Here’s what you need to know about the NAVLE Competencies
There are 300 scored items on each form of the NAVLE, determined by the ICVA’s latest Practice Analysis, which is regularly updated to reflect current veterinary knowledge and trends.
The latest analysis gathered information on several key aspects of veterinary practice:
Work Context
Animal Species and Diagnoses Managed
Clinical and Professional Competencies Required for Success
Foundational and Basic Veterinary Sciences Knowledge
Each of these aspects is crucial in designing and developing the exam's blueprint and context. For more detailed information, visit the NAVLE Practice Analysis or Executive Summary.
Competencies
This section outlines the clinical and professional competencies veterinarians need for their daily responsibilities. These include:
Communication: Effective interaction with clients and colleagues.
Leadership: Guiding and mentoring staff and junior colleagues.
Lifelong Learning: Continuing education and staying updated with advancements in veterinary medicine.
Practice Management: Efficiently running a veterinary practice.
Professionalism: Maintaining ethical standards and behavior.
Health Management: Ensuring the well-being of animals.
One Health Concepts: Understanding the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Epidemiology: Applying principles to control and prevent disease.
These competencies ensure that veterinarians are equipped to provide high-quality care and meet the demands of their profession.
Clinical Practice
Data Gathering and Interpretation:
Update and maintain medical records.
Develop differential diagnoses and diagnostic plans.
Interpret various diagnostic tools, including cytologic specimens, diagnostic images (ECG, endoscopy, ultrasound, x-ray), and lab tests.
Conduct physical and postmortem examinations to determine causes of illness or death.
Investigate potential toxin exposure in animals.
Perform system-specific examinations and prioritize diagnostic procedures based on resource availability.
Review medical records and farm-based reports for herd health assessment.
Health Maintenance and Problem Management:
Administer biological agents, general and local anesthesia, and prescribe medications.
Care for wounds, determine prognoses, establish treatment and rehabilitation plans, and evaluate outcomes.
Perform common and major therapeutic/surgical procedures.
Refer clients to specialists and synthesize diagnostic information to determine accurate diagnoses.
Communications
With Veterinary and Other Professionals:
Build relationships with colleagues, consult with specialists, and delegate veterinary care tasks.
Mentor veterinary students, respond to unethical behavior, and train staff in animal care.
Write and deliver case summaries and disaster preparedness plans.
With Clients:
Advise on health maintenance, explain diagnoses and prognoses, discuss euthanasia, and manage antibiotic resistance.
Ensure clients understand pharmaceutical effects, provide instructions for follow-up care, and obtain informed consent.
Help clients differentiate between trustworthy and unreliable information.
Discuss preventive care and teach clients about proper animal care practices.
Professionalism, Practice Management, and Wellness
Veterinary Practice Management:
Apply appropriate animal restraint, manage budgets, develop standard operating procedures, and purchase medical equipment and supplies.
Supervise support staff and review practice management data.
Professional Development and Lifelong Learning:
Participate in seminars, workshops, and professional associations.
Engage in continuing education and board certification.
Conduct oneself professionally and ethically, consult reference materials, and encourage staff wellness.
Preventive Medicine and Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns:
Conduct animal welfare audits and periodic examinations.
Address animal welfare problems and verify disease management according to guidelines.
Work with community groups to promote ethical treatment and welfare of animals.
Environmental Health and Safety:
Apply isolation and disinfection measures, ensure proper disposal of biomedical waste, and evaluate animal environments for public health concerns.
Instruct clients and staff on humane disposal of diseased animals and proper waste disposal techniques.
Veterinary Public Health
Public Health:
Apply quarantine procedures, collaborate on public health issues, and conduct community education workshops.
Investigate disease outbreaks and report zoonotic diseases to appropriate authorities.
Formulate management plans for public health concerns and ensure food safety.
Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Epidemiology and Biostatistics:
Apply and interpret epidemiological and biostatistical principles.
Investigate epidemiological problems and participate in disease control programs.
These competencies ensure that veterinarians are well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges of their profession, providing excellent care for animals and effectively communicating with clients and colleagues.
