We read the NAVLE® Competency Domains and here is what you need to know

The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE®) is collaboratively developed by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) and the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®).

The NAVLE Competency Domains outline the essential competencies assessed in the exam. The following domains are critical for ensuring comprehensive evaluation of veterinary knowledge and skills:

Clinical Practice

Data Gathering and Interpretation

  • Create or update medical records

  • Develop and prioritize differential diagnoses

  • Formulate diagnostic and treatment plans

  • Interpret cytologic specimens, diagnostic images (e.g., ECG, endoscopy, ultrasound, x-ray), lab tests, physical exam findings, and postmortem specimens

  • Investigate toxin exposures in animals

  • Observe and interpret animal behavior and mental status

  • Obtain health history and diagnostic images

  • Perform physical and postmortem examinations, standard diagnostic tests, and system-specific examinations

  • Prioritize diagnostic procedures based on available resources

  • Review animal medical records to determine health status

  • Read and interpret herd health records and reports

Health Maintenance and Problem Management

  • Administer medications, vaccines, and anesthesia

  • Apply splints, casts, or stabilization devices

  • Care for wounds and surgical incisions

  • Establish and evaluate treatment and rehabilitation plans

  • Formulate behavior modification and patient/herd management plans

  • Perform common therapeutic and major surgical procedures

  • Prescribe medications and refer clients to specialists

  • Synthesize diagnostic information to determine diagnoses

  • Treat minor injuries and manage trauma

Communications

With Veterinary and Other Professionals

  • Build relationships and mentor junior colleagues

  • Consult with veterinarians and specialists

  • Delegate tasks and deliver case summaries

  • Describe disaster preparedness plans

  • Engage regulatory bodies and explain research results

  • Guide and train veterinary staff

  • Respond to unprofessional behavior

  • Write case summaries

With Clients

  • Advise on health maintenance, pharmacy compounding, and preventive care

  • Discuss euthanasia, antibiotic resistance, and legal drug use

  • Explain diagnoses, prognoses, research results, and care instructions

  • Help clients differentiate reliable information

  • Inform clients of bad news and provide grief counseling

  • Instruct on obtaining diagnostic information and isolating diseased animals

  • Negotiate payment plans and obtain informed consent

  • Provide follow-up care instructions

Professionalism, Practice Management, and Wellness

Veterinary Practice Management

  • Apply animal restraint techniques

  • Develop budgets, standard operating procedures, and employee handbooks

  • Evaluate and purchase medical equipment and software

  • Negotiate work arrangements and review management data

  • Supervise staff and purchase supplies

Professional Development and Lifelong Learning

  • Attend professional development seminars and training

  • Conduct oneself professionally and ethically

  • Consult reference materials and exchange information

  • Participate in professional associations and development activities

  • Read journal articles and participate in research

Preventive Medicine and Animal Welfare

Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns

  • Certify standards for animals and products

  • Conduct welfare audits and manage animal welfare problems

  • Verify compliance with guidelines

  • Work with community groups on animal welfare issues

Environmental Health and Safety

  • Apply disease control measures and ensure proper waste disposal

  • Evaluate animal environments for public health concerns

  • Inform communities about waste management and humane animal termination

  • Monitor workplace safety

Veterinary Public Health

  • Apply isolation and quarantine procedures

  • Collaborate on public health issues

  • Conduct community education and stakeholder consultations

  • Formulate public health management plans

  • Inform about zoonotic disease prevention and treatment

  • Inspect food safety and investigate disease outbreaks

Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics

  • Apply epidemiological and biostatistical principles

  • Interpret and investigate epidemiological problems

  • Report zoonotic diseases to agencies

The NAVLE blueprint reflects these domains, ensuring that the examination comprehensively evaluates the competencies required for effective veterinary practice.


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We read the 2017 NAVLE Practice Analysis Report and here’s what you need to know