Certified Veterinary Assistant Skills
Checklist Exam 100% Accurate!
Uses common terminology (spoken and written) required in your veterinary practice -
ANSWERSapproved skill
Keeps assigned work areas clean and orderly - ANSWERSapproved skill
Demonstrates a basic knowledge of sanitary procedures - ANSWERSapproved skill
Handles animals in a safe, humane manner - ANSWERSapproved skill
Can name and select the equipment items most commonly used in your veterinary
practice - ANSWERSCommonly used instruments in a veterinary clinic include a
thermometer (to take an animal's body temperature), a stethoscope (to hear heart and
respiratory rate), and a 1-3mL syringe with typically a 22-25 gauge needle for venous
blood collection.
Demonstrates a basic understanding of the most commonly used veterinary drugs -
ANSWERScommonly used veterinary drugs dewormer: ivermectin (heartguard or
injectible), anesthetic/tranquilizer: lidocaine (also given as an anti-arrhythmic), ketamine
(causes muscle rigidity and therefore often paired with diazepam), epinephrine (used
mostly in anaphylaxis and cardiac resuscitation)
Recognize the symptoms commonly associated with animals affected by rabies -
ANSWERSapproved skill
Uses procedures that ensure personal safety when handling animals suspected of
having rabies - ANSWERSNote of suspected rabies should immediately be mentioned
and recorded to nearby co-workers and the patient file. Handling of the animal should
be restricted only to those who have also been vaccinated for rabies. Euthanasia or
quarantined boarding at a secondary location are typical courses of action often at the
discretion of the owner upon recommendation of a licensed vet.
Demonstrates appropriate understanding and respect for the human-animal bond in
dealing with clients and their animals - ANSWERSapproved skill
Handles and disposes of "sharps" instruments safely and in compliance with practice
standards - ANSWERSapproved skill
Uses the proper procedure for lifting and positioning animals - ANSWERSapproved skill
, Uses the proper procedure for placing animals in a cage - ANSWERSapproved skill
Uses proper method for placing large animals in a stall - ANSWERSWhen moving large
animals such as a horse into a constraining place such as a stall, lead the horse
through the doorway, you should step through first, then quickly step to the side out of
the horse's way. Keep an eye on it, as some horses try to rush through narrow spaces.
Always be aware of surroundings and positioning around animal with consideration for
biting or kicking range as well as their lines of vision.
Uses (or can describe) the proper method of haltering a large animal - ANSWERSTo
properly halter a large animal, the handler must hold the halter so that the lead rope
passes through a loop out towards the animal's left side. The long loop is placed over
the ears while the short immovable section goes over the nose. The adjustable loop
beneath is goes under the chin of that animal. The halter can be tightened or adjusted
by sliding the loop either towards the ears or nose of the animal.
Practices (or can describe) the proper personal safety precautions when releasing a
large animal - ANSWERSWhen releasing a large animal, the handler must first be
aware of an animal's fight or flight response and how that might entail kicking, biting,
rearing, or using their size to overpower them. With this in mind, the handler must slowly
carefully remove any restraints after a clear and guided exit has already been
established.
Properly restrains animals when assisting the veterinarian with cephalic and saphenous
venous sampling - ANSWERSapproved skill
Properly muzzles fractious animals - ANSWERSapproved skill
Handles and holds animals so as to generally avoid bites to themselves and the
attending veterinarian - ANSWERSapproved skill
Demonstrates (or describes) the proper method of moving cattle and horses through
chutes and into or out of stalls - ANSWERSWhen handling and working animals, the
operator and others in the area should be aware that cattle are unpredictable and
powerful. Care must be taken to avoid injury. Once the head of the animal is caught and
restrained in the headgate, the animal may be cautiously approached and treated as
needed. When ready for release bystanders and workers must stay clear of the exit.
After using the exit, make certain that it is closed and locked securely before the next
animal is coaxed to enter.
Recognizes and avoids potential safety hazards in the examination room or area -
ANSWERSHazards in treatment centers or exam rooms of veterinary clinics include
bites and scratches from small animals or kicks and crushing injuries from large
animals, exposure to hazardous chemicals, as well as exposure to radiation or waste
anesthetic gases. Preventative measures include proper distancing or restraint of said
hazards we well as personal protective equipment such as a radiation vest or gloves.
