LO Vet Tech study guide
LO Vet Tech · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The LO Vet Tech credential is a veterinary technician certification exam aimed at candidates who support veterinarians in clinical practice - taking histories, restraining patients, running laboratory work, monitoring anesthesia, assisting in surgery, and managing hospitalized animals. It is intended for technicians and assistants preparing to demonstrate entry-level competence across the full breadth of general practice nursing rather than a single specialty. The LO Vet Tech study guide has 10 sections and about 2,405 words.
01Veterinary Medical Terminology and Anatomy
This domain tests the terminology and spatial anatomy that appear in every record and procedure: directional terms, body planes, word roots, and normal species anatomy. Directional terms use the patient's standing anatomic position.
290 words, about 1 min02Animal Restraint and Handling
This domain tests safe, effective handling: reading fear and pain, choosing minimal restraint, using species-specific equipment, and knowing when chemical restraint is appropriate. Begin with a visual assessment and history.
288 words, about 1 min03Pharmacy and Pharmacology
This domain tests drug classes, routes, storage, client safety, and the dose calculations technicians perform daily. Dose in mg/kg multiplied by body weight in kg gives the dose in mg.
253 words, about 1 min04Anesthesia and Analgesia
This domain tests premedication, induction, maintenance, monitoring, analgesia, and recovery. The exam favors recognition of abnormal parameters and safe technician action.
247 words, about 1 min05Surgical Nursing and Asepsis
This domain tests sterile technique, patient preparation, instrument handling, and the maintenance of asepsis from setup to closure. A sterile field includes only sterile items.
253 words, about 1 min06Dentistry
This domain tests oral anatomy, dental charting, periodontal therapy, extraction principles, and dental radiography. Permanent dentition: dogs have 42 teeth; cats have 30.
225 words, about 1 min07Diagnostic Imaging
This domain tests radiographic positioning, safety, contrast studies, and basic ultrasound technique. It rewards systematic image assessment and radiation protection.
230 words, about 1 min08Clinical Laboratory Procedures
This domain tests sample collection, tube selection, processing, CBC and chemistry interpretation, urinalysis, and quality control. EDTA (lavender) for CBC; serum separator or heparin for chemistry; citrate (light blue) for coagulation.
204 words, about 1 min09Emergency and Critical Care
This domain tests triage, CPR, shock management, respiratory distress, and stabilization priorities. The exam focuses on rapid recognition and ordered action.
208 words, about 1 min10Animal Nursing and Patient Care
This domain tests husbandry, nutrition, medication administration, monitoring, bandage care, and client education. Monitor vital signs, pain score, hydration, mentation, urine output, and appetite.
207 words, about 1 min