Clinical Competencies
AVMA Statement on Clinical Competencies Outcomes
Veterinary graduates must have the basic scientific knowledge, skills and values to practice veterinary medicine, independently, at the time of graduation. At a minimum, graduates must be competent in providing entry-level health care for a variety of animal species.
The school/college must provide evidence that students/graduates have had adequate access to primary care cases and hands-on experiences with live animals and must address clinical competencies in the following areas.
- Comprehensive patient diagnosis and demonstration of problem solving skills (e.g., appropriate use of clinical laboratory testing, and record management)
- Comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated
- Anesthesia and pain management, patient welfare
- Basic surgery skills, experience, and case management
- Basic medicine skills, experience, and case management
- Emergency and intensive care case management
- Health promotion, disease prevention, zoonosis and food safety
- Client communications and ethical conduct
- Strong appreciation for the role of research in furthering the practice of veterinary medicine.
Requirements for the Class of:
Regulations
- The advisor is responsible for signing the student's clinical competency book each year and ensuring that the student has completed their database entries in the on-line Competency Tracking System at the end of each academic year.
- In the 4th year, the advisor and student meet before December 15 (the date when Academic Affairs starts checking the database). If there are any items remaining to be signed off on the list, the student and the advisor should devise a plan to make sure that ALL skills are signed off by March 15.
- The actual book, with all the advisor signatures, must be handed in to the Academic Affairs office by March 15. A completed book is REQUIRED for graduation.