In any industry, systematic training and onboarding are integral to a seamless transition and high-quality performance, and the veterinary profession is no exception. As veterinary practices often involve high-stakes decisions and complex procedures that directly impact animal health, the role of effective training and onboarding becomes even more critical. One of the essential components of this training process is assessments, which are designed to ensure new hires are absorbing and effectively applying the required knowledge and skills.
Assessments: The Why and How
Assessments, in the context of training and onboarding, are tools utilized to evaluate an employee's understanding, proficiency, and ability to apply new knowledge or skills in their role. They may take the form of quizzes, tests, practical demonstrations, simulations, or observations. Assessments act as mirrors reflecting an individual's learning progression, pinpointing strengths, and identifying areas that require further training. According to the Association for Talent Development, organizations that have a systematic assessment approach during onboarding have a 60% higher year-over-year improvement in revenue per full-time employee1.
Importance of Assessments
Ensuring Competency: Veterinary practices require a high level of competency due to their sensitive nature. Assessments ensure that each new hire attains and maintains the necessary knowledge and skills, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals they tend to. In a study by Bok et al., (2013), incorporating routine assessments during onboarding in veterinary education significantly improved the clinical competency of the students2.
Identifying Training Gaps: Assessment results can highlight gaps in the training process, indicating which areas need further emphasis. This can lead to a more personalized, efficient training approach tailored to each employee's needs. The National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that assessments that are properly structured improve the effectiveness of training by up to 20%3.
Reinforcing Learning: The process of preparing for an assessment often reinforces the learning process, as it encourages active engagement with the material. This, in turn, can lead to improved retention of information and more robust application of skills.
Building Confidence: Proficient assessment can help build an employee's confidence. By demonstrating their knowledge and skill in a safe, controlled environment, new hires can gain assurance in their ability to perform their duties effectively, which in turn, reduces anxiety and improves job satisfaction.
Assessments in Action: From Theory to Practice
Incorporating assessments into the training and onboarding process may seem daunting, but with a systematic approach, it can become a seamless part of the process.
Pre-Assessments: Pre-assessments can gauge an employee's pre-existing knowledge and skills, providing a baseline from which to measure progress and adapt the training process.
Continuous Formative Assessments: Regular quizzes, observations, or demonstrations can help monitor ongoing progress and adjust the training process as needed.
Summative Assessments: End-of-training tests or practical demonstrations can provide a comprehensive view of an employee's competence.
Assessments should be designed with clear objectives in mind, directly aligning with the goals of the training program. Feedback should be provided in a constructive manner, focusing on reinforcing positive behavior and providing guidance for improvement rather than mere criticism.
The Future of Assessments in Veterinary Practices
The world of training and onboarding is continually evolving, and so are the methods of assessments. Incorporating technology into this process can make it more streamlined and efficient. Computer-based assessments through specially designed learning management systems (LMS), augmented reality (AR) for skill demonstrations, and artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized learning paths are only a few of the emerging trends in this area.
Conclusion
Assessments, when used effectively, can make a significant contribution to the success of training and onboarding in veterinary practices. They not only help ensure that employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge ad skills but also provide a means to reinforce learning, identify training gaps, and build confidence. By integrating systematic assessments into the training process, veterinary practices can improve the overall quality of their services and ensure the best possible care for their patients.
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Association for Talent Development (ATD). (2022). State of the Industry Report.
Bok, H. G., Jaarsma, D. A., Teunissen, P. W., Van Der Vleuten, C. P., & Van Beukelen, P. (2013). Development and validation of a competency framework for veterinarians. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 40(4), 309-317.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). The role of assessments in veterinary medical education.