Veterinary Assistant

Essential Processing Skills Needed for Success

• Independently perform basic computer skills; for example manage passwords and access online platforms
• Apply problem solving and troubleshooting skills, and make decisions quickly
• Ability to follow simple and multi-step verbal and/or written instructions
• Demonstrate willingness to ask for help 
• Ability to manage one’s time; for example, to complete an assignment/project within a given time frame
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and adjust work accordingly
• Adhere to and follow all program safety rules and expectations and assume personal responsibility for safety
• Ability to manage the demands and organizational needs of attending 2 different schools
• Have a foundational knowledge of biology, including key concepts, vocabulary, and applications; student will take Zoology with this program
• Ability to learn and read animal behavior in order to make safe choices
• Ability to learn and demonstrate empathy and/or compassion 
• Ability to recognize changing information, and analyze and apply to current and future problem solving and decision-making
• Work individually and in groups while maintaining a positive and professional attitude
• Ability to take notes from lecture and/or given reading material, and implement a consistent study strategy
• Comfortable working with a variety of animal species
• Learn and develop coping strategies, including patience, tolerance and/or flexibility with animal behaviors
• Ability to apply coping strategies to regulate emotions and behavior in high-stress situations
• Ability to communicate information effectively with peers and instructor while using technical terminology
• Perform and apply basic math computations and algebraic concepts; including percentages, fractions, decimals, ratios, and standard units of measurement; have the ability to use mathematics to solve problems
• Ability to acquire and apply new vocabulary and Latin roots, including accurate spelling
• Take initiative to start task(s) once instructions have been given
• Willingness and ability to adhere to a professional dress code and/or uniform
• Ability to learn and safely operate/use cutting tools and other sharp objects independently

Essential Physical Skills Needed for Success

• Ability to tolerate a veterinary environment, including loud noises, a variety of odors and/or fumes, and bodily fluids and/or open wounds
• Make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects
• Ability to move, lift, carry, and work with heavy animals and objects
• Ability to stand and work for an extended period of time
• See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)