Veterinarian Assistant Onboarding Checklist

Veterinarian Assistant Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Veterinarian Assistant 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 Animal Care onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Veterinarian Assistant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Veterinarian Assistant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Veterinarian Assistant Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new veterinarian assistant attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Introduction to the Team: The new veterinarian assistant is introduced to their colleagues, including veterinarians, other assistants, and support staff. This task is usually performed by the practice manager or a senior veterinarian.

3. Facility Tour: The new veterinarian assistant is given a comprehensive tour of the facility, including examination rooms, treatment areas, surgery rooms, laboratory, pharmacy, and other relevant areas. This task is typically performed by a senior veterinarian or a designated staff member.

4. Equipment and Tools Familiarization: The new veterinarian assistant is provided with an overview of the equipment and tools used in the facility, such as X-ray machines, surgical instruments, anesthesia machines, and laboratory equipment. This task is usually performed by a senior veterinarian or a designated staff member.

5. Introduction to Standard Operating Procedures: The new veterinarian assistant is trained on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) followed in the facility, including handling and restraining animals, administering medications, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and maintaining patient records. This task is typically performed by a senior veterinarian or a designated staff member.

6. Animal Handling and Restraint Training: The new veterinarian assistant receives training on proper animal handling and restraint techniques to ensure the safety of both the animals and the staff. This task is usually performed by a senior veterinarian or an experienced veterinarian assistant.

7. Medical Terminology and Documentation Training: The new veterinarian assistant undergoes training on medical terminology commonly used in the field and learns how to accurately document patient information, including medical history, treatments, and observations. This task is typically performed by a senior veterinarian or a designated staff member.

8. Emergency Procedures Training: The new veterinarian assistant is trained on emergency procedures, including CPR, first aid, and handling critical situations. This task is usually performed by a senior veterinarian or a designated staff member.

9. Introduction to Animal Care Protocols: The new veterinarian assistant is introduced to the facility’s animal care protocols, including feeding, grooming, exercise, and environmental enrichment. This task is typically performed by a senior veterinarian or a designated staff member.

10. Introduction to Client Communication: The new veterinarian assistant learns how to effectively communicate with clients, including answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, providing basic information, and assisting with client education. This task is usually performed by a senior veterinarian or a designated staff member.

11. Introduction to Infection Control Practices: The new veterinarian assistant is trained on infection control practices, including proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and cleaning and disinfection protocols. This task is typically performed by a senior veterinarian or a designated staff member.

12. Continuing Education Opportunities: The new veterinarian assistant is informed about the company’s commitment to ongoing professional development and provided with information on available continuing education opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and online courses. This task is typically performed by the practice manager or a designated staff member.

13. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The new veterinarian assistant is informed about the company’s performance expectations, including attendance, punctuality, teamwork, and professionalism. They are also informed about the evaluation process and how their performance will be assessed. This task is typically performed by the practice manager or a designated staff member.

14. Introduction to Company Policies and Benefits: The new veterinarian assistant is provided with information on company policies, such as dress code, time off, and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and employee discounts. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated staff member.

15. Mentorship and Support: The new veterinarian assistant is assigned a mentor or a buddy who will provide guidance, support, and answer any questions they may have during their initial period with the company. This task is typically coordinated by the practice manager or a designated staff member

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Veterinarian Assistant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Veterinarian Assistant up to speed and working well in your Animal Care 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.