Essential Functions and Technical Standards

As a student entering and participating in the Jefferson State Community College Veterinary Technology Program, you must adhere to the following essential function criteria:

Physical Demands

  • Have no life-threatening allergies to animals (This is key, you may not enter the program if you have life threatening allergies to animals)
  • Have good physical stamina and endurance which would not be adversely affected by having to lift, carry and balance at times more than 50 pounds (100 pounds with assistance)
  • Have the physical ability and agility to restrain different species of animals, which include but are not limited to dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and various small laboratory animals such as mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs
  • Have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment, instrumentation, and medications
  • Possess eyesight in a minimum of one eye correctable to 20/20 vision

Problem Solving Abilities

  • Be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings in animal physical conditions by using visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile observations
  • Be attentive to detail and be aware of standards and rules that govern veterinary practices
  • Be able to collect facts and to organize data accurately, communicate clearly, both orally and in writing in the English language
  • Be able to make good judgment decisions and exhibit problem-solving skills under stressful situations

Work Characteristics

  • Possess emotional stability to be able to perform duties in animal life and death situations
  • Be able to handle stress and work well as part of a team
  • Have a personality that is conducive to working well with veterinary clientele
  • Be able to work shifts of 24 hours in length
  • Be oriented to reality and not mentally impaired by mind-altering substances
  • Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol

Desirable Worker Characteristics

  • Have the desire to look clean, neat, and dress appropriately to reflect a positive image on the veterinary profession.

Student Agreement

As a student who enter and participate in the Jefferson State Community College Veterinary Technology Program (JSCCVTP) must agree to the following:

  • Regard the host veterinary clinic and Clinical Site Instructor(s), as faculty members.
  • Be employed or volunteer to work in an approved veterinary clinical site for a minimum of 20 hours per week while in the program. Students must work/volunteer 30 hours per week in a nursing capacity and complete a 40-hour internship/externship away from the home clinical site when taking VET 250 Preceptorship course during the last semester.
  • To pay for my own medical bills if I should become injured during my enrollment in the Jefferson State Veterinary Technology Program. I am required to have and provide proof of medical insurance.
  • To release Jefferson State Community College and the supervising veterinary facility from any liability should I become injured during my enrollment in the Jefferson State Veterinary Technology Program.
  • To conduct myself in an ethical and professional manner always.
  • To keep all professional matters confidential in the true doctor/client relationship.
  • To maintain a professional appearance and attire befitting a professional student.
  • To supply personal clothing and footwear unless other arrangements are made with the Clinical Site Instructor(s).
  • To purchase liability insurance from Jefferson State Community College. This protects you against any lawsuits which may be filed against you by a client or others for something you have done while in the JSCCVTP.
  • To have access to a computer, the internet, and a webcam while participating in the Veterinary Technology Program. All tests are required to be proctored online via webcam.
  • To travel to other sites as instructed to obtain skills not available at the approved clinical site, to take clinical competency exams, or to take mid-term and final examinations.
  • To have myself recorded while performing the required essential skills (clinical tasks) for the clinical and lab portions of the veterinary technology curriculum for evaluation by a veterinary technology instructor and/or director. These videos will become the property of the veterinary technology program and may be used for demonstration purposes in veterinary technology online courses.
  • To always be academically honest. Any violation of this act may result in dismissal from the veterinary technology program.
  • To consult with a physician or other medical authorities to have immunizations (such as tetanus and rabies) administered or titers taken to meet program requirements, and any other preventative health measures that should be taken.
  • To obtain the necessary equipment and supplies, as outlined in the essential skills tasks for each course as needed.
  • If I am a female and become pregnant while participating in the veterinary technology program, I should inform Jefferson State’s veterinary technology faculty and/or administration and follow appropriate pregnancy policy guidelines.
  • To inform the veterinary technology program if unexpected problems arise that need to be addressed.
  • To not change my approved clinical site without direct approval from the director.
    • The student must contact the director within 24 hours if they are terminated or quit the approved clinical site of record for that semester.
    • The student will have 14 days to secure a new clinical site with approval from the director.
  • To not perform any clinical skill in any clinic other than my approved clinical site without direct approval from the director.