Clinical Partners

Clinical Partners will be requested to support Clemson CVM accreditation efforts by completing the following tasks: 

• Provide a letter of interest. (See the following drop-down for a template.)
• Complete a brief online survey about your practice. 

A Letter of Interest must be provided to support the Clemson College of Veterinary Medicine accreditation process. This letter aims to portray support and open communication with CVM clinical partners for student workplace clinical education (clerkships). Please refer to the sample below to help with the composition, adjusting as you see fit.

Dean Marks,

• (insert practice name) is pleased to support the Clemson University College of Veterinary Medicine by providing on-site training and evaluation for future DVM students during the Year 4 Clerkship rotations.
• We understand that our DVMs will receive regular training to serve as a preceptor for DVM students.
• We agree to provide documentation about my practice that Clemson-CVM will need for accreditation purposes.
• We also agree to on-site visits by the AVMA Council on Education as necessary to meet your accreditation requirements.

Preceptor Training

The CVM will provide the required training for all DVMs and staff at Clinical Partner sites regarding hosting students in the workplace. Including topics such as:

• Providing students with adequate workplace orientation.
• Providing students with consistent feedback and assessment for all learning outcomes.
• Documenting and responding to any concerns regarding student performance and/or professionalism issues.
• Following Clemson CVM guidelines for Community, Engagement, Belonging, and Access (CEBA).

Evaluation of Students

• Preceptors will provide a score (1-5) to assess students on the Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs).
  
  • Scoring will be a streamlined process that can occur on laptop computers and/or mobile devices.
• Preceptors will receive communications from CVM Faculty Mentors about student progress throughout the year four clinical training.
• In addition, preceptors will provide one Final Evaluation for each student at the end of each clerkship rotation.

Number of Students

• Each Clinical Partner practice will decide if hosting more than one student is appropriate for your practice.
• The CVM will expect Clinical Partners to host students for at least six months per year, though eight to ten months would be preferred.

• Instruct future veterinarians by hosting and mentoring fourth-year veterinary students during clinical clerkship experiences.
• Make a positive impact on the veterinary profession and education in South Carolina.
• Evaluate potential future employees in your facility during clerkship rotations.
• Become exposed to recent veterinary advancements by working with Clemson DVM students.
• Gain opportunities to serve on vital CVM objectives including Admissions Committee and Curriculum Committee.
• Have access to Clemson University Library resources including leading veterinary journals and textbooks. 
• Have access to various training opportunities and continuing education including RACE-approved workshops and virtual modules provided by the Clemson CVM.
• Be invited to attend on-campus events including the Annual Appreciation Dinner.

• Students' abilities and skills will vary based on their individual experiences and progress. 
• Before starting the fourth year Clerkship Program, as part of the CVM curriculum, all DVM students will have the following proficiencies:
  • Attained competency in all tasks expected of a fourth year veterinary student.
  • Completed multiple client communication trainings.
  • Gained proficiency in history gathering and physical exams in common domestic species.
  • Practiced advanced exam skills (i.e., lameness exams, neuro exams, etc.).
  • Performed basic diagnostic testing/imaging and interpretations.
  • Created and executed at least one small animal anesthetic protocol.
  • Performed one spay, neuter and dental as the lead surgeon.
  • Managed cases of both large animals in the CVM Ambulatory Service and small animals in the CVM Community Veterinary Clinic.
• As students make progress through the 44-week Clerkship Program, their case management skills will improve with each clerkship experience. A student is expected to grow from novice to proficient over their final year.

• Mentorship and guidance for clinical case management and skills development.
• Access to the internet.
• Supervised access to the electronic medical records (EMR) system used in your practice.
• A small amount of space for personal belongings.
• A small workspace to complete readings, assignments, and medical records.
• Adequate parking near your facility.
• Arrangements will be made in advance for any student that may need additional accommodation(s).

• Clemson University will maintain $1,000,000 in professional liability insurance through the American Veterinary Medical Association Professional Liability and Trust (AVMA PLIT) for all DVM students. 
• Clemson University will maintain $1,000,000 in additional tort liability insurance per incident.  
• Clemson University requires all DVM students to maintain and provide proof of health insurance for the duration of the program. 
• In addition, each Clinical Partner practice should provide a certificate of insurance verifying that it maintains commercial general liability insurance.
• The Affiliated Veterinary Practice Clerkship Agreement signed by all Clinical Partners in 2028 will itemize all the contractual assurances listed.

Please note that all admitted students will be required to undergo a criminal background check and follow the CDC guidelines for vaccination to prevent rabies.