Performance Standards for Veterinary Technicians

The Performance Standards discussed here define performance expectations that must be met for successful entry and completion of the Veterinary Technology Program. It is the policy of Moberly Area Community College to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need an accommodation due to a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Columbia MACC ADA office. Some accommodations may require up to six weeks to prepare.

The Veterinary Technology Program is operated by Moberly Area Community College in accordance with regulations of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Missouri Department of Higher Education. The Veterinary Technology Program is also governed by the minimum standards for operation of Veterinary Technology Programs as set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Ability	Standard	Some Examples of Skills and Aptitude Needed for Success in a Veterinary Technology Career
Critical Thinking	Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.	Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations. Develop nursing care plans. Demonstrate problem solving skills. Adapt to stressful situations.
Interpersonal	Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with patients, clients, families & groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural & intellectual backgrounds.	Establish rapport with patients/clients & colleagues. Recognize appropriate boundaries in relationships with patients/clients & colleagues.
Communication	Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, maneuver in small spaces, lift fifty pounds, and provide assistance to patients.	Safely move around in patient & treatment areas. Administer CPR. Provide physical assistance to clients & colleagues to ensure safety within the environment. Ability to prevent or escape injury caused by animals. (i.e. biting, kicking, stampede)
Mobility	Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, maneuver in small spaces, lift fifty pounds, and provide assistance to patients.	Safely move around in patient & treatment areas. Administer CPR. Provide physical assistance to clients & colleagues to ensure safety within the environment. Ability to prevent or escape injury caused by animals. (i.e. biting, kicking, stampede)
Motor Skills	Gross & fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe, effective nursing care in a timely manner.	Use of instruments, supplies, safety devices and communication equipment in the care of patients. Performance of nursing care, surgical assistance, & laboratory techniques.
Hearing	Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.	Hear ausculatory sounds, monitor alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help. Hear warning sounds from animals and humans of impending danger/injury.
Visual	Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care.	Observe patients for expected and unexpected physical and emotional responses to nursing and medical treatment regimens. Use of diagnostic equipment such as a microscope, thermometer, refractometer, etc.
Tactile	Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and to perform nursing duties in a timely manner.	Perform palpation functions of physical exam. Administer oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, & intravenous medications. Insert and remove tubes and perform wound care management. Surgical assistance.
Physical Condition	Physical ability and stamina sufficient to restrain, lift, & assist in the care of a variety of species of animals. Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. Immune system competence.	Safely lift, position and restrain animals such as; dogs, cats, cattle and horses, and supplies for treatment. Surgical assistance. Daily clinical routine, cleaning cages and feeding animals. Year-round treatment and care of outdoor animals. Exposure to a wide range of chemical and biological agents.