Course overview
This subject introduces veterinary professionals to the foundational knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours essential for safe, ethical, and sustainable clinical practice. Guided by the principles of clinical governance, students will learn to identify and manage Work Health & Safety risks, apply evidence-based resources to support clinical decision-making, and reflect on the responsibilities of veterinary professionals. Through practical workshops and simulated clinical scenarios, students will develop introductory competence in foundational veterinary medicine procedures, including principles of patient nursing care. The subject also fosters cultural understanding and inclusivity to empower students to enhance human-animal bond-centred veterinary care in our communities. Team-based practice is emphasised throughout, preparing veterinary professionals to engage with the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine and contribute meaningfully to a collaborative future.
Course learning outcomes
- Locate, interpret, and critically evaluate evidence-based resources to inform clinical decision-making and to enhance veterinary practice and standards of animal welfare in a clinical setting.
- Identify and manage Work Health & Safety risks (including psychosocial) in veterinary settings, demonstrating a foundational understanding of legal and ethical practice and animal welfare obligations to ensure safe, ethical, and sustainable practice.
- Demonstrate introductory competence in foundational veterinary medical procedures including principles of patient nursing care and clinical data management, and the use of computerised patient record systems.
- Reflect on the roles and responsibilities of veterinary professionals within a collaborative team, applying the principles of clinical governance to support accountable practice, continuous improvement and the delivery of safe, high-quality veterinary care.
- Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and the broader community, adapting style and approach to meet diverse cultural contexts, promote and enrich the human-animal bond, and support inclusive, community-focused, team-based veterinary care.