nznve candidates handbook

CONTENTS

Candidate Information Handbook

for the

New Zealand National Veterinary Examination

(NZNVE)

The information provided in this Handbook is correct at the time of publication. Candidates should check on the VCNZ website to ensure that there have been

no alterations or amendments made since the date of publication.

April 2013

CONTENTS Page 1. Introduction 3

2. Examination Procedures 2.1 Applying to sit the NZNVE 2.2 Eligibility assessment 2.3 English language requirements 2.4 Preliminary Examination 2.5 Final Examination

4 4 5 5 5

3. Preparing for the NZNVE 3.1 Understanding what will be required of you 3.2 Seeing practice 3.3 Companion Animal Society (CAS) refresher course

6 6 7

4. Closing Date For Applications 4.1 Preliminary Examination 4.2 Final Examination

7 7

5. Fees 5.1 Fees payable 5.2 Withdrawal from the NZNVE

7 8

6. Time Frame For Completing the NZNVE 8

7. Preliminary Examination

8 8. Final Examination 8.1 Entry to the Final Examination

8.2 Selection criteria for entry into the Final Examination 8.3 Final Examination 8.4 Practical arrangements 8.5 Standard of the Final Examination 8.6 Pass standard for Final Examination 8.7 Provision of feedback to candidates failing the examination 8.8 Queries to be directed to VCNZ office 8.9 Number of attempts at the Final Examination 8.10 What is the pass rate?

8 8 9

15

16

16 17 17 17 17

9. Examination Results 9.1 Preliminary Examination 9.2 Final Examination

17 17

10. Impaired Performance 17

11. Maintaining the Integrity of the NZNVE process 18

12. Admission to the Register of Veterinarians 19

13. Reading List and Study Resources 19

14. Useful Addresses 25

Appendix A: Communication Skills Assessment Criteria 27 Appendix B: Core Clinical Skills expected of graduating Massey BVSc

students 29

Appendix C: New Zealand National Veterinary Examination process 37

1. INTRODUCTION Role of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) To practise or represent yourself as a veterinarian in New Zealand you must be registered with VCNZ and hold a current practising certificate. VCNZ is the regulatory body for the veterinary profession in New Zealand established under the Veterinarians Act 2005. The primary purpose of VCNZ is to protect the public interest by ensuring that veterinarians are fit and competent to practise at the point of registration and on an ongoing basis. VCNZ achieves this purpose through the exercise of its statutory functions in relation to registration, competence, health, standards setting and monitoring performance and if necessary discipline. Registration Without Examination VCNZ registration without further examination and the issue of a practising certificate is granted to veterinary graduates who meet minimum fitness, competence, recency and English language requirements and who: hold undergraduate veterinary degrees from schools which have been

accredited by a recognised authority having a rigorous assessment and review process - currently the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the UK Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC); or

hold undergraduate veterinary degrees from schools which have been previously recognised by VCNZ under the Veterinarians Act 1994 until the date of non recognition in March 2001. (This applies to the National University of Ireland graduates and certain German and Danish School graduates who also hold a State examination certificate in veterinary medicine

Please refer to this Gazette Notice (http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/documentation/Gazette%20Notices/Notice_of_recognition_of_institutions_2011.pdf)

for the schools, degrees and examination/assessment programmes recognised by VCNZ. If you gained your primary degree at one of the institutions on the list or have sat and passed a recognised assessment/examination programme then provided you did so within the designated timeframes and provided you meet the other registration requirements, you are entitled to apply for registration without examination. If not, refer to the information below on the examination process. The New Zealand National Veterinary Examination (NZNVE) NZNVE is the means by which VCNZ assesses, for registration purposes, the veterinary knowledge and competence of overseas qualified veterinarians whose qualifications are not registerable in New Zealand. VCNZ has prescribed a pass in NZNVE under part 6(1)(b)(i) of the Veterinarians Act 2005 as an approved examination programme for registration purposes. NZNVE consists of: an assessment, to determine eligibility to enter the examination process. For

those not already enrolled as NZNVE candidates with VCNZ this assessment is carried out by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC). Refer to the AVBC website (http://www.avbc.asn.au/exam.htm) for advice on how to apply.

a shared Australasian Preliminary Examination administered by AVBC on

VCNZs behalf. Those wishing to sit this examination must apply directly to AVBC for admission. The examination consists of three papers, set in English, in multiple choice question (MCQ) format and is staged twice a year in March and September. The examination is available at least one New Zealand venue normally Auckland. Depending on the number of other candidates sitting preliminary professional registration exams on the same date other New Zealand

of 37 Candidate Information Handbook New Zealand National Veterinary Examination (NZNVE) Version April 2013

and overseas venues may also be available. Refer to the AVBC website (http://www.avbc.asn.au/exam.htm).

a Final Examination, also conducted in English, which consists of one written paper

of three hours, a communications assessment and a practical examination of nine sections in clinical veterinary medicine and surgery . This examination is conducted once a year and occurs over several days, in the last week of November or first week of December. It is held at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

The standard of NZNVE is benchmarked against the standard required of Australasian veterinary graduates. The range of topics covered is based on the curriculum of the Massey University veterinary programme with an emphasis on the circumstances common in New Zealand practice. Refer to Appendix B for details on the Core Clinical Skills expected of graduating Massey BVSc students. VCNZ ensures that the format and content of NZNVE is consistent with Australasian undergraduate veterinary training and the standard of examination at Massey University by: regular scrutiny of the examination content membership of the AVBC Board of Examiners contributing to the review and development of the preliminary examination MCQ

databank using Massey staff to examine final NZNVE candidates the appointment of observers to review and report to VCNZ on the staging of

every final NZNVE the VCNZ Chief Examiner and the Chair of the AVBC Board of Examiners

reviewing and reporting on the equivalence of the respective New Zealand and Australian final examinations every five years.

2. EXAMINATION PROCEDURES 2.1 Applying to sit NZNVE You must first apply to AVBC for an assessment of your eligibility to enter the registration examination process. Refer to the AVBC website (http://www.avbc.asn.au/exam.htm) for information on what is required. If you are already enrolled with VCNZ as a NZNVE candidate you do not need to apply, or pay for, the AVBC eligibility assessment but you must give VCNZ permission to provide the AVBC office with your VCNZ application documentation to confirm your eligibility. 2.2 Eligibility assessment The AVBC website (http://www.avbc.asn.au/exam.htm) sets out the criteria the Australian veterinary boards and VCNZ have agreed are required for entry to the registration examination process. These include: having applied and submitted the required eligibility assessment fee ( or being

exempted from the fee as in 2.1 above); and holding a degree or diploma awarded after at least four years of study from a

recognised veterinary school listed in the World Veterinary Directory, at a school which was part of a college or university listed in the World List of Universities or the AVMA-Listed Veterinary Colleges of the World (https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Foreign/Pages/ECFVG-world-colleges.aspx). Graduates with primary veterinary degrees of less than 4 years duration are not eligible to sit NZNVE; and


being registered, licensed or eligible to be registered as a veterinarian of good standing in the countries in which they are registered or studied or worked; and

being fit to practise (i.e. have no significant health, disciplinary or criminal issues); and;

satisfying the English language competence requirements set out below. 2.3 English language requirements Effective English and communication skills are required to practise as a veterinarian in New Zealand and Australia. If English is not your first language you will be required to sit and pass an approved English test to the required level before entering the registration examination process. You will also be required to demonstrate effective communication skills during the final NZNVE examination. Refer to the VCNZ Policy on English Competence (http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/documentation/Policies/VCNZ_Policy_EnglishCompetence.pdf) for detail on VCNZs requirements. Refer to the AVBC website (http://www.avbc.asn.au/exam.htm) for the English language requirements for entry to the registration examination process. If English is not your first language you must pass either the academic version of the International English Language Test (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET) to the required level before attempting the Preliminary Examination. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia. For further information refer to the IELTS website (http://www.ielts.org/). You are required to: sit the academic test achieve a score of at least 7 in each band of the four individual components of

listening, reading, writing and speaking pass all four components of IELTS (Academic) at one sitting.

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an acceptable alternative to IELTS. A pass with A or B grades in each of the four sections at one sitting is required. For further information refer to the OET website (http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/). For VCNZ registration purposes a pass in an approved English test is valid for 2 years but the validity of this pass may be extended for up to five years for applicants who can demonstrate that they have continuously lived and worked in a country where English is the first and prime language, for at least 4 years of the previous 5 years. 2.4 Preliminary Examination The shared AVBC Preliminary Examination is normally held during the first weeks of March and September each year. All three multi choice papers must be completed in the one examination session (1 days). Candidates must apply directly to AVBC to sit the preliminary examination. Further detail, including a detailed description of the content of the preliminary examination is available on the AVBC website (http://www.avbc.asn.au/exam.htm). 2.5 Final Examination The Final Examination is conducted in Australia and at Massey University in New Zealand in late November or early December each year. You must have passed the Preliminary Examination to be eligible to sit the Final Examination.


To enrol for the final Examination in New Zealand please download and complete the application form (http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/documentation/Registration%20Forms/Appn_NZNVE_form.pdf) and submit to VCNZ office by 31 October with: the required fee evidence of having sat and passed the preliminary examination permission for AVBC to provide VCNZ with the documentation you submitted as part

of your eligibility assessment to enter the examination process You do not have to: provide evidence of having passed the preliminary examination if you sat and passed

in New Zealand prior to 2013 give permission for AVBC to provide VCNZ with your eligibility documentation if you

have already submitted this to VCNZ and been enrolled as a NZNVE candidate prior to September 2012.

You must sit and pass the Final Examination within five years of passing the Preliminary Examination. Some candidates have sat and passed the preliminary and final examinations in one year, but this is not usual. You are permitted two attempts at the Final Examination and two attempts at any supplementary examination that may be required, within one sitting of the examination. Further attempts may be approved by the VCNZ Registration Committee only if you can provide evidence that you have undertaken appropriate activities to enhance your veterinary knowledge and skills. Upon passing NZNVE, candidates will be provided with a certificate of successful completion, and can then apply for registration in New Zealand or Australia. 3. PREPARING FOR THE NZNVE 3.1 Understanding what will be required of you Reading this handbook carefully will help you to prepare for both the preliminary and the final examinations. Prior to sitting the final examination make sure that you understand what the written examination questions will assess you on and what the practical assessments involve this information is included in this handbook. The practical components of the final examination include assessment of your animal handling, clinical examination, anaesthesia and surgery skills. You will be expected to show manipulative skills, demonstrate competencies, make observations and interpret them in order to come up with appropriate diagnoses and treatment plans. You will also be expected to clinically examine animals, interpret diagnostic test results, recommend appropriate therapy and answer questions relating to common conditions that are dealt with in practice in New Zealand. This handbook includes a reading list and a summary of resources including courses and internet sources of information. You should review these to see what could help you prepare for the examination. 3.2 Seeing practice Candidates for the final examination are advised to familiarise themselves with


aspects of veterinary medicine relevant to New Zealand practice. Observing the practice of New Zealand veterinarians is sound preparation for all sections of the practical examination. VCNZ cannot assist with organising this. It is up to candidates to contact practices directly. Occasionally opportunities for seeing practice are available at Massey University during holiday breaks, but must be booked well in advance. In addition the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) may be able to assist in matching candidates with veterinarians willing to provide observation opportunities. For further information on what NZVA can offer and contact details refer to section 16 below and http://www.nzva.org.nz/classifieds?field_classifieds_category_value_many_to_one=Students+seeking+work+experience 3.3 Companion Animal Society (CAS) refresher course You may find it beneficial to complete the online component of the CAS Veterinary Refresher Scheme for Companion Animal Practice. This is available to NZNVE candidates at the discounted rate of $800. The CAS course is administered by the NZVA (at www.nzva.org.nz). For information contact NZVA / VetLearn by: phone +64 4 471 0484, Fax +64 4 471 0494, or email [email protected]. 4 CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS 4.1 Preliminary Examination The closing dates for AVBC to accept applications to sit the Preliminary Examination are 1 December (for the March examination) and 1 July (for the September examination). 4.2 Final Examination The closing date to apply to sit the Final Examination in New Zealand, which is generally held late November/early December is 31 October. Candidates sitting the September Preliminary Examination (MCQ) are given due consideration if their application is late as a consequence of awaiting Preliminary Examination results. Refer to the Final NZNVE application form (http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/documentation/Registration%20Forms/Appn_NZNVE_form.pdf) 5. FEES 5.1 Fees payable The fee for sitting the preliminary examination must be paid directly to AVBC in advance of the examination and by the closing date for applications. The fee for sitting the final examination in New Zealand is also payable in advance and by the closing date for applications. As fees are subject to review and may change from time to time please check the VCNZ website (http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/fees.php) for the current final examination fee. Each fee paid allows only one attempt at each examination. If you are eligible to take the examination a second time a separate application must be completed and another examination fee paid.


Payment of the final NZNVE fee can be made by Visa or MasterCard or a cheque in New Zealand dollars made payable to the Veterinary Council of New Zealand. 5.2 Withdrawal from the NZNVE Refer to AVBC website (http://www.avbc.asn.au/exam.htm) for information on withdrawal from the preliminary examination. Withdrawal from the final NZNVE examination will incur a cancellation fee. If you decide to withdraw, you must notify VCNZ at least 14 days before the examination date in order to receive a refund of 80% of the examination fee. If you give less than 14 days notification, fees will not be refunded. In cases where there are exceptional circumstances (e.g. severe illness or urgent domestic problems) and where you can produce documented proof of the exceptional circumstances for withdrawal less than 14 days before the final examination VCNZ may consider a partial refund. 6. TIME FRAME FOR COMPLETING THE NZNVE You must sit and pass the Final Examination within five years of passing the Preliminary Examination. If you do not pass the Final Examination within this timeframe you will be required to resit and pass the Preliminary Examination before proceeding to the Final Examination. The final examination is normally held in late November or early December of each year. In reality the five year timeframe means, for example, that: if you passed the Preliminary Examination in March 2008 you have 56 months

to sit the Final Examination (in November 2012) if you passed the Preliminary Examination in September 2008 you have 50

months to sit the Final Examination (in November 2012) 7. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION Refer to the AVBC website (http://www.avbc.asn.au/exam.htm) for information on the content and requirements for the preliminary examination. 8. FINAL EXAMINATION 8.1 You can only enrol for the final NZNVE examination if you have supplied

evidence of having passed the preliminary examination. Use the form http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/documentation/Registration%20Forms/Appn_NZNVE_form.pdf to apply to sit the final NZNVE and submit with the required fee.

Candidates who gain a conditional pass in the Preliminary Examination may also apply to VCNZ to sit the final NZNVE. However if they fail the final NZNVE they are required to re-sit and pass the Preliminary Examination before being eligible to re-st the final.

8.2 Selection criteria for entry into the Final Examination The Final Examination in New Zealand can accommodate a maximum of 12 candidates. In the event of over-subscription VCNZ normally gives priority, in the following order, to candidates who:


1. have not yet sat the final examination but have been declined a place once, or have failed and subsequently been declined a place twice (other than priority 6 see below)

2. have passed the Preliminary Examination, on their first attempt (ranked on the basis of their marks)

3. have passed the Preliminary Examination, but required more than one attempt (ranked on the basis of their marks)

4. have failed the Final Examination and subsequently been declined a place once 5. have failed the Final Examination and are making their first application to resit 6. have been formally referred by the AVBC under the Agreement between VCNZ and

AVBC to examine final examination candidates from either NZ or Australia due to a shortfall or oversubscription in either country

7. are Australian residents 8. have failed and been advised of the desirability of retraining before re-sitting. 8.3 Final Examination The Final Examination is a test of overall competence and includes a three hour written examination, a communication skills assessment and nine practical assessment sections. Section 1: Written Examination The objective of the 3 hour written examination is to assess your knowledge of the legal, ethical and professional obligations of veterinarians in New Zealand and your ability to apply this knowledge to situations which might arise in practice. You will be asked to write short notes on up to 12 different topics with some scope for choice i.e. you may be asked to answer 12 out of 15 or 10 out of 13 questions. The online VCNZ Code of Professional Conduct and explanatory notes available at http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/CPC/index.php is an important resource for this examination. Sample Written examination questions. 1. You see a new client who advises that she wants you to examine her dog

because she is unhappy about the advice given and treatment proposed by her regular vet the day before. She doesnt want her regular vet to know she is seeing you. What do you do? Explain your answer.

2. You are presented with a severely injured dog by the driver of the car who hit it. The owner of the animal is not known. What do you do? Explain your answer with reference to current legal and professional requirements.

3. A farmer who you have never met before comes into your clinic asking you to sell him dry cow therapy. What do you advise him and why?

4. A client brings in a 14 week old puppy with an undescended testicle and asks you to remove it. She says she is looking to breed from this dog and that its sire also had an undescended testicle which was removed. Do you carry out this surgery or decline to do it? Explain your answer.

5. The local SPCA asks you to provide vaccines so that their lay staff can vaccinate cats and dogs admitted to the shelter. What are your options in this situation? Explain your answer with reference to current legal and professional requirements.

6. You are treating a 13 year old dog with Vetmedin for early stage heart failure. Your client has recently lost her job and says that she can no longer afford Vetmedin. She asks if you can prescribe the human medicine Renitec which her friend says is cheaper and has been prescribed for her dog by another vet. How do you respond? What factors do you need to take into account?

Sections 2 10; Practical Assessments: This part of the final examination consists of nine oral/practical assessments. Each is 1 - 1 hours in duration. Two examiners will be present for each part of the examination. There may also be a VCNZ observer present and during the Companion


Animal or Sheep sections a third examiner will be in attendance to specifically assess your communication skills. Depending upon the number of candidates, the final examination takes 3-4 days to complete. You can only take this examination after you have met the English language test requirements (if applicable) and passed the Preliminary Examination. You will be assessed on your knowledge as well as its practical application in animal handling, clinical examination, anaesthesia and surgery. You will be expected to show manipulative skills, demonstrate competencies, make observations and interpret them in order to come up with appropriate diagnoses and treatment plans. You will also be expected to clinically examine animals, interpret diagnostic test results, recommend appropriate therapy and answer questions relating to common conditions that are dealt with in practice in New Zealand. As each practical assessment section has a time limit you should not deliberately avoid answering examiners questions by talking around the issue if you do not know the answer. Doing so may mean that examiners may not be able to ask other intended questions and that there will be less time to respond to further questions. This may result in you receiving a lower mark. The practical assessment sections of the final examination cover the following areas: knowledge of management systems used in the care of New Zealand

companion and agricultural animals. this includes feeding systems, especially pasture management and breeding systems, including natural and artificial breeding and embryo transfer, oestrus synchronisation and parturition induction

ability to handle and restrain animals of all domestic species diagnostic skills including clinical examination, interpretation of postmortem

specimens, applying field tests in clinical pathology and the collection and delivery of specimens to the laboratory. some knowledge of common poisonous plants is expected

clinical therapeutics including the drugs used for the common diseases, techniques used in treatment and the legislation concerning restricted veterinary medicines

disease control programs and preventive medicine generally animal welfare considerations occurring in veterinary practice legal constraints on the delivery of veterinary services to the public writing reports and certificates radiology and radiation safety. The examination tests your knowledge of disease and animal management under New Zealand conditions at a level that will allow you to practise effectively in New Zealand. The questions individual candidates are asked during the final examination practical assessment sections vary, but come from a common pool of questions of equivalent degrees of difficulty. The lists of procedures in the following descriptions of sections indicate what may be included in those sections, but do not exclude other questions or procedures. Section 2: Clinical skills and knowledge - Companion animals You are expected to clinically examine a companion animal (dog or cat) and work through case-studies and slides with the examiners.


You will be randomly allocated a clinical scenario and asked to extract a clinical history from one of the examiners who acts the part of the client. You will be graded according to your ability to formulate and articulate suitable questions regarding the primary presenting problem, and to obtain information regarding general body systems health, environment and background history. You will be asked to perform a routine physical examination on a dog or cat. Completeness, accuracy, and technique are assessed. Using the clinical scenario that was used for the medical history, you will be asked to outline your diagnostic approach to that problem. Completeness, appropriateness, logical sequence, and understanding of the limitations, specificity and sensitivity of discussed assays are all assessed. You will be provided with results of haematology, serum biochemistry and urinalysis taken from a patient and given time to consider these. You will then be asked to explain and interpret the abnormal and normal results, and to demonstrate your understanding of the differential diagnoses and pathophysiology. Between 4 and 5 commonly used drugs will be discussed with you. You will be asked about the mechanism of action, indications, side effects and contraindications of each drug. During this section a third examiner may be present to assess your communication skills. Section 3: Clinical skills and knowledge - Cattle You are expected to clinically examine a cow and explain the parameters you are checking in your examination. You will be asked to perform a number of procedures commonly used in Cattle Medicine, which may include: pregnancy testing per rectum examination of the mouth passing a stomach tube restraining a cow and injecting a solution into the jugular vein collecting a blood sample from the tail vein giving an epidural anaesthetic lifting and restraining a cows front or back leg aseptically collecting a milk sample collection of urine sample from a cow via a urinary catheter collection of a sample of rumen fluid by rumenocentesis detailed examination of a cows foot casting a cow to carry out a potentially painful procedure on her front leg examining a bulls testicles and measuring the bulls scrotal circumference collection of a semen sample from a bull basic obstetrical procedure.

You will be expected to work through case examples including laboratory reports produced from samples taken from clinical cases and reports from herd health recording systems. After your assessment of the results, you will be asked to discuss the importance or relevance of them and how they would assist in the possible diagnoses and outcomes to treatment. You will be required to outline your management, or any further tests that may be required to aid your likely diagnosis and treatment outcomes of each case. This section may include segments covering medical and surgical conditions of general body systems and reproduction and breeding of cattle.


Section 4: Clinical skills and knowledge sheep and other ruminants You are expected to clinically examine a sheep or herd and explain the parameters you are checking in your examination. You will be asked to perform a number of procedures commonly used in Sheep Medicine, which may include: catching and carrying out a clinical examination taking temperatures collecting a jugular blood sample examining mouth and teeth discussing the significance of a daggy tail examining feet and using a searcher knife to check for footrot taking a faecal sample for culture palpating several rams testicles and discussing findings placing sutures in a skin lesion. You may be asked to demonstrate knowledge of common conditions or manipulative procedures used with other farmed species such as pigs or goats. You may also be asked to demonstrate knowledge of use of regional anaesthesia and common drugs used for antler removal. You will be expected to work through case examples including laboratory reports and post mortem material produced from samples taken from clinical cases of sheep and other farm animals. This may include knowledge of reproduction and breeding. After your assessment of the results, you will be asked to discuss the importance or relevance of them and how they would assist in the possible diagnoses and outcomes to treatment. You will be required to outline your management, or any further tests which may be required to aid your likely diagnosis and treatment outcomes of each case. During this section a third examiner may be present to assess your communication skills. Section 5: Clinical skills and knowledge horses You are expected to clinically examine a horse and explain the parameters you are checking in your examination. You will be asked to perform a number of procedures commonly used in Equine Medicine, which may include: catching and putting a halter on a horse conducting a clinical examination, taking temperature identifying parts of the horses surface anatomy undertaking a simple test to check dehydration taking a blood sample examining the horses mouth and assessing teeth condition checking eyes with or without an ophthalmoscope demonstrating how to correctly and safely apply a twitch to nose or ear demonstrating neck grip to give injection indicating injection sites for intramuscular injection picking up horses foot/feet demonstrating use of hoof testers.

This part of the section may also include: discussion of anaesthetics and tranquillisers used in horses


positioning of horse and equipment for radiography abdominal paracenteses palpating the larynx indicating injection sites for common nerve blocks:

- regional nerves to legs and feet - motor nerves to the eye - sensory nerves to the eye

rectal examinations pregnancy confirmation. You will be expected to work through case examples including laboratory reports and slides produced from samples taken from clinical cases. This may include discussion of reproduction and breeding. After your assessment of the results, you will be asked to discuss the importance or relevance of them and how they would assist in the possible diagnoses and outcomes to treatment. You will be required to outline your management, or any further tests which may be required to aid your likely diagnosis and treatment outcomes of each case. You may be asked questions on: history taking body systems radiographs and radiation safety surgical instruments and techniques diagnostic aids used in horses test results, blood and serum analysis for clinical cases when to make referrals and correct procedures to use. Section 6: Practical surgery You will be asked to perform a common surgical procedure such as an ovariohysterectomy or cystotomy using full aseptic surgical procedures. It is likely that the companion animal used will be a dog but it may be a cat. Assessment is made on aseptic preparation of both surgeon and patient, and surgical technique including knowledge of: surgical anatomy tissue handling and haemostasis instrument dexterity and competence suture selection and knot security overall appreciation for reason for time restraint for surgery likely outcome to problems arising as a result of faulty technique, infection

or complications, and interference to the surgical site by the patient discussion of instructions for after care at home after discharge. If the surgery component takes more than two hours the examiners may terminate the examination on humane grounds due to animal welfare concerns. Section 7: Practical anaesthesia You will be asked to carry out a thorough clinical examination and assessment on a companion animal as to its suitability for anaesthesia, indicate a suitable anaesthetic procedure and carry out the anaesthesia to the point where the animal is stable under the anaesthesia. This will require you to: carry out an adequate physical examination questions/theory develop an adequate sedation protocol develop an adequate induction protocol discuss companion animal anaesthesia make accurate drug calculations


carry out an anaesthetic machine check discuss various anaesthetic circuits and gas flow rates place an iv catheter and carry out an induction transfer the patient to an anaesthetic machine and choose an appropriate

circuit and flow rate maintain a patient under anaesthesia discuss appropriate recovery management discuss post-operative analgesia. You may be asked to: comment on various types of small animal anaesthetic machines carry out an inspection of an anaesthetic machine to ensure that it is correctly

assembled carry out pre-use inspection for gas leaks and correct connections. Note that Sections 6 and 7 are usually combined and can take up to three hours. Section 8: Pathology, microbiology, parasitology You will be asked a series of questions relating to a range of pathological, parasitological and microbiological specimens. The majority of specimens consist of projected images of gross lesions but may also include: projected images of cytological preparations from lesions projected images of blood smears equipment or consumables routinely used in clinical practice to establish a

diagnosis. You will be assessed on your: knowledge of the pathology, pathogenesis and significance of common and

important diseases of companion and production animals and horses ability to recognise abnormalities in gross, microscopic and laboratory specimens

and data abnormalities exhibiting an understanding of the likely causes(s) of these abnormalities

ability to list differential diagnoses and establish a provisional diagnosis nomination of the relevant diagnostic techniques or other action(s) appropriate in

a particular case. Although the questions will focus on diseases occurring in animals in New Zealand, you are also expected to demonstrate knowledge of exotic diseases of particular potential significance to New Zealand. Section 9: Veterinary Public Health, Food Safety and Regulatory Medicine You will be expected to discuss, with the aid of colour slides and case studies, aspects of veterinary public health, food safety and regulatory medicine as it applies in New Zealand. The areas that will be covered are meat processing and hygiene, foodborne and zoonotic diseases and regulatory requirements associated with these topics. The areas that will be covered include: the necessary steps to be taken by a veterinarian on suspicion of an exotic

disease, for example foot and mouth disease or avian influenza the various disease control programmes currently in use in new zealand (such as

tuberculosis prevention) knowledge of zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis knowledge of food safety and the role of veterinarians in meat hygiene knowledge of the legal requirements for veterinary medicines and agricultural

compounds in New Zealand, including reporting adverse events, withholding


periods for veterinary medicines and the significance of residues of veterinary medicines and agricultural compounds in food

knowledge of legal requirements for undertaking experiments on animals, animal welfare legislation and other legislation and professional requirements that applies to veterinarians in New Zealand.

You are expected to understand the principles of disease prevention and control within a population and to apply this with the epidemiology of different diseases to control programmes. You should show understanding of diagnostic test characteristics by being able to calculate and explain sensitivity and specificity when given a sample two-by-two table. You will also be expected to show you understand the principles of New Zealands biosecurity system by discussing how suspected or actual incursions of exotic disease would be managed. Candidates are referred to the online Ministry for Primary Industries guidance on pests and diseases (http://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity-animal-welfare/pests-diseases). Section 10: Radiology and Radiation Safety You will be asked to work through clinical surgical case studies in relation to companion animal surgery and demonstrate knowledge of: radiographic techniques and equipment quality and common faults found in radiographs interpretation of x-rays, knowledge of radiography and interpretation of radiographs radiological findings and comment upon the disease process, clinical findings associated

with the disease, prognosis and management knowledge of radiation safety. Section 11: Assessment of Communication Skills Although you may have been required to sit and pass an English language test to the required level to gain entry to the examination process, you are also required to demonstrate during the final examination that you can communicate effectively. This part of the examination involves a third examiner in the Companion Animal or Sheep sections, specifically charged with assessing communication skills. This examiner will assess your ability to demonstrate: effective oral and interpersonal communication skills effective non verbal communication awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural differences in communication listening skills avoidance of inappropriate technical jargon strategies for developing rapport, sensitivity, empathy, courtesy and respect towards

clients clear and accurate explanations of findings, treatment options and likely outcomes in

easily understood language strategies for confirming clients understanding of the information provided. The criteria for the assessment are set out in Appendix A. 8.4 Practical arrangements The Final Examination is held at Massey University, Palmerston North. It is your responsibility to arrange and meet all costs for accommodation and travel.


Equipment required: You are required to bring a white coat, coveralls, gumboots, clinical thermometer and stethoscope to the final examination. Note that during the final examination the latest version of the Index of Veterinary Specialties (IVS) Annual will be available for your reference. This is because candidates are not expected to have memorised dose rates or withholding periods other than for the commonly used antibiotics. 8.5 Standard of the Final Examination The standard of the final examination is benchmarked against the minimum standard required to be awarded with the Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree of Massey University, New Zealand. Refer to Appendix B for details on the Core Clinical Skills expected of graduating Massey BVSc students. Such a standard may be difficult to obtain by candidates who: qualified a number of years ago, perhaps have worked in a narrow area and who have

not undertaken substantial revision of the basic subject matter of the examination obtained a basic qualification which does not cover adequately all the subjects covered

by the examination and who have not undertaken further study to remedy these shortcomings

have failed to familiarise themselves with the husbandry, diseases and conditions of animal species to be commonly found in New Zealand, or with the relevant legislation

entered the examination without sufficient fluency in the English language. 8.6 Pass standard for the Final Examination Section 1 - Written Examination You must achieve a mark of 50% for the written part of the examination. Sections 2 - 10 Practical Assessments Each of the nine sections is marked as a pass or fail. Section 11 - Communication skills assessment This is marked out of 100 points and to pass must achieve a minimum score of 60 points. There are three categories of result in the final examination. 1. PASS, where a pass in all eleven sections has been obtained 2. SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION granted. Although the final examination is

a test of overall competence, candidates who have passed at least seven of the first ten sections may be awarded a supplementary examination and as such permitted to resit a maximum of three sections. In circumstances where the candidate has also failed the section 11 Communications Skills Assessment, this can be re-sat at the same time as the Supplementary Examination. The failed sections are normally re-taken at the next available final examination session. In circumstances where the candidate has failed the Communication Skills Assessment but passed the Companion Animal or Sheep sections a separate supplementary communication assessment will be organised

3. FAIL, where fewer than seven sections of the first 10 sections have been passed.

The communication skills assessment must be passed for an overall pass in the final examination.


You need to be aware that if you display a substantial deficiency in one or more specific areas within a section you will not be awarded a pass in that section. 8.7 Provision of feedback to candidates failing the final examination Failing candidates are provided with general feedback from examiners on their areas of weakness. The tasks and procedures used to assess knowledge and skill is varied for each section of the final examination. As such you cannot assume that if you address the identified deficiencies, that you will pass the next sitting of examinations. 8.8 Queries to be directed to the VCNZ office You must not communicate directly with the Chief Examiner or examiners before or after the examination. All questions and requests for assistance must be directed to the VCNZ office. Refer to page 25 for our contact details. 8.9 Number of attempts at the Final Examination You are permitted two attempts at the Final Examination. A third attempt may be approved by the VCNZ Registration Committee if you can provide evidence that you have undertaken appropriate activities to enhance your veterinary knowledge and skills. You can sit a supplementary examination twice (during each attempt at the final examination). A second failure at the same supplementary examination will be viewed as a failure in the Final Examination, and you must then re-sit the Final Examination (or re-sit the Preliminary Examination if you initially gained a conditional pass in that examination). 8.10 What is the pass rate? For information on Australian and New Zealand registration examination results by country of origin, refer to the VCNZ website (http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/documentation/AustNZ_RegExamResults.pdf) 9. EXAMINATION RESULTS 9.1 Preliminary Examination AVBC will usually advise candidates of the results of the Preliminary Examination within six to eight weeks. 9.2 Final Examination VCNZ will endeavour to send the results of the Final Examination (and any subsequent Supplementary Examination) to you in the mail within six weeks. Results will not be provided over the telephone. You must not communicate directly with the examiners before or after the examination. Direct all correspondence and queries to the VCNZ office. 10. IMPAIRED PERFORMANCE If you consider that you have performed poorly in the final or supplementary examination because of illness, personal circumstances or events before or during the examination, you must advise us immediately and send written evidence to support your claim, including a recent medical certificate if relevant. You must send these documents within five working days after the examination. Medical certificates will not be accepted after the examination results are posted.


No examination result will be revised in this process but, depending on the individual circumstances of a case, the fee for the next set of examinations may be waived or reduced. Direct all your inquiries and send all correspondence to Registrar, Veterinary Council of New Zealand, PO Box 10-563, Wellington, or [email protected]. 11. MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF THE NZNVE PROCESS NZNVE candidates are expected to behave honestly, fairly and with respect for others at all times during the examination process. When applying to sit the NZNVE Final Examination candidates are required to confirm that they have: read and agree to abide by the following NZNVE Conduct requirements understand that failure to do so may be sufficient cause for VCNZ to terminate their

participation in the examination, invalidate their results, bar their participation in future examinations or take other appropriate action.

Conduct requirements During the NZNVE Final or Supplementary Examinations, candidates must not give, receive or obtain any unauthorised assistance, or attempt to do so. This includes: communicating, or attempting to communicate, with other candidates during the

staging of the Final Examination or Supplementary Examination communicating, or attempting to communicate, with other candidates, on any matters

related to the assessments undertaken during the 9 clinical stations of the Final Examination or the Supplementary Examination

copying from, or attempting to copy from, a fellow candidate attempting to introduce or consult during the Final or Supplementary Examination, any

unauthorised printed or written material or electronic calculating or information storage device or mobile phone or other communication device

impersonating a NZNVE candidate or engaging someone else to take the examination assisting another candidate to plagiarise (for example by giving them their own work to

copy from or sharing questions asked during the clinical stations of the final examination).

Candidates must not remove any examination materials from the examination venue unless instructed to do so by authorised examiners or VCNZ staff. Candidates must maintain the confidentiality of the examination content. They must not: reproduce, or attempt to reproduce examination materials through memorisation or any

other means provide information relating to examination content that may give or attempt to give an

unfair advantage to those who may be taking the examination. Candidates must maintain high standards of professional behaviour and integrity during the examination process. Disruptive or unethical behaviour which undermines or attempts to undermine the examination process will not be tolerated. This includes offering any benefit to any NZNVE examiner or administrator in return for any benefit which is not usually granted to other candidates. VCNZ may require candidates to retake any or all parts of NZNVE if presented with sufficient evidence that the security of the examination has been compromised, despite the absence of any evidence of a candidates personal involvement in such activities.


12. ADMISSION TO THE REGISTER OF VETERINARIANS Candidates who pass all parts of the NZNVE will be issued with a certificate confirming successful completion of NZNVE and are eligible to apply for registration as a veterinarian in New Zealand using this registration application form (http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/documentation/Registration%20Forms/Appn_form.pdf). To practise in New Zealand you must be registered and also hold a current practising certificate. Visit the VCNZ website for the practising certificate application (http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/annualPracCert.php). To be issued with a practising certificate you must satisfy VCNZ that you meet the minimum practising requirements of the Act. As such, if you have been practising outside of New Zealand since first applying to sit the registration examinations, you will need to provide another letter of good standing with your APC application. Please refer to the fees page (http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/fees.php) on the VCNZ website for the current registration and annual practising fees. The practising certificate fee covers the practice period of 1 April to 31 March each year but is rebated for veterinarians who register later in the practising year. 13. READING LIST AND STUDY RESOURCES This reading list is a guide only. You may find these texts through local or university libraries. Websites that might offer the books for sale are: www.directtextbook.com www.addall.com www.amazon.com General References Aiello S E, and Line S. The Merck Veterinary Manual, Merck & Co, 10th Ed 2010. http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/index.html Blood D C, Studdert, V P, & Gay, CC., Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3rd Ed 2007 Blood D C & Brightling, P, Multiple Choice Questions in Veterinary Medicine, W B Saunders 1996 Ettinger S J & Feldman E C, Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: diseases of the dog and cat, 6th Ed 2005 Ministry for Primary Industries Biosecurity & Animal Welfare Pests & Diseases http://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity-animal-welfare/pests-diseases Pratt Paul W, Ed Mosbys Review Questions and Answers for Veterinary Boards, 2nd Ed Mosby 1998, ISBN 0323001459 Radostits, Mayhew and Houston - Veterinary clinical examination and diagnosis, Saunders 2000


VCNZ website http://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/CPC/index.php - The VCNZ Code of Professional Conduct (this sets out the standards veterinarians must adhere to in regards to their legal, professional and ethical obligations). Production Animal Medicine Parkinson T J, Vermunt J Malmo J (eds). Diseases of Cattle in Australasia. VetLearn, Wellington, New Zealand 2010 Howard J M, Current Veterinary Therapy 4 (Food animal practice), 4th Ed 1999, W B Saunders Company, Philadelphia Manktelow B W, The Veterinary Handbook, 1st Ed 1984, Continuing Education, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Radostits O M, Lelie K E & Fetrow J, Herd Health Food Animal Production Medicine, 2nd Ed 1994 W B Saunders Company, London (try www.addall.com) Radostits O M, Gray C C, Hinchcliffe K W & Constable P D., Veterinary Medicine: A textbook of the diseases of cattle, horse, sheep, pigs and goats, 10th Ed 2007 West D M, Bruere A M, & Ridler A L, Sheep: The Health Diseases and Production 2009 Veterinary Continuing Education, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Williamson N (ed), The Farmers Veterinary Guide (2008), 3media group. Level 7, 67 Symonds Street, Auckland (try www.NewZealandbooks.com) Grace M, Managing Trace Element Deficiencies (1994), NZ Pastoral Agriculture Research Institute Ltd Taylor D J, Pig Diseases 1990, Cambridge Book Production Consultants, London Morrow D A, Current Therapy in Theriogeology, 2nd Ed 1986, W B Saunders Company, Philadelphia Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Slatter D H, Textbook of Small Animal Surgery, 2nd Ed1993 W B Saunders & Co, London Hall L W, Clarke K W, Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 1994, Bailliere Tindall, London Thrall D, Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology, 2nd Ed 1994, W B Saunders Company, London Nelson R W & Cuoto G, Essentials of Small Animal Internal Medicine 1992, Mosby, Philadelphia Toxicology Bruere A N, Cooper B S & Dillion E A, Veterinary Clinical Toxicology 1990, Veterinary Continuing Education, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Conner H E, The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand 1992, GP Publications Ltd Veterinary Pathology and Public Health Blackmore D K, & Humble M W, Zoonoses in New Zealand 1987, Veterinary Continuing Education, Massey University, New Zealand


Petersen G V, Madie P & Blackmore D K, Veterinary Aspects of Meat Quality 1991, Veterinary Continuing Education, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Latimer K S, Mahaffey E A & Prasse K. W, Duncan & Prasses Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: clinical pathology, 4th Ed 2003 McGavin D & Zachary J F, Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease, 4th Ed 2007 Mosby Elsevier, St Louis, Missouri 2007 Veterinary Parasitology Soulsby E J L, Helminths Arthropods and Protozoa of Domesticated Animals, Bailliere Tindall, London Veterinary Microbiology Wilks C R, Veterinary Virology (992, Veterinary Continuing Education, Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ Anaesthesia Muir W.W et al, Handbook of Veterinary Anesthesia, 4th Ed 2007 Poultry Manktelow B W; Lohr J E; Wilks C R & Christensen M H, Avian Veterinary Handbook 1988, Veterinary Continuing Education, Massey University, Palmerston North Epidemiology Thrusfield M, Veterinary Epidemiology (2005), 3rd Edition, Blackwell Publishers, London Martin S W, Meek A H, & Willeberg P, Veterinary Epidemiology, principles and methods, 1987 Pharmacology Brander G S; Pugh D M; Bywater R J & Jenkins W L, Veterinary Applied Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 5th edition 1991, Bailliere Tindall, London Equine Rose & Hodgson, Manual of Equine Practice 2nd Ed 2000, W B Saunders Mair et al Equine Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, Saunders 1999 Robinson Current Therapy in Equine Medicine 4 & 5, W B Saunders 1997 and 2003 Auer J A and Stick JA. Equine Surgery, 3rd Ed 2005, W B Saunders Munroe G and Weese S, Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, Manson Publishing Ltd Colahan P T, Merritt A M, Moore J N and Mayhew I G, Manual of Equine Medicine and Surgery: Pocket Companion to 5th Ed. Mosby 1999 Large Animal Internal Medicine 4th Edition, Smith, Mosby 2009 Parliamentary Acts Government legislation relevant to the Veterinary profession: Veterinarians Act 2005 Veterinarians Amendment Act 2008 Animal Welfare Act 1999


Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 Medicines Act 1981 Biosecurity Act 1993 Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 Animal Products Act 1999 These, along with their subsequent amendments are available online at: http://www.legislation.govt.nz or from Bennetts Government Bookshop, Bowen House, corner of Lambton Quay and Bowen Street, Wellington telephone +64 4 499 3433 or fax +64 4 499 3375 Courses, Seminars, Workshops, Conferences Each year, the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) through VetLearn develops and organises numerous courses and assists NZVA Special Interest Branches in the organisation of their annual conferences. NZVA also publishes a range of proceedings and other books relevant to veterinary clinical science in New Zealand, and offers for sale electronic documents from American colleges. VetLearn contact details are: NZVA Office Level 2, 44 Victoria Street PO Box 11212 Wellington New Zealand Phone: +64 4 471 0484 Fax: +64 4 471 0494 Web: www.vetlearn.org.nz Email: [email protected] Companion Animal Society (CAS) Veterinary Refresher Scheme for Companion Animal Practice You may find it beneficial to complete the online component of the CAS refresher course which is available to NZNVE candidates at the discounted rate of $800. The CAS course is administered by the NZVA. For information contact NZVA / VetLearn by: phone +64 4 471 0484, Fax +64 4 471 0494, or email [email protected]. The University of Sydney Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science offers services such as refresher courses presented by world authorities in the subject supported by appropriate local specialists, seminars, symposia and workshops. The Foundation also offers distance education opportunities in many subjects from Radiology to Feline Medicine. Many participants use the Distance Education programme to prepare for membership and fellowship examinations in the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. The proceedings of workshops run by the Foundation have proven to be valuable sources of information for veterinarians. The information provided in the courses and seminars is relevant to clinical care in Australasia. Membership costs apply. Contact details are: University of Sydney Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science, P O Box A561, Sydney South, New South Wales 2000, Australia, fax +61 2 261 4620, www.pgf.edu.au


Other online courses The two courses below are designed to help candidates prepare for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). VCNZ does not endorse them as such, and notes that some of the information may not be relevant to the New Zealand context. However, we have included them here as we understand from veterinarians who have completed them that much of their content could be useful for NZNVE candidates. VetPrep Course available at http://www.vetprep.com/ Zuku Review course available at http://www.zukureview.com/. Periodicals It would be useful to look at some of the prominent veterinary periodicals for new treatments, particularly those that use new methods and new drugs, as textbooks can be out of date. The following journals may be useful: New Zealand Veterinary Journal Australian Veterinary Journal Australian Veterinary Practitioner Equine Veterinary Journal Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association Veterinary Record Seeing Practice Candidates for the final examination are advised to familiarise themselves with aspects of veterinary medicine relevant to New Zealand practice. Observing the practice of New Zealand veterinarians would be sound preparation for all sections of the practical examination. VCNZ cannot assist with organising this. It is up to the candidate to contact practices directly. Occasionally opportunities for seeing practice are available at Massey University during holiday breaks, but must be booked well in advance. In addition the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) may be able to assist in matching candidates with veterinarians willing to provide observation opportunities. For further information on what NZVA can offer and contact details refer to section 16 below and http://www.nzva.org.nz/classifieds?field_classifieds_category_value_many_to_one=Students+seeking+work+experience Internet Sources of Information The following sources of veterinary educational information have been gathered from searches of the internet. VCNZ does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided on these sites. Many overseas universities, particularly American University sites offer case studies that may assist students in diagnosis. Note that some of these case studies may not be relevant to the Australasian situation. http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com There are many reference texts listed on this site. Also included is reference to the Mosby book of multiple choice questions, by Pratt. Look for the Veterinary tab, then go to Veterinary Reference and Review.


http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/learning/ Links to online learning opportunities for practitioners and students http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/radiology/index.html Radiology case studies Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/clinsci/wing/fluids/fluidcas.htm Cornell University, School of Veterinary Medicine: http://w3.vet.cornell.edu/nst/ Case studies, necropsy Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.xmarks.com/site/courses.vetmed.wsu.edu/vm552/urogenital/arf.htm University of California Davis: http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/cardio/cases Case studies in Small Animal Cardiovascular Medicine University of Georgia: http://www.vet.uga.edu Case studies (use search engine at the site, type in case studies) KARL STORZ Veterinary Endoscopy: http://www.ksvea.com District of Columbia Academy of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.dcavm.org/01june.htm Lecture notes Consultant: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/consultant/consult.asp A Diagnostic Support System for Veterinary Medicine http://www.wormboss.com.au/ Australia's sheep worm control resource http://vip.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/popular/index.php?MeshID=D010273 http://www.equinehospital.co.nz http://www.nzerf.co.nz/Attachments/Equine%20Parasitology%20-%20Bomac%20Series%20for%20printing.pdf http://nz.merial.com/disease_information/cats/en_parasite.asp Information on dog, beef cattle, dairy, sheep, horse, and deer diseases can be accessed on this site http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/diseases-of-sheep-cattle-and-deer/1 Parasitology http:// www.nrl.moh.govt.nz/regulatory/c21.pdf Information produced by the Office of Radiation Safety (http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/radiation-safety) Study Resources: http://workingdogs.com/book035.htm


Books and videos specifically related to veterinary medicine, including multiple choice questions to aid students in the American Board exams http://www.ivis.org/home.asp A not for profit organisation established to provide information to veterinarians, veterinary students and animal health professionals http://