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 healthcare 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:
 

1. Comprehensive patient diagnosis and demonstration of problem solving skills (eg, appropriate use of clinical laboratory testing, and record management).
2. Comprehensive treatment planning, including patient referral when indicated.
3. Anesthesia and pain management, patient welfare.
4. Basic surgery skills, experience, and case management.
5. Basic medicine skills, experience, and case management.
6. Emergency and intensive care case management.
7. Health promotion, disease prevention, zoonosis, and food safety.
8. Client communications and ethical conduct.
9. Strong appreciation for the role of research in furthering the practice of veterinary medicine.