VETERINARY ASSISTING, 51.0808.00 UPDATED 11/2020

Other Arizona CTE sets

PERFORM OFFICE FUNCTIONSVA1.0

  • 1.1

    Demonstrate appointment scheduling using paper and electronic methods (i.e., triage, type of appointment, office, doctor, and hospital schedules, etc.)VA1.1

  • 1.2

    Prepare appropriate forms and certificates for signature (e.g., rabies, sterilization, and health)VA1.2

  • 1.3

    Admit a patient (i.e., greet client, determine procedure, provide cost or estimate, use laymen or medical terminology as appropriate, etc.)VA1.3

  • 1.4

    Discharge a patient (i.e., include services performed, diagnosis, follow up of doctor’s orders and future appointments, explain medications, clarify questions, assist to vehicle if necessary, etc.)VA1.4

  • 1.5

    File, retrieve, and maintain medical records in accordance with AZ Veterinary Medical Examining Board, Administrative Rules Article 5. Standards of Practice R3-11-502 Standards of Practice L.VA1.5

  • 1.6

    Use practice management software to maintain electronic health records for accuracy and securityVA1.6

  • 1.7

    Follow office procedures for invoicing, billing, payment on account, and processing travel sheetsVA1.7

  • 1.8

    Answer, prioritize, and accurately document phone callsVA1.8

  • 1.9

    Request records and information from other veterinary facilitiesVA1.9

  • 1.10

    Identify and describe the function of office equipment (i.e., fax, copier, scanner, and credit card machine)VA1.10

APPLY RECORDKEEPING SKILLSVA2.0

  • 2.1

    Identify commonly used root words, prefixes, and suffixes for charting purposesVA2.1

  • 2.2

    Define medical terms based on their prefixes, roots, and/or suffixes (i.e., ovariohysterectomy: ovario-, - hyster-, -ectomy, etc.)VA2.2

  • 2.3

    Use common medical terminology and abbreviationsVA2.3

  • 2.4

    Identify components of the medical record (i.e., demographic information, lab and image results, history, progress notes, etc.)VA2.4

  • 2.5

    Record an accurate history of the patient, and report chief complaintsVA2.5

  • 2.6

    Demonstrate a progress note using the format of SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, and plan)VA2.6

  • 2.7

    Ensure completeness of the medical recordVA2.7

  • 2.8

    Maintain integrity and security of the medical recordVA2.8

  • 2.9

    Retrieve and interpret medical recordsVA2.9

DEMONSTRATE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND CLIENT RELATIONSVA3.0

  • 3.1

    Demonstrate appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication skills matching the tone of the room/situationVA3.1

  • 3.2

    Demonstrate appropriate written and electronic communication matching technology to contentVA3.2

  • 3.3

    Identify and show respect for cultural differences (i.e., religion, euthanasia practices, end-of-life procedures, etc.)VA3.3

  • 3.4

    Describe the steps and stages of the grief processVA3.4

  • 3.5

    Translate medical terminology into client-friendly languageVA3.5

  • 3.6

    Explain the value of recommended proceduresVA3.6

  • 3.7

    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.VA3.7

APPLY LEGAL, ETHICAL, AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICESVA4.0

  • 4.1

    Describe the roles and responsibilities of each member of the veterinary health team in the delivery of excellent careVA4.1

  • 4.2

    Distinguish between ethical and unethical conduct in a veterinary practice in accordance with R3-11-501. 1-5, and 9.; ARS 32-2232VA4.2

  • 4.3

    Explain the human-animal bond and its implications for veterinary practiceVA4.3

  • 4.4

    Demonstrate professionalism with respect to client decisionsVA4.4

  • 4.5

    Demonstrate professional appearance and language in the workplaceVA4.5

  • 4.6

    Demonstrate use of electronic communication in the workplace (e.g., cell phone, text messaging, social networking, and digital photography)VA4.6

  • 4.7

    Explain confidentiality issues, regulations, and requirements related to veterinary medicineVA4.7

  • 4.8

    Follow local, state, and federal laws and regulations as they apply to veterinary assistantsVA4.8

