MI Vet Tech study plan

Build a one-page drug-class map linking each major class (antibiotics, NSAIDs, opioids, anesthetics, antiparasitics, cardiac and endocrine drugs) to its mechanism, key adverse effects, and monitoring parameter.

Recite from memory the core pharmacokinetic terms (bioavailability, half-life, volume of distribution, first-pass effect, clearance) and explain how each changes dosing decisions in a dog versus a cat.

Compute 10 dose calculations by hand, including mg/kg to mg total, tablet counts, dilution of a stock solution, and constant-rate infusion rates, and check each answer against a second method.

Label a species-specific anatomy diagram (canine and feline) covering skeletal, respiratory, and cardiovascular landmarks and state one clinical relevance for each labeled structure.

Explain the feline deficiencies in glucuronidation and hemoglobin oxidation and list three drugs that require altered dosing or avoidance in cats because of them.

Demonstrate the six rights of medication administration (patient, drug, dose, route, time, documentation) by walking through three realistic prescriptions and identifying every failure point.

Describe safe routes and techniques for oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous administration in dogs and cats, including site selection and maximum volume per site.

Outline a controlled-substance handling workflow covering storage, log entries, waste, and discrepancy reporting consistent with federal recordkeeping expectations.

Assemble a nursing care plan for a hospitalized patient covering vital-sign frequency, pain scoring, nutrition, elimination, and comfort measures.

Practice restraint and injection-site handling on a model or volunteer animal and self-evaluate against a written technique checklist.

Sequence the four stages of general anesthesia and state the physiologic signs, reflexes, and monitoring findings expected at each stage.

Compare injectable induction agents and inhalant anesthetics by onset, cardiovascular effects, and typical species considerations.

Assemble an anesthesia machine checklist covering oxygen supply, vaporizer, breathing circuit, scavenging, and leak testing, and perform it on a trainer or diagram.

Describe aseptic preparation of the surgical team and patient, including hand scrub, gowning, gloving, and clipped-and-prepped skin margins.

Identify the instruments in a basic surgical pack and state the use of each, then list the sequence of a standard ovariohysterectomy from incision to closure.

Calculate and verify anesthetic drug doses for three case scenarios and justify each choice by patient condition and procedure length.

Describe postoperative recovery monitoring, including extubation criteria, temperature management, and recognition of delayed recovery.

Apply a systematic triage approach to rank four emergency presentations by urgency and state the immediate intervention for each.

Perform or narrate cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the current recommended sequence, including compression rate, ventilation ratio, and drug administration routes.

Outline emergency management of shock, hemorrhage, and anaphylaxis, including fluid bolus calculations and endpoints of resuscitation.

Explain preanalytical variables that alter laboratory results (hemolysis, lipemia, storage time, tourniquet time) and describe how to collect and handle samples to avoid them.

Interpret a complete blood count and serum chemistry panel for three provided case datasets and list the top differentials for each abnormality.

Describe urinalysis technique from collection through sediment examination and state the significance of crystals, casts, and specific gravity in dogs and cats.

Outline nursing management for common internal medicine conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure, including monitoring and client education points.

Explain the principles and limitations of common point-of-care tests and when to submit to an outside reference laboratory.

Describe a complete oral examination, including periodontal probing, charting, and grading of dental disease, and record findings on a dental chart.

Sequence a professional dental cleaning from pre-anesthetic assessment through scaling, polishing, and recovery, and state the rationale for each step.

Explain the purpose and safe use of dental radiography and identify normal tooth structure and common pathology on described images.

State the four radiographic opacities and apply them to classify described lesions.

Describe standard positioning for at least four common radiographic views and explain how positioning errors degrade diagnostic quality, including radiation safety practices for personnel.

Explain normal behavior and welfare needs of common companion species and identify signs of stress, fear, and aggression that change handling strategy.

Demonstrate low-stress restraint techniques, including towel wrapping, muzzle use, and feline-friendly handling, and describe when chemical restraint is appropriate.

Describe husbandry requirements (housing, nutrition, enrichment, socialization) for dogs, cats, and one small mammal, and link poor husbandry to common behavior problems.

Explain the veterinary technician's role in behavior counseling and client education, including documenting behavior concerns in the medical record.

Outline nursing considerations for geriatric and pediatric patients, including temperature, nutrition, and drug sensitivity differences.

Explain the legal scope of practice for veterinary technicians, including supervision levels and tasks that require a licensed veterinarian.

Describe the components of a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship and how it affects dispensing and prescribing.

Outline recordkeeping, informed consent, and confidentiality requirements and identify common documentation errors that create liability.

Explain the ethical principles guiding care decisions and how to handle a conflict between client wishes and patient welfare.

Complete a timed mixed-topic review of at least 100 practice items, then re-study the two weakest domains identified by the results.