Registered Veterinary Technician Onboarding Checklist

Registered Veterinary Technician Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Registered Veterinary Technician starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Veterinary onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Registered Veterinary Technician, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Registered Veterinary Technician onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Registered Veterinary Technician Onboarding Checklist

1. Employee orientation: This task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company, its mission, values, and policies. It may include a tour of the facility, introduction to key personnel, and distribution of employee handbooks. The human resources department typically performs this task.

2. Introduction to veterinary software: As a registered veterinary technician, becoming familiar with the veterinary software used by the company is crucial. This task involves training on how to navigate the software, input patient information, schedule appointments, and generate invoices. The practice manager or a designated staff member usually provides this training.

3. Familiarization with medical equipment: In order to perform their duties effectively, a registered veterinary technician needs to be proficient in using various medical equipment. This task involves training on how to operate and maintain equipment such as X-ray machines, anesthesia machines, dental equipment, and laboratory instruments. The head veterinarian or a senior technician typically conducts this training.

4. Review of medical protocols: Understanding the medical protocols and procedures specific to the company is essential for a registered veterinary technician. This task involves reviewing the company’s protocols for patient care, anesthesia, surgical procedures, radiology, laboratory testing, and emergency situations. The head veterinarian or a senior technician is responsible for providing this information.

5. Introduction to patient handling and restraint techniques: Proper handling and restraint of animals is a fundamental skill for a registered veterinary technician. This task involves training on safe and effective techniques for handling different species, including dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Senior technicians or experienced veterinary assistants often provide this training.

6. Training on medication administration: Administering medications to animals is a routine task for a registered veterinary technician. This task involves training on different routes of administration, such as oral, injectable, and topical, as well as dosage calculations and record-keeping. The head veterinarian or a senior technician typically provides this training.

7. Introduction to laboratory procedures: A registered veterinary technician often performs various laboratory tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, and fecal examinations. This task involves training on proper sample collection, handling, and analysis techniques, as well as interpreting and documenting results. The head veterinarian or a designated laboratory technician usually conducts this training.

8. Review of safety protocols: Ensuring a safe working environment is crucial in the veterinary industry. This task involves reviewing safety protocols related to handling hazardous substances, using personal protective equipment, preventing zoonotic diseases, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. The practice manager or a designated safety officer typically oversees this training.

9. Introduction to client communication: Effective communication with clients is an important aspect of a registered veterinary technician’s role. This task involves training on how to interact with clients, provide clear instructions, answer questions, and handle difficult situations. The head veterinarian or a senior technician often provides guidance and role-playing exercises for this task.

10. Shadowing and mentoring: To gain practical experience and learn the specific workflows of the company, a registered veterinary technician may be assigned a mentor or be required to shadow experienced technicians. This task involves observing and assisting with various procedures, treatments, and surgeries under the guidance of a senior technician or veterinarian.

11. Continuing education opportunities: As a registered veterinary technician, staying updated with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine is crucial. This task involves providing information on continuing education opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, webinars, and online courses. The practice manager or a designated staff member typically shares this information and assists with registration.

12. Performance evaluation and feedback: Regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions are essential for professional growth. This task involves setting performance goals, conducting evaluations, and providing constructive feedback to help the registered veterinary technician improve their skills and knowledge. The head veterinarian or a designated supervisor typically performs this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Registered Veterinary Technician checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Registered Veterinary Technician up to speed and working well in your Veterinary team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.