Upper Tier Clinical Task Requirements

San Juan College
Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program (VTDLP)
Required Clinical Tasks

Below a list of the clinical tasks required in each of the VETT courses. Once a student enrolls in one of the courses, they will receive a document with detailed step-by-step instructions for each task. (Note: The tasks and instructions are subject to change based on updates made by the CVTEA and VTDLP.)

The San Juan College Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program (VTDLP) is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education & Activities (AVMA-CVTEA), which is the accrediting body for all veterinary technology programs. The AVMA website states:

Accreditation by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) represents the highest standard of achievement for veterinary medical education in the United States. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review.

Within veterinary medicine, the AVMA – CVTEA develops standards and reviews programs in veterinary technology. An institution or program is considered fully accredited when it is found to meet these standards (see the CVTEA accreditation process and Accreditation Policies and Procedures for more information).

Graduation from an AVMA-CVTEA-accredited institution is a prerequisite for licensure or certification for professional practice through the majority of state licensing boards and credentialing agencies in order to meet the educational prerequisites. (AVMA 2018)*

The AVMA-CVTEA mandates that all students graduating from accredited programs be able to perform certain clinical tasks. (See CVTEA’s Essential and Recommended Skills List) To meet these requirements, several courses in the VTDLP have Course Task Checklists (CTCs) that contain these clinical tasks. While the didactic information for these procedures is covered in the courses, students must perform the tasks in the CTCs in their approved OCCI clinical sites and be evaluated by their preceptors.

Near the end of the program, students must then film themselves performing these same small animal procedures (dogs & cats) and be evaluated by VTDLP Instructors in the Video Portfolio Courses.

• VETT 219 Veterinary Nursing I
• VETT 221 Anesthesia & Surgical Assisting
• VETT 222 Clinical Pathology
• VETT 223 Veterinary Nursing II

To satisfy the program requirements for the large animal (horses/cattle) and laboratory & exotic animal tasks (mice, rats, rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Avian species), students may either submit a video or attend the Fast Track Lab (FTL) offered in Waco Texas each semester. For the FTL option, no large animal/lab animal video is required, making FTL the most popular option with students. (FTL-General Information and Overview). The clinical tasks for these species are covered in:

• VETT 233 Large Animal Clinical Assisting
• VETT 235 Laboratory Animal & Small Exotic Clinical Procedures

*AVMA. (2018, July 01). AVMA Center for Veterinary Education Accreditation. Retrieved from AVMA Our Passion. Our Profession.: https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Accreditation/Pages/default.aspx

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Cage/Kennel: Place a Dog in a Cage or Kennel
2. Cage/Kennel: Remove a Dog from a Cage or Kennel
3. Cage/Carrier: Place a Cat in a Cage or Carrier
4. Cage/Carrier: Remove a Cat from a Cage or Carrier
5. Restraint: Standing – Dog
6. Restraint: Sitting – Dog
7. Restraint: Sternal Recumbency – Dog
8. Restraint: Lateral Recumbency – Dog
9. Restraint: Dorsal Recumbency – Dog
10. Restraint: Cephalic Venipuncture – Dog or Cat
11. Restraint: Saphenous Venipuncture – Dog or Cat
12. Restraint: Jugular Venipuncture – Dog or Cat
13. Restraint: Restraint Pole – Dog**
14. Apply a Gauze Muzzle: Dog
15. Apply a Nylon or Leather Muzzle: Dog
16. Apply Elizabethan Collar: Dog or Cat
17. Patient History: Dog or Cat
18. Physical Exam: Dog
19. Obtain Vital Signs: Cat
20. ECG
21. Venipuncture: Cephalic – Dog
22. Venipuncture: Cephalic – Cat
23. Collect Voided Urine Sample: Dog
24. Cystocentesis: Female Dog**
25. Urinary Catheter: Male Dog**
26. Urinary Catheter: Male Cat (Sim. Only)**
27. Express Canine Anal Sacs
28. Liquid Administration: Dog and Cat
29. Hand Pilling: Dog
30. Hand Pilling: Cat
31. Orogastric Intubation: Dog**
32. Enema**
33. Subcutaneous Injection: Dog
34. Subcutaneous Fluids: Dog or Cat
35. Intravenous Catheter: Cephalic Vein

