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) = 1, I – Interpreter (Advanced Beginner) = 2, M – Manager (Competent for stage of training) = 3, and E – Educator (Proficient) = 4. 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’s overall competency average is above a 2.5 and there are no domain averages less than 2.5, no communication will occur.
If a student’s overall competency average is less than 2.5 or there are more than four LMU competency domains with a less than 2.5 average, a CRO veterinarian will meet with the student to discuss areas for improvement.
If a student’s overall competency average is less than 2 or there are more than four LMU competency domains with less than a 2 average, the student will be required to meet with the Student Progress Committee for evaluation prior to the start of Block 7.
Before the beginning of Block 10, students will be provided with an updated “Competency Progress Report” for Blocks 1-8.
If a student’s overall competency average is less than 2.5 or there are more than four LMU competency domains with less than a 2.5 average, the student will be required to meet with the Student Progress Committee for evaluation.
Students should achieve an overall competency average of 3 or greater prior to graduation. If a student has an overall competency average less than 3 at time of graduation, the Student Progress Committee will review the student’s performance to ensure the student has met the program’s minimum competency requirements through other means, such as significant improvement in competency scores in the final three to four clinical rotations. Additional rotations may be required to be completed satisfactorily if a student has failed to meet competency benchmarks prior to graduation.