College of Veterinary Medicine

DVM Degree Program

Veterinary Medicine Student Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Program Educational ObjectiveDVM books

Graduates of the doctoral program in Veterinary Medicine will: demonstrate competency in knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, aptitudes and behaviors in the practice of medicine and surgery applicable to a broad range of species in the context of ever-changing societal expectations and life-long learning.

Program Outcomes

Preclinical education Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply central biological principles and mechanisms that underlie animal health and disease from the molecular and cellular level to organismal and population manifestations
  2. Apply and compare the knowledge of normal function, homeostasis, pathophysiology mechanisms of health/disease, and the natural history and manifestations of important domestic and global animal diseases in a diverse society

Core Clinical Competencies or Student Learning Objectives (SLO)

  1. Ability to use problem solving skills to analyze a patient and to synthesize a diagnosis or differential diagnosis by applying appropriate use of clinical laboratory testing
  2. Ability to develop a comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated
  3. Ability to apply learned material in managing anesthesia, pain, and patient welfare
  4. Proficient ability in basic surgery skills and the evaluation of cases to provide case management
  5. Proficient ability in basic medicine skills and the evaluation of cases to provide the adequate management
  6. Proficient ability in emergency and intensive care case management
  7. Ability to identify ways to prevent disease, identify organisms that require biosecurity measures, identify zoonotic disease and food safety issues and to promote awareness of the public and animal health
  8. Proficient ability in client communications and ethical conduct as it relates to patient/client communications and proper interactions with a diverse population of clients
  9. Demonstrate strong appreciation for the role of research in furthering the practice of veterinary medicine