** Simulations available

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Cage/Kennel: Place a Dog in a Cage or Kennel
2. Cage/Kennel:  Remove a Dog from a Cage or Kennel
3. Cage/Carrier:  Place a Cat in a Cage or Carrier
4. Cage/Carrier:  Remove a Cat from a Cage or Carrier
5. Restraint:  Standing – Dog
6. Restraint:  Sitting – Dog
7. Restraint:  Sternal Recumbency – Dog
8. Restraint:  Lateral Recumbency – Dog
9. Restraint:  Dorsal Recumbency – Dog
10. Restraint: Cephalic Venipuncture – Dog or Cat
11. Restraint: Saphenous Venipuncture – Dog or Cat
12. Restraint: Jugular Venipuncture – Dog or Cat
13. Apply a Gauze Muzzle: Dog
14. Apply a Nylon or Leather Muzzle: Dog
15. Apply Elizabethan Collar: Dog or Cat
16. Trim Nails: Dog
17. Trim Nails: Cat
18. Clean and Medicate Ears: Dog
19. Clean and Medicate Ears: Cat
20. Liquid Administration: Dog  & Cat
21. Hand Pilling: Dog
22. Hand Pilling: Cat
23. Subcutaneous Injection: Dog
24. Schirmer Tear Test
25. Topical Medications: Eye Drops
26. Fluorescein Stain Test
27. Tonometry (Tonopen or TonoVet)
28. Topical Medications: Ophthalmic Ointment

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Medication Labeling
2. Fill an Oral Solid Medication
3. Fill a Liquid Medication
4. Reconstitute a Medication for Dispensing
5. Reconstitute a Vaccine
6. Dispense Medication to a Client
7. Controlled Substance Protocols and Handling
8. Inventory Procedures

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Maintain and Operate an Anesthetic Machine
2. Perform Pressure-Checking an Anesthetic Machine for Leaks
3. Perform Preparation of a Surgical Gown for Sterilization
4. Perform Cleaning and Sterilization of the Surgical Room
5. Perform Cleaning Surgical Instruments
6. Perform Preparation of a Sterile Pack
7. Perform Sterilizing packs in an Autoclave
8. Complete a Controlled Substance Log
9. Operate Anesthetic Monitoring Equipment: Esophageal Stethoscope
10. Operate Anesthetic Monitoring Equipment: Blood Pressure Monitor
11. Operate Anesthetic Monitoring Equipment: Capnometer
12. Operate Anesthetic Monitoring Equipment: Electrocardiogram
13. Operate Anesthetic Monitoring Equipment: Pulse Oximeter

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Clinical Tasks: Course Task Checklist
2. Radiation Safety Training Presentation
3. Labeling and Identification of Radiographic Film
4. Patient Safety and Caliper Use
5. Radiographic Patient Positioning: Forelimb
6. Radiographic Patient Positioning: Hindlimb
7. Radiographic Patient Positioning: Skull and Spine
8. Radiographic Patient Positioning: Thorax and Abdomen
9. Radiology Log

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Microscope Operating Procedures
2. Centrifuge
3. Refractometer
4. Hematology Analyzer
5. Packed Cell Volume & Hemoglobin
6. Total Protein
7. Prepare Blood Film & Stain
8. Evaluate Erythrocyte Morphology
9. Calculate Hematologic Indices
10. Perform Manual Leukocyte Differential
11. Calculate Absolute Values
12. Correct WBC Counts for Nucleated Cells
13. Estimate Platelet Numbers
14. Coagulation Tests: Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time
15. Prepare Serum & Plasma
16. Blood Chemistry & Electrolyte Panel: BUN, Glucose, Common Enzymes
17. Serologic Test: ELISA
18. Identify Blood Parasites: Dirofilaria sp / Acanthocheilonema
19. Identify Blood Parasites: Hemotropic Mycoplasma
20. Heartworms: Antigen Kit Method
21. Heartworm Microfilaria Detection: Direct Smear
22. Modified Knott’s Test: Heartworm Microfilaria
23. Fecal: Flotation
24. Fecal: Sedimentation
25. Fecal: Direct Smears
26. Fecal: Centrifugation
27. Identify Internal Parasites: Nematodes, Trematodes, Cestodes, Protozoa
28. Identify External Parasites: Mites, Lice, Ticks, Fleas, Flies

There are no clinical requirements for this course. All assignments will be instructor graded.

