Competence in practicing administering medication requires evidence that treatment of infection disease or injury is carried out safely and with the full cognisance of relevant regulations and veterinary drug legislative requirements

The skills and knowledge required to practice responsible use of medicine must be transferable to a different work environment For example this may include different animals breeds sizes and uses

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

the consequence of administering medication to animals

animal first aid procedures and the limits to which they should be applied by personnel at all levels until professional help is available

sources of advice with regard to medication

property policy with regard to medication

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

provide support to animal health professionals as required

observe animal condition and health and accurately record and report observations

complete specified protocols with regard to medication

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

When communicating with veterinarians and supervisors

How can information be collected analysed and organised

In the analysis and organisation of veterinary recommendations and animal histories

How are activities planned and organised

In organising animal treatment

How can team work be applied

When working with others to achieve goals

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

When calculating weights and dosages

How can problemsolving skills be applied

In dealing with problems of animal health

How can the use of technology be applied

In administering medication and monitoring health

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

What may be covered under medication?

What organisation work procedures may apply to this standard?

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?

How might information be recorded?

What relevant information might be recorded?

How will the administration of medication be undertaken?