ASCEND is Ethos Veterinary Health’s innovative approach to advancing veterinary nursing careers.
A structured path to clinical growth
High-quality medicine depends on high-functioning teams. By aligning skills with responsibilities, teams work more cohesively, doctors are better supported, and patient care becomes more consistent, while veterinary nurses gain confidence and professional momentum in their careers.
ASCEND (Advancing Skills, Competencies, and Education in Veterinary Nursing Development) is our innovative competency-based development program for veterinary assistants and technicians.
This program brings clarity to expectations, visibility to your progress, and purpose to daily work. From your first months in the hospital through long-term career growth, your development is organized, supported, and continuously evolving.
What This Means for You
Your role is defined by demonstrated skills.
You’ll understand:
- Which clinical skills you’ve mastered
- Where you can grow next
- and how your responsibilities expand over time
As your competencies develop, your involvement in patient care grows with you, creating a work experience that feels both challenging and rewarding.
Learning That Continues
ASCEND is an ongoing development model, not a single milestone.
Based on your results and interests, you may have opportunities to:
- strengthen advanced technical skills
- participate in hands-on experiential learning
- develop within a specialty department
- expand clinical responsibilities over time
Part of a Larger Commitment
ASCEND is one example of how Ethos invests in veterinary nursing development across our network.
We prioritize:
- clinical education
- collaboration between disciplines
- and long-term career growth