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Patient History: Dog or Cat
2. Physical Exam:  Dog
3. Obtain Vital Signs:  Cat
4. Venipuncture:  Cephalic – Dog
5. Venipuncture:  Cephalic – Cat
6. Venipuncture:  Jugular – Dog
7. Venipuncture:  Jugular – Cat
8. Venipuncture:  Lateral Saphenous – Dog
9. Venipuncture:  Lateral or Medial Saphenous – Cat
10. Cystocentesis: Female Dog
11. Urinary Catheter: Male Dog**
12. Clean and Medicate Ears: Dog
13. Clean and Medicate Ears: Cat
14. Subcutaneous Injection: Dog
15. Subcutaneous Injection: Cat
16. Intramuscular Injection: Dog
17. Intramuscular Injection: Cat
18. Intravenous Injection: Cephalic Vein or Saphenous Vein – Dog
19. Intravenous Injection: Cephalic Vein or Saphenous Vein – Cat
20. Subcutaneous Fluids: Dog or Cat
21. Intravenous Catheter: Cephalic Vein
22. Intravenous Catheter: Saphenous Vein
23. Schirmer Tear Test
24. Topical Medications: Eye Drops
25. Fluorescein Stain Test
26. Tonometry (Tonopen or TonoVet)
27. Topical Medications: Ophthalmic Ointment
28. Apply a Modified Robert Jones Bandage – Forelimb of Dog – 2 Reps
29. Dental Prophylaxis: Dog – 2 Reps

** Simulations available

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Patient History: Dog or Cat
2. Physical Exam:  Dog
3. Obtain Vital Signs:  Cat
4. ECG
5. Venipuncture:  Cephalic – Dog
6. Venipuncture:  Cephalic – Cat
7. Venipuncture:  Jugular – Dog
8. Venipuncture:  Jugular – Cat
9. Venipuncture:  Lateral Saphenous – Dog
10. Venipuncture: Lateral or Medial Saphenous – Cat
11. Cystocentesis: Female Dog
12. Urinary Catheter: Male Dog**
13. Urinary Catheter: Male Cat (Sim. Only)**
14. Trim Nails – Dog
15. Trim Nails – Cat
16. Express Canine Anal Sacs
17. Liquid Medication Administration: Dog & Cat
18. Hand Pilling: Dog
19. Hand Pilling: Cat
20. Orogastric Intubation: Dog**
21. Enema**
22. Subcutaneous Injection: Dog
23. Subcutaneous Injection: Cat
24. Intramuscular Injection: Dog
25. Intramuscular Injection: Cat
26. Intravenous Injection: Cephalic Vein or Saphenous Vein – Dog
27. Intravenous Injection: Cephalic Vein or Saphenous Vein – Cat
28. Subcutaneous Fluids: Dog or Cat
29. Intravenous Catheter: Cephalic Vein
30. Intravenous Catheter: Saphenous Vein

** Simulations available

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Medication Labeling
2. Fill an Oral Solid Medication
3. Fill a Liquid Medication
4. Reconstitute a Medication for Dispensing
5. Reconstitute a Vaccine
6. Dispense Medication to a Client
7. Controlled Substance Protocols and Handling
8. Inventory Procedures
9. Storage and Handling of Biologicals and Hazardous Medications

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Preanesthetic Preparation
2. Administer Anesthetic-Related Drugs by Injection, Mask, Induction Chamber or Endotracheal Tube
3. Utilize Clinical Signs and Appropriate Equipment to Monitor Patient Status in All Stages of Anesthetic Procedures
4. Prepare Surgical Site Using Aseptic Techniques and Position Patient for Common Procedures
5. Demonstrate Proper Operating Room Conduct and Asepsis: Perform Surgical Scrubbing
6. Demonstrate Proper Operating Room Conduct and Asepsis: Perform Surgical Gowning and Closed Gloving
7. Demonstrate Proper Operating Room Conduct and Asepsis: Set Up a Sterile Surgical Pack and Provide Sterile Surgical Assistance
8. Provide Post-Operative Care: Perform Suture or Surgical Staple Removal
9. Participate in a Feline Neuter
10. Participate in a Feline Spay

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist & Capstone Project

Course Task Checklist

1. Use of Calipers
2. Use of PPE
3. Utilize Radiographic Equipment to Properly Radiograph Live Animals
4. Label, File, and Store Images
5. Complete Radiographic Logs, Reports, Files, and Records
6. Radiographic Technique Charts
7. Perform One Radiographic Contrast Study
8. Radiographic Techniques: Screening for Canine Hip Dysplasia
9. Dental Radiographs
10. Position Animals to Create Diagnostic Images

Capstone Project: Radiographic Positioning and Image Production

This project requires students to submit videos of themselves properly positioning patients and taking radiographs then submitting the images for evaluation.

