Unit of Study VMED1001 Clinical Integration 1 (2026)

Unit description

This unit contains capstone programmatic assessment for year 1 veterinary learning in skills, attributes and knowledge. The unit integrates and consolidates the learning in VETS1001, ANIM1001, ANIM1002, VBIO1001 and VBIO1002 to equip students with essential competencies requirements prior to undertaking their first animal handling work integrated learning placement. Building upon the animal handling and introductory clinical procedural skills learned in ANIM1001 and ANIM1002, students apply and extend their development into systematic clinical examination of key species of animals seen in veterinary practice (Companion animals, Equine and Ruminants). Consolidation of key skills in animal handling, restraint, welfare consideration and patient assessment form the basis of programmatic assessment. Students reiterate their learnings from VETS1001, to practice communication, teamwork and history taking in alignment with the clinical examination. Utilisation of anatomic knowledge gained in VBIO1001 and VB1O002 is captured with the introduction to radiographic anatomy and nested with the introduction to radiographic safety requirements such as imaging techniques, radiation protection and basic anatomic interpretation. Safety measures relating to handling sharps and needles are revisited and progress into the initiation of introduction to surgical skills, such as identification of clinical and field instruments and tissue handling. Revision of aseptic protocols, disinfection, decontamination and biosafety/biosecurity measures are revisited as part of the integrative nature of the unit. Dexterity in sample collection and surgical technique using models, is the culmination of the unit, aligning with the staged development of professional procedural skills. By the end of this foundational capstone unit, students will undertake a practical programmatic assessment piece, to provide further feedback on their progression through key day one veterinary competencies.

Unit content

1. Consultation skills – Spiral and vertical integration of history taking, and communication (VETS1001), animal husbandry, handling and behaviour (ANIM1001), and Introduction to systematic clinical examination (companion animals, wildlife, avian).
2. Consultation skills – Spiral and vertical integration of history taking, and communication (VETS1001), animal production, husbandry and handling (ANIM1002), Introduction to systematic clinical examination (equine, ruminants).
3. Spiral and vertical integration of anatomy (VBIO1001), Introduction to radiographic safety and radiographic anatomy.
4. Spiral and vertical integration of sharps handling (VBIO1001/VB1O002), and Introduction to surgical instrumentation, surgical technique and skill development, Introduction to diagnostic sample collection and packaging
5. Clinic basics: Good days (puppies, kittens) and bad days (euthanasia), the front desk management and spiral and vertical integration of teamwork and conflict and biosecurity and hygiene (VETS1001).
6. Clinical cases (Musculo skeletal, diets and nutrition, diarrhoea and biosecurity). Practical assessments preparations, skills consolidation and capstone programmatic assessment FOUNDATIONAL LEARNER STAGE.