Clinical rotations are assessed on a pass/fail basis. The specific skills and competencies evaluated during each rotation vary according to the defined objectives of the course. All grading policies and expectations related to individual rotations are detailed within the respective course syllabi.
In addition to pass/fail grades, student competency development is systematically tracked through rotation evaluations. The RIME framework is utilized to assess clinical competencies and progression. This model outlines four cognitive stages that reflect typical phases in clinical skill development: R – Reporter (Beginner), I – Interpreter (Advanced Beginner), M – Manager (Competent for stage of training), and E – Educator (Proficient). The RIME mnemonic provides a clear and consistent structure for both preceptors and students to gauge clinical performance (refer to course syllabi for further details on the application of the RIME framework).
As students advance through the clinical year, they are expected to demonstrate progressive development in clinical knowledge and performance. Accordingly, student evaluations on the RIME scale should reflect increasing competency in alignment with their stage of training.
Before the beginning of Block 7, students will receive a “Competency Progress Report” for Blocks 1-5 as well as a Student Competency Primer to help interpret the data. Progress decisions will be informed by average competency score across all domains and within each domain.
- If a student is average or above average, no communication will occur.
- If a student is less than one standard deviation below average in the overall competency scores (average of all competencies over Block 1-5), a CRO veterinarian will meet with the student to discuss areas for improvement.
- If a student is more than one standard deviation below average in the overall competency scores (average of all competencies over Block 1-5), the student will be required to meet with the Student Progress Committee for evaluation prior to the start of Block 7.
At the beginning of Block 10, students will be provided with an updated “Competency Progress Report” for Blocks 1-8.
- If a student is below average in the overall competency scores (average of all competencies over Block 1-8) or for more than five competencies, the student will be required to meet with the Student Progress Committee for evaluation.
- The student must achieve an average of “M” or greater on all the measured competencies on the repeated rotation.