Starting a new position as a licensed veterinary technician requires a clear, actionable plan to ensure success and confidence in your role. This 30-60-90 day onboarding plan is crafted to guide you through the critical milestones and competencies needed to excel in a busy veterinary practice.
Within the first 30 days, focus on familiarizing yourself with clinic protocols, patient handling techniques, and medical record systems. Engage with the veterinary team to understand daily workflows and participate in shadowing opportunities to observe procedures and client interactions.
Between days 31 and 60, begin to take on more responsibilities such as preparing patients for surgery, administering medications under supervision, and assisting in diagnostic testing. This period emphasizes skill refinement and building confidence in clinical tasks while continuing to learn about species-specific care and emergency procedures.
From days 61 to 90, aim to independently manage routine patient care duties, contribute to client education, and support the veterinary team in complex cases. This stage encourages leadership in your role, proactive communication, and ongoing professional development through continuing education and certifications.
Throughout this plan, document your progress, seek feedback from supervisors, and identify areas for improvement. This structured approach ensures you develop the technical competencies, interpersonal skills, and professional habits necessary to thrive as a licensed veterinary technician.
Benefits of a 30-60-90 Day Plan for Licensed Veterinary Technicians
Implementing this tailored plan offers several advantages:
- Provides clear expectations and achievable goals aligned with veterinary practice standards
- Accelerates integration into the clinical team and fosters effective collaboration
- Enhances patient care quality through focused skill development
- Supports professional growth and confidence building in a specialized healthcare environment
Main Elements of the Licensed Veterinary Technician 30-60-90 Day Plan
This plan includes:
- Defined objectives for each 30-day phase, emphasizing clinical skills, team integration, and independent practice
- Task lists such as mastering anesthesia monitoring, laboratory procedures, and client communication techniques
- Sections for recording observations, feedback from veterinarians, and self-assessment notes
- Assignment of mentorship and accountability to experienced veterinary staff to support ongoing development
By following this structured onboarding plan, licensed veterinary technicians can confidently transition into their roles, ensuring high-quality patient care and contributing meaningfully to the veterinary healthcare team.
