The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program at Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM) is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, clinical competencies, professional behaviors, and leadership skills required for entry-level veterinary practice and lifelong professional development.
The following ten institutional competency domains and program learning outcomes guide curriculum development, teaching, assessment, and continuous improvement. They address evidence-based veterinary practice, One Health, animal welfare, public health, and professional responsibility.
Through an integrated and competency-based curriculum, students are expected to progressively develop proficiency in scientific knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication, collaboration, professionalism, population health, public health, practice management, scholarship, and lifelong learning. Collectively, these competencies prepare graduates to serve animals, clients, communities, and society with compassion, integrity, and excellence in diverse veterinary and One Health settings.
1 The Science and Practice of Veterinary Medicine
The graduate applies scientific principles and multidisciplinary knowledge to veterinary medical practice, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| SPVM1 | Apply scientific principles and a multidisciplinary body of scientific knowledge to the diagnosis, management and prevention of clinical epidemiologic and behavioral problems in animal health | a. Applies foundational biomedical sciences to clinical problem solving b. Integrates epidemiologic principles in disease prevention and control c. Applies behavioral science concepts to animal management and welfare d. Utilizes multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosis and treatment planning |
| SPVM2 | Recognize the variation in the expression of animal health and diseases through critical evaluation of the scientific literature | a. Evaluates variability in disease presentation among species and populations b. Interprets current scientific literature relevant to animal health and disease c. Applies evidence-based information to clinical reasoning and decision-making |
| SPVM3 | Apply knowledge of study design and statistical methods to the appraisal of clinical studies and other information for diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness | a. Interprets study design and statistical outcomes in veterinary research b. Critically appraises clinical and scientific literature c. Evaluates evidence for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions d. Applies evidence-based medicine principles to veterinary practice |
2 Clinical Reasoning and Decision making
The graduate demonstrates critical thinking and problem solving to arrive at evidence-based decisions that consider animal and client needs, available resources, and social context.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| CRD1 | Gathers and assimilates relevant information about animals | a. Collects history b. Performs physical examination c. Interprets diagnostic test results d. Performs necropsy examination |
| CRD2 | Synthesizes and prioritizes problems to arrive at differential diagnoses | a. Identifies problems b. Creates refined problem list c. Prioritizes differential diagnoses |
| CRD3 | Creates and adjusts a diagnostic and/or treatment plan based on available evidence | a. Appraises available clinical information and acts accordingly despite uncertainty b. Explains justification for plan c. Re-evaluates animal or population in a timely manner to adjust plan d. Uses critical thinking to determine appropriate action when unexpected outcomes occur |
3 Individual Animal Care and Management
The graduate performs preventive, diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures for the health, wellness and treatment of animals, appropriate to the context and life stage.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| ACM1 | Performs veterinary procedures and post-procedural care | a. Performs elective procedures b. Performs routine therapeutic procedures c. Performs emergency procedures d. Provides analgesia and postoperative care e. Anesthetizes and recovers patients f. Manages patient comfort |
| ACM2 | Promotes comprehensive wellness and preventive care | a. Recommends disease prevention measures b. Provides nutritional counseling c. Advises clients regarding routine dental care d. Educates clients on prevention of common behavioral problems e. Counsels clients about husbandry and welfare needs |
4 Animal Population Care and Management
The graduate designs and implements programs in herd/flock health, disease prevention and control to improve the health, welfare and productivity of animal populations.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| PCM1 | Applies population management principles in compliance with legal regulations and economic realities | a. Recommends disease prevention measures b. Advises on nutritional management c. Recommends housing and husbandry protocols d. Designs therapeutic plans for disease management |
| PCM2 | Recommends and evaluates protocols for biosecurity | a. Develops isolation protocols b. Selects disinfection protocols c. Recommends protocols for animal movement |
5 Public Health One Health
The graduate responds to issues at the interface of animals, humans, and the environment, utilizing a global perspective and sensitivity to local cultures.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| POH1 | Recognizes zoonotic diseases and responds accordingly | a. Identifies zoonotic diseases and transmission potential b. Responds through owner education, reporting, quarantine, and disinfection |
| POH2 | Promotes the health and safety of people and the environment | a. Makes recommendations for waste management b. Implements safety and infection control practices c. Advises on emergency preparedness d. Practices responsible antimicrobial use e. Describes the role of the veterinarian in food safety |
6 Communication
The graduate communicates effectively with diverse clients, colleagues, other healthcare professionals and the public to promote animal, human and environmental health and wellbeing.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| COM1 | Listens attentively and communicates professionally | a. Communicates with diverse audiences b. Utilizes communication platforms |
| COM2 | Adapts communication style to colleagues and clients | a. Demonstrates client-centered communication b. Elicits client goals and expectations c. Engages clients in difficult conversations |
7 Collaboration
The graduate collaborates with diverse colleagues, clients and other stakeholders and demonstrates skills as a leader and inter-professional team member to improve outcomes and reduce error.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| COL1 | Solicits, respects and integrates contributions from others | a. Invites input from others b. Incorporates input into plans c. Leverages roles to achieve goals |
| COL2 | Functions as leader or team member based on experience, skills and context | a. Applies teamwork principles b. Bases action on collaborative input c. Manages conflict |
8 Professionalism and Professional Identity
The graduate demonstrates behaviors expected of the veterinarian, including ethical reasoning, reflective practice, self-regulation, professional development, and personal wellbeing.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| PPI1 | Adopts an ethical approach to meeting professional obligations | a. Applies ethical decision-making b. Recognizes and responds to neglect and abuse |
| PPI2 | Practices time management | a. Recognizes impact of time management b. Prioritizes tasks appropriately |
9 Financial and Practice Management
The graduate utilizes business acumen to manage professional and personal decisions, complies with legal and regulatory requirements and ensures safety of the workplace.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| FPM1 | Weighs economic factors in personal and business decision-making | a. Applies financial principles b. Explains work-related insurance c. Describes revenue and compensation relationships |
| FPM2 | Delivers veterinary services compliant with legal and regulatory requirements | a. Acts in accordance with professional practice codes b. Complies with legal requirements c. Selects drugs in accordance with regulations |
10 Scholarship and Lifelong Learning
The graduate demonstrates the systematic identification, evaluation, integration and adaptation of evidence and experience to formulate questions and solutions, and educate others.
| Sub-Competency Code | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Illustrative Examples |
|---|---|---|
| SLL1 | Evaluates health-related information | a. Retrieves and evaluates information based on research principles b. Analyzes information for accuracy, reliability, validity and applicability |
| SLL2 | Integrates, adapts and applies knowledge and skills | a. Formulates questions and customizes solutions b. Applies literature to solve clinical or scientific problems c. Applies creativity to develop innovative solutions |
| SLL3 | Disseminates knowledge and practices to stakeholders | a. Develops and disseminates educational material b. Explains evidence-based recommendations |