  • 4.9

    Defend the importance of and explain legal implications of the veterinary-client-patient relationship in accordance with AZ Veterinary Medical Examining Board definition of VCPR. ARS 32-2201. 25. a-cVA4.9

APPLY SANITATION AND SAFETY MEASURESVA5.0

  • 5.1

    Explain basic sanitation and disinfection techniques in accordance with AZ Veterinary Medical Examining Board, Administrative Rules R3-11-101. 26.VA5.1

  • 5.2

    Inventory commonly used products and supplies for expiration dates, quantity, and availabilityVA5.2

  • 5.3

    Restock supplies (i.e., accepting supplies, shelving supplies, rotating stock, want/need list, etc.)VA5.3

  • 5.4

    Identify communicable and zoonotic diseases (e.g., germs from direct or indirect contact with animals, and Vector-Borne or foodborne transmission)VA5.4

  • 5.5

    Comply with hazardous labeling requirements according to OSHAVA5.5

  • 5.6

    Demonstrate proper hand hygiene according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control)VA5.6

  • 5.7

    Demonstrate proper donning, removal, and discarding of personal protective equipment (PPE) according to standard procedure (e.g., gloves, gowns, masks, goggles, shoe covers, bonnets, and face shields)VA5.7

  • 5.8

    Explain isolation protocols and procedures (i.e., exam room, treatment area, diagnostic testing, etc.)VA5.8

  • 5.9

    Explain procedures for cleaning chemical and biological spillsVA5.9

  • 5.10

    Explain the content, purpose, and location of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)VA5.10

  • 5.11

    Use fire and chemical safety protocols (e.g., SDS, and the use of fire extinguishers)VA5.11

  • 5.12

    Describe evacuation plans used by various facilitiesVA5.12

  • 5.13

    Follow the procedure for reporting unsafe conditions for self and others (e.g., electrical hazards, spillages, puddles on floor, and fractious patients)VA5.13

  • 5.14

    Demonstrate proper body mechanics and lifting techniquesVA5.14

  • 5.15

    Recognize radiation signageVA5.15

  • 5.16

    Store, safely handle, and dispose of biological and therapeutic agents and sharps, pesticides, and hazardous waste and material according to OSHAVA5.16

  • 5.17

    Explain human bloodborne pathogens protocolsVA5.17

  • 5.18

    Describe bite case protocol and procedures for staff and patient5.18

APPLY PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGYVA6.0

  • 6.1

    Recognize DEA standards involving all controlled and non-controlled substances in accordance with Article 7. 32-2281 Dispensing of drugs and devices; Article 8. Drug Dispensing R3-11-801 thru R3-11-807; R3-11-502 K. Controlled drug log; and 32-1901 Controlled/non-controlledVA6.1

  • 6.2

    Compare and contrast types and groups of drugs using proper terminologyVA6.2

  • 6.3

    Differentiate between prescription drugs from over-the-counter drugsVA6.3

  • 6.4

    Demonstrate prescription labeling requirements including expiration datesVA6.4

  • 6.5

    Reconstitute vaccines and/or medications according to protocolVA6.5

  • 6.6

    Describe possible routes of drug and/or vaccine administration (i.e., intranasal, intramuscular, oral, topical, etc.)VA6.6

  • 6.7

    Prepare a prescription based on the doctor’s ordersVA6.7

  • 6.8

    Communicate prescription instructionsVA6.8

APPLY ANIMAL BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT AND RESTRAINT TECHNIQUESVA7.0

  • 7.1

    Demonstrate kenneling protocols (i.e., placing and removing small animals from upper and lower cages/kennels, safety, comfort, husbandry, aggression, etc.)VA7.1

  • 7.2

    Determine appropriate restraint techniques based on behavioral assessment, size, weight, and compromised status (table or floor)VA7.2

  • 7.3

    Apply appropriate safety equipment (e.g., safety muzzle, Elizabethan collar, and resistant pole)VA7.3

  • 7.4

    Demonstrate canine restraint positions (e.g., standing, sitting, lateral, sternal, and dorsal)VA7.4