Checklist Exam 100% Accurate!
Uses common terminology (spoken and written) required in your veterinary practice -
ANSWERSapproved skill
Keeps assigned work areas clean and orderly - ANSWERSapproved skill
Demonstrates a basic knowledge of sanitary procedures - ANSWERSapproved skill
Handles animals in a safe, humane manner - ANSWERSapproved skill
Can name and select the equipment items most commonly used in your veterinary
practice - ANSWERSCommonly used instruments in a veterinary clinic include a
thermometer (to take an animal's body temperature), a stethoscope (to hear heart and
respiratory rate), and a 1-3mL syringe with typically a 22-25 gauge needle for venous
blood collection.
Demonstrates a basic understanding of the most commonly used veterinary drugs -
ANSWERScommonly used veterinary drugs dewormer: ivermectin (heartguard or
injectible), anesthetic/tranquilizer: lidocaine (also given as an anti-arrhythmic), ketamine
(causes muscle rigidity and therefore often paired with diazepam), epinephrine (used
mostly in anaphylaxis and cardiac resuscitation)
Recognize the symptoms commonly associated with animals affected by rabies -
ANSWERSapproved skill
Uses procedures that ensure personal safety when handling animals suspected of
having rabies - ANSWERSNote of suspected rabies should immediately be mentioned
and recorded to nearby co-workers and the patient file. Handling of the animal should
be restricted only to those who have also been vaccinated for rabies. Euthanasia or
quarantined boarding at a secondary location are typical courses of action often at the
discretion of the owner upon recommendation of a licensed vet.
Demonstrates appropriate understanding and respect for the human-animal bond in
dealing with clients and their animals - ANSWERSapproved skill
Handles and disposes of "sharps" instruments safely and in compliance with practice
standards - ANSWERSapproved skill
Uses the proper procedure for lifting and positioning animals - ANSWERSapproved skill
, Uses the proper procedure for placing animals in a cage - ANSWERSapproved skill
Uses proper method for placing large animals in a stall - ANSWERSWhen moving large
animals such as a horse into a constraining place such as a stall, lead the horse
through the doorway, you should step through first, then quickly step to the side out of
the horse's way. Keep an eye on it, as some horses try to rush through narrow spaces.
Always be aware of surroundings and positioning around animal with consideration for
biting or kicking range as well as their lines of vision.
Uses (or can describe) the proper method of haltering a large animal - ANSWERSTo
properly halter a large animal, the handler must hold the halter so that the lead rope
passes through a loop out towards the animal's left side. The long loop is placed over
the ears while the short immovable section goes over the nose. The adjustable loop
beneath is goes under the chin of that animal. The halter can be tightened or adjusted
by sliding the loop either towards the ears or nose of the animal.
Practices (or can describe) the proper personal safety precautions when releasing a
large animal - ANSWERSWhen releasing a large animal, the handler must first be
aware of an animal's fight or flight response and how that might entail kicking, biting,
rearing, or using their size to overpower them. With this in mind, the handler must slowly
carefully remove any restraints after a clear and guided exit has already been
established.
Properly restrains animals when assisting the veterinarian with cephalic and saphenous
venous sampling - ANSWERSapproved skill
Properly muzzles fractious animals - ANSWERSapproved skill
Handles and holds animals so as to generally avoid bites to themselves and the
attending veterinarian - ANSWERSapproved skill
Demonstrates (or describes) the proper method of moving cattle and horses through
chutes and into or out of stalls - ANSWERSWhen handling and working animals, the
operator and others in the area should be aware that cattle are unpredictable and
powerful. Care must be taken to avoid injury. Once the head of the animal is caught and
restrained in the headgate, the animal may be cautiously approached and treated as
needed. When ready for release bystanders and workers must stay clear of the exit.
After using the exit, make certain that it is closed and locked securely before the next
animal is coaxed to enter.
Recognizes and avoids potential safety hazards in the examination room or area -
ANSWERSHazards in treatment centers or exam rooms of veterinary clinics include
bites and scratches from small animals or kicks and crushing injuries from large
animals, exposure to hazardous chemicals, as well as exposure to radiation or waste
anesthetic gases. Preventative measures include proper distancing or restraint of said
hazards we well as personal protective equipment such as a radiation vest or gloves.
