OR Vet Tech study guide
OR Vet Tech · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Oregon Veterinary Technician Certification Examination is the assessment used to certify veterinary technicians in Oregon. Certification is typically required for individuals who wish to practice as veterinary technicians in the state, and it demonstrates that the candidate has met the entry-level knowledge and skills expected of the profession. The OR Vet Tech study guide has 12 sections and about 3,275 words.
01Anesthesia and Analgesia
This domain tests pre-anesthetic assessment, drug selection, monitoring depth, and multimodal pain management. Expect dose calculations and questions about recognizing an anesthetic complication early.
298 words, about 1 min02Animal Nursing and Patient Care
This domain covers the nursing process: physical examination, vital signs, nutrition, fluid therapy, hygiene, and comfort. Items often ask which parameter to monitor or which value is abnormal for that species.
273 words, about 1 min03Clinical Laboratory Procedures
This domain tests sample collection and handling, hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, cytology, and parasitology. Many questions hinge on whether a result is real or an artifact.
275 words, about 1 min04Diagnostic Imaging
This domain tests radiographic technique, positioning, contrast studies, ultrasound, and radiation safety. Expect questions about which factor controls density or contrast, and about which view is needed.
281 words, about 1 min05Emergency and Critical Care
This domain covers triage, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, shock, fluid resuscitation, and common emergencies. The primary survey always precedes a full history.
280 words, about 1 min06Medical Calculations and Pharmacology
This domain is the calculation core of the exam: mg/kg dosing, dilutions, constant-rate infusions, fluid rates, and unit conversions, plus pharmacokinetics and drug classes. Dose in mg = body weight (kg) × dose (mg/kg).
279 words, about 1 min07Pharmacy and Dispensing
This domain tests prescription writing, labeling, controlled-substance handling, storage, compounding, and legal drug use in animals. A complete prescription includes patient and client identification, drug name and concentration, dose, route, frequency, duration, quantity, number of refills, and any withdrawal time for food animals.
268 words, about 1 min08Surgical Nursing and Instrumentation
This domain tests asepsis, instrument identification, suture selection, sterilization, patient preparation, and the nurse's role in the operating room and recovery. Asepsis : surgical hand scrub, sterile gown and gloves, and a sterile field that is never turned away from or left unattended.
280 words, about 1 min09Dentistry
This domain tests oral anatomy, dental charting, periodontal disease, scaling and polishing, extraction instruments, and dental radiography. Dental formula : dog 2(3/3 incisors, 1/1 canine, 4/4 premolars, 2/3 molars) = 42 teeth; cat 2(3/3, 1/1, 3/2, 1/1) = 30 teeth.
257 words, about 1 min10Animal Husbandry, Behavior, and Restraint
This domain covers species-appropriate housing, low-stress handling, restraint, and recognition of fear, pain, and aggression. Read body language : ear position, tail carriage, pupil size, whisker position, and posture.
260 words, about 1 min11Veterinary Practice Management and Ethics
This domain covers the veterinary-client-patient relationship, confidentiality, informed consent, records, OSHA and DEA compliance, and the technician's scope of practice. A valid VCPR requires the veterinarian to know the animal, assume responsibility for care, and be available for follow-up.
245 words, about 1 min12Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology
This domain tests directional terminology, organ systems, normal physiology, and basic disease processes. It underpins almost every other domain.
279 words, about 1 min