OR Vet Tech study plan

Build a one-page comparison chart of normal vital signs, temperature, pulse, and respiration ranges for dogs, cats, and common small mammals, and recite them from memory

Demonstrate and label the steps of a complete physical examination head-to-tail, including mucous membrane color, CRT, hydration assessment, and lymph node palpation

List the four anesthesia stages and their clinical signs, and identify which stage and plane are appropriate for intubation and surgery

Calculate and interpret a basic anesthesia monitoring record: heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2, ETCO2, and blood pressure values across a 60-minute procedure

Explain the difference between premedication, induction, and maintenance agents, giving two drug examples for each phase

Describe nursing care plans for hospitalized patients: feeding tube management, urinary catheter care, wound bandaging, and recumbency rotation schedules

Compare injectable and inhalant anesthetic protocols and state one advantage and one contraindication for each class

Explain pain assessment using a validated scale and outline multimodal analgesia using an opioid, an NSAID, and a local block

Identify the signs and immediate nursing response for anesthetic complications: hypotension, hypothermia, bradycardia, and apnea

Outline fluid therapy calculations for maintenance and shock doses and describe how to set a drip rate

Sequence the steps of surgical preparation from patient clipping through sterile draping, and identify three breaks in sterile technique

Name and describe the function of at least ten common surgical instruments and match each to a procedure type

Explain the four accepted methods of surgical instrument and pack sterilization and state which indicators confirm sterility

Perform drug dose calculations converting mg/kg to mL using concentration, including a dilution problem and a constant rate infusion

Calculate and interpret a packed cell volume and total protein to classify dehydration and blood loss

Describe proper sample handling for CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis, and cytology, including anticoagulant choice and common causes of artifact

Interpret a provided CBC and chemistry panel by flagging abnormal values and proposing three differential diagnoses for each abnormality

Explain the procedure for performing and reading a fecal flotation, a direct smear, and a heartworm antigen test

Relate gross anatomy of the canine thorax and abdomen to the positioning used for radiographs and to common surgical approaches

Describe the pathophysiology of at least three common conditions such as pancreatitis, parvovirus, and chronic kidney disease

Demonstrate the triage sequence for an emergency patient using the ABC approach and assign a triage category to five written scenarios

Outline the initial stabilization of shock, including shock dose fluids, oxygen supplementation, and vascular access options

Describe cardiopulmonary resuscitation team roles and the drug and defibrillation sequence used during arrest

Explain the four standard radiographic projections and the indications for thoracic, abdominal, and orthopedic views

Identify common radiographic artifacts and describe how positioning and technique affect image quality

Describe correct storage, handling, and record-keeping requirements for controlled substances, including log entries and waste documentation

Explain the six rights of medication administration and apply them to a written dispensing scenario

Describe safe restraint techniques for dogs, cats, and rabbits, and identify when chemical restraint is indicated

Explain normal behavior and welfare needs for common species and identify three signs of stress or fear in a clinical setting

Outline client education points for administering oral, topical, and injectable medications at home

Describe the periodontal disease staging system and the steps of a professional dental cleaning including charting and polishing

Explain the purpose and safe use of dental radiography and identify common dental pathologies on a written description

Outline the legal scope of practice for veterinary technicians and identify tasks that require direct veterinarian supervision

Describe client confidentiality, informed consent, and record-keeping obligations in veterinary practice

Explain the ethical handling of a client who declines a recommended treatment plan

Complete a timed 100-question mixed practice exam covering all twelve domains and score above 80 percent

Review every missed question and write a one-line explanation of the correct concept for each

Re-drill the five weakest topics identified by the practice exam using flashcards or written recall

Recite the top ten high-yield calculations and drug classes from memory without notes