  • 7.5

    Demonstrate feline handling and restraint techniquesVA7.5

  • 7.6

    Restrain equine (e.g., halter, tie, and lead horses)VA7.6

  • 7.7

    Recognize dog breeds, cat breeds, and common equine breeds (i.e., American Kennel Club (AKC), Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), etc.)VA7.7

  • 7.8

    Identify the gender of small animal species, particularly felinesVA7.8

  • 7.9

    Differentiate between normal and abnormal animal behavior (i.e., irritability, fear, agnostic aggression, etc.)VA7.9

  • 7.10

    Assist in the collection of blood samples by providing appropriate restraintVA7.10

PERFORM PATIENT CAREVA8.0

  • 8.1

    Determine and record temperature, pulse, respiration, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time (CRT), body condition score, and weight of patients (e.g., convert lbs. to kg and kg to lbs.)VA8.1

  • 8.2

    Express anal glands using the external methodVA8.2

  • 8.3

    Perform exam room grooming (e.g., trimming nails, cleaning external ear canal, sanitary trimming, and therapeutic bathing)VA8.3

  • 8.4

    Explain small animal nutritional requirements, pet food labeling standards, dry matter basis calculations, and the differences between pet food productsVA8.4

  • 8.5

    Apply medication using the eye or ear routeVA8.5

  • 8.6

    Perform routine recordkeeping and observation of hospitalized patients (e.g., input and output when cleaning and feeding)VA8.6

  • 8.7

    Prepare supplies needed for fluid therapyVA8.7

  • 8.8

    Administer oral medications, liquid and pills, for canines and felinesVA8.8

  • 8.9

    Perform IV catheter removalVA8.9

  • 8.10

    Perform pressure bandage application and removalVA8.10

  • 8.11

    Compare and contrast bandage types and materials used for each (e.g., cast padding, stretch gauze, Telfa™ pad, self-adherent bandage wrap, medical tape, and elastic tape)VA8.11

  • 8.12

    Prepare food and prescription diets according to special dietary needsVA8.12

  • 8.13

    Provide care and maintenance of medical equipment and supplies (e.g., IV drip counter, water blanket, and bedding)VA8.13

  • 8.14

    Explain basic husbandry for birds, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, and other exoticsVA8.14

  • 8.15

    Recognize abnormal patient health status (i.e., seizure, shock, ataxia, dyspnea, etc.)VA8.15

  • 8.16

    Recognize and respond appropriately to common veterinary medical emergencies by notifying the appropriate hospital personnelVA8.16

  • 8.17

    Explain the process of euthanasia and postmortem care in accordance with ARS Article 3. 32-2240.01 Burial in landfill; Article 8. 32-2291-32-2296 Licensure of Animal Crematories; in accordance with Arizona Veterinary Medical Examining Board Administrative Rules and Procedures Article 10. R3-11-1001 thru 1010 Animal Crematory Minimum Standards, and Standards of Practice, F. R311-502VA8.17

  • 8.18

    Demonstrate appropriate procedure for disposal of deceased animals in accordance with Article 8. 32-2291 Disposal of deceased animals; Minimum standards for animal crematories Rules R3-11-1001 thru 1010, and R3-11-701, 5. Defining adequate refrigeration for deceasedVA8.18

ASSIST WITH SURGICAL PREPARATION AND PROCEDURESVA9.0

  • 9.1

    Prepare surgical equipment and supplies based on surgical procedure and veterinarian preferencesVA9.1

  • 9.2

    Sterilize instruments and sanitize suppliesVA9.2

  • 9.3

    Identify different sterilization techniques (i.e., steam, dry heat, gas, cold sterile, etc.)VA9.3

  • 9.4

    Operate and maintain autoclavesVA9.4

  • 9.5

    Identify common surgical instrumentsVA9.5

  • 9.6

    Identify common suture materials, types, and sizesVA9.6

  • 9.7

    Assist the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician with the preparation of patients using aseptic techniquesVA9.7

