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.