function of the Immune SystemVET.10.11

DESCRIBE PRINCIPLES OF RADIOLOGY AND ULTRASOUND IMAGINGVET.11.0

  • 11.1

    Describe procedures to assist the veterinarian and/or the veterinary technician in the completion of diagnostic radiographs and ultrasound including the restraint, preparation, and positioning of patientsVET.11.1

  • 11.2

    Explain quality control procedures related to radiation protection (Radiation protection. Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA). Article 4 Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation R12-1-401 to 409) VET.11.2

  • 11.3

    Label, file, and store film and radiographsVET.11.3

  • 11.4

    Demonstrate proper care of radiography equipmentVET.11.4

  • 11.5

    Demonstrate procedures for care and maintenance of film cassettes and screens (optional)VET.11.5

  • 11.6

    Explain safety precautions for handling processing chemicalsVET.11.6

  • 11.7

    Process diagnostic radiographs using an automatic processor or digital processingVET.11.7

  • 11.8

    Maintain X-ray Log (X-ray log. AZ Vet Med Examining Board Administrative Rules R311-502, M.)VET.11.8

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
VOCATIONALTRAINING, Grade 12, and Grade 11

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