  • 9.8

    Assist in positioning surgical patientsVA9.8

  • 9.9

    Aid the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician with physical monitoring of recovering surgical patientsVA9.9

  • 9.10

    Maintain the Surgical Log in accordance with R3-11-502 Standards of Practice H. 1 thru 5 Anesthesia Log (separate from controlled drug log)VA9.10

  • 9.11

    Maintain proper operating room conduct and asepsis (e.g., PPE, sanitation, movement, and care)VA9.11

  • 9.12

    Perform post-surgical cleanup using hazardous waste proceduresVA9.12

  • 9.13

    Fold and wrap surgical gowns, drapes, and packsVA9.13

ASSIST WITH LABORATORY PROCEDURES AND PREPARE SPECIMENSVA10.0

  • 10.1

    Collect voided urine and fecal samplesVA10.1

  • 10.2

    Determine physical properties of urine including color and clarityVA10.2

  • 10.3

    Prepare supplies for blood drawVA10.3

  • 10.4

    Compare and contrast common blood tubes used in veterinary medicineVA10.4

  • 10.5

    Collect voided fecal samples for examinationVA10.5

  • 10.6

    Prepare fecal flotation solutions and set up fecal flotations and direct smearsVA10.6

  • 10.7

    Describe necropsy proceduresVA10.7

  • 10.8

    Recognize clinical signs of suspected rabies cases and notify correct personnelVA10.8

  • 10.9

    Explain procedures for handling rabies samples safely in accordance with Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (Arizona Manual for Rabies Control and Bite Management azdhs.gov. Federal— cdc.gov)VA10.9

  • 10.10

    Identify external parasites (e.g., mites, lice, fleas, and ticks)VA10.10

  • 10.11

    Assist in the preparation of various specimen staining techniquesVA10.11

  • 10.12

    Compare and contrast preparation procedures of in-house lab vs reference lab sample submissionVA10.12

  • 10.13

    Confirm that laboratory results are accurately recordedVA10.13

  • 10.14

    Maintain Laboratory LogVA10.14

REVIEW THE BODY SYSTEMSVA11.0

  • 11.1

    Describe the function and structure of the Integumentary SystemVA11.1

  • 11.2

    Describe the function and structure of the Musculoskeletal SystemVA11.2

  • 11.3

    Describe the function and structure of the Circulatory SystemVA11.3

  • 11.4

    Describe the function and structure of the Respiratory SystemVA11.4

  • 11.5

    Describe the function and structure of the Gastrointestinal SystemVA11.5

  • 11.6

    Describe the function and structure of the Urinary SystemVA11.6

  • 11.7

    Describe the function and structure of the Nervous SystemVA11.7

  • 11.8

    Describe the function and structure of the Endocrine SystemVA11.8

  • 11.9

    Describe the function and structure of the Reproductive SystemVA11.9

  • 11.10

    Describe the function and structure of the Sensory SystemVA11.10

  • 11.11

    Describe the function and structure of the Immune SystemVA11.11

DESCRIBE IMAGING TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY PRACTICESVA12.0

  • 12.1

    Describe procedures to assist in the completion of diagnostic radiographs and ultrasound including preparation, restraint, and positioning of patientsVA12.1

  • 12.2

    Explain quality control procedures related to radiation protection (i.e., clothing, dosimetry badges, etc.) in accordance with Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA) Article 4. Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation R12-1-401 thru 409VA12.2

  • 12.3

    Label, file, and store film and radiographsVA12.3

  • 12.4

    Demonstrate proper care of radiography equipmentVA12.4

  • 12.5

    Demonstrate procedures for care and maintenance of film cassettes and screensVA12.5

  • 12.6

    Explain safety precautions for handling processing chemicalsVA12.6

  • 12.7

    Differentiate among manual, automatic, and digital radiographic processingVA12.7

  • 12.8

    Maintain X-ray Log in accordance with X-ray log, AZ Vet Med Examining Board Administrative Rules R3-11-502, M.VA12.8

Frequently asked questions

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

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Sibling grade bands, other subjects in this jurisdiction, and the same subject across other states.

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