1. Radiographic Positioning & Image Production (This project requires students to submit videos of themselves properly positioning patients and taking radiographs then submitting the images for evaluation)
2. Radiographic Views of Forelimb (1)
3. Radiographic Views of Hindlimb (1)
4. Radiographic Views of Thoracic Cavity (1)
5. Radiographic Views of Abdominal Cavity (1)
6. Radiographic Views of the Spine (1)
7. Radiographic Views of the Hip (1)
8. Dental Radiographs (2)
9. Specialty Radiographs

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Packed Cell Volume
2. Total Protein
3. CBC
4. Prepare Blood Film & Stain
5. Perform Manual Leukocyte Differential
6. Calculate Absolute Values – WBCs
7. Evaluate Erythrocyte Morphology
8. Correct WBC Counts for Nucleated Cells
9. Estimate Platelet Numbers
10. Prepare Serum & Plasma
11. Blood Chemistry & Electrolyte Panel: BUN, Glucose, Common Enzymes
12. Serologic Test: ELISA
13. Slide Card / Agglutination
14. Perform Manual Cross Matching
15. Culture & Identify: Common Dermatophytes
16. Skin Scrapings
17. Ear Cytology
18. Fine Needle Aspiration
19. Canine Vaginal Smears
20. Perform a Complete Urinalysis
21. Collect a Urine Sample for Culture: Inoculate Slant
22. Collect Samples for Bacterial Culture / Biochemical Testing: Streak an Agar Plate
23. Culture & Sensitivity Tests: Streak Agar Plate to Obtain a Pure Culture
24. Perform Kirby-Bauer Disc Sensitivity Test
25. Staining Procedures on a Bacterial Sample
26. Necropsy: Postmortem Examination or Dissection on Non-preserved Animal
27. Necropsy: Collect, Store, ship Samples According to Laboratory Protocols

 VETT 219: Video Veterinary Nursing I

1. Place Large Dog into a Cage and Remove
2. Place Cat into a Cage or Carrier and Remove
3. Apply a Gauze Muzzle to a Dog
4. Apply a Nylon or Leather Muzzle to a Dog
5. Place an Elizabethan Collar on a Dog or Cat
6. Use a Restraint Pole on a Large Dog
7. TPR and Auscultation on a Dog
8. TPR and Auscultation on a Cat
9. Cephalic Venipuncture on a Dog
10. Cephalic Venipuncture on a Cat
11. Jugular Venipuncture on a Dog
12. Jugular Venipuncture on a Cat
13. Lateral Saphenous Venipuncture on a Dog
14. Medial or Lateral Saphenous Venipuncture on a Cat
15. Administer Subcutaneous Fluids
16. Apply a Modified Robert Jones Bandage
17. Express Canine Anal Sacs
18. Cystocentesis on a Female Dog
19. Urinary Catheterization on a Male Dog
20. Nail Trim on a Dog
21. Nail Trim on a Cat
22. Clean and Medicate Ears on a Dog
23. Clean and Medicate Ears on a Cat
24. Hand Pill a Dog
25. Hand Pill a Cat
26. Subcutaneous Injection on a Dog
27. Subcutaneous Injection on a Cat
28. Administer an Enema

VETT 221

1. Set Up, Maintain and Operate an Anesthetic Machine and Perform Pressure Check for Leaks
2. Provide Post-Operative Care: Suture Removal
3. Preanesthetic Preparation
4. Administer Anesthetic-Related Drugs: Rapid Sequence Induction Technique
5. Utilize Clinical Signs and Appropriate Equipment to Monitor Patient Status in All Stages of Anesthetic Procedures: Inhalant Anesthesia
6. Prepare Surgical Site Using Aseptic Techniques and Position Patient for Common Procedures
7. Wrap a Surgical Gown
8. Perform Cleaning and Sterilization of the Surgical Room
9. Surgical Scrubbing
10. Surgical Gowning and Gloving
11. Cleaning Surgical Instruments
12. Demonstrate Proper Operating Room Conduct and Asepsis
13. Assemble and Wrap a Major Surgical Pack
14. Sterilize Instruments and Supplies Using Appropriate Methods
15. Participate in a Canine Neuter
16. Participate in a Canine Spay

Clinical Tasks:  Video

1. Prepare the Serum and Plasma
2. Packed Cell Volume & Total Protein
3. Prepare Blood Film and Stain
4. Leukocyte Differential
5. Culture & Identify: Common Dermatophytes
6. Heartworm Microfilaria Detection: Direct Smear Method
7. Heartworms: Antigen Kit Method
8. Heartworms: Modified Knott’s Test
9. Fibrinogen Assay
10. Blood Chemistry & Electrolyte Panel: In-house and External Laboratory
11. Serologic Test: Elisa
12. Ear Cytology
13. Canine Vaginal Smears
14. Skin Scrapings
15. Fecal: Centrifugation with Flotation
16. Fecal: Direct Smears
17. Fecal: Sedimentation
18. Perform Bacterial Culture & Sensitivity
19. Perform Manual Cross Match
20. Perform Complete Urinalysis
21. Necropsy: Postmortem Examination or Dissection on Non-preserved Animal

VETT 223: Video Veterinary Nursing II 

1. Restrain a Dog for Cephalic Venipuncture
2. Restrain a Dog for Saphenous Venipuncture
3. Restrain a Dog or Cat for Jugular Venipuncture
4. Intramuscular Injection in a Dog
5. Intramuscular Injection in a Cat
6. Intravenous Injection in a Dog (Cephalic or Lateral Saphenous)
7. Intravenous Injection in a Cat (Cephalic or Medial/Lateral Saphenous)
8. Place an IV catheter in the Cephalic Vein
9. Place an IV catheter in the Saphenous Vein
10. Perform Schirmer Tear Test
11. Perform Fluorescein Stain Test in a Dog
12. Perform Tonometry testing
13. Perform Gastric Intubation
14. Perform Dental Prophylaxis and Examination

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

** See note on Fast Track Labs in the Important Information tab.

1. Restrain Using a Squeeze Chute – Bovine
2. Place a Halter – Bovine
3. Apply Tail Restraint – Bovine
4. Perform a Complete Physical Examination – Bovine
5. Administer Liquid Medication – Bovine
6. Administer a Bolus – Bovine
7. Administer an Intramuscular Injection – Bovine
8. Administer a Subcutaneous Injection – Bovine
9. Perform Jugular Venipuncture – Bovine
10. Perform Coccygeal Venipuncture – Bovine
11. Place a Halter and Lead – Equine
12. Attach and Use a Chain Lead with the Halter Already in Place – Equine
13. Use Equine Stanchion – Equine
14. Attach a Chain or Rope Nose Twitch – Equine
15. Perform a Complete Physical Exam – Equine
16. Perform a Subcutaneous Injection – Equine
17. Perform an Intramuscular Injection – Equine
18. Collect Blood From the Jugular Vein – Equine
19. Insert an Indwelling Jugular Catheter – Equine
20. Perform a Tail Wrap – Equine
21. Perform a Lower Leg Wrap – Equine
22. Perform Routine Grooming – Equine
23. Utilize Radiographic Equipment to Expose X-Ray Film Using a Portable Radiographic Unit
24. Perform Radiograph Study of the Lateromedial Projection of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint
25. Perform Radiograph Study of the Dorsopalmar Projection of the Metacarpophalangeal or Dorsoplantar Projection of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

** See note on Fast Track Labs in the Important Information tab.

1. Laboratory Animal Care & Husbandry
2. Handling and Transport
3. Restraint for Examinations and Injections
4. Perform a Physical Exam
5. Proper Restraint for Sex Determination
6. Administer Oral Drug or Medication
7. Administer Subcutaneous Drug / Medication
8. Administer Intramuscular Drug / Medication
9. Administer Intravenous Drug / Medication to Rodent
10. Collect Blood Using the Tail Vein
11. Blood Collection from a Mouse Using the Retro-Orbital Technique
12. Handling, Restraint, and Common Clinical Procedures of the Bird

Clinical Tasks:  Course Task Checklist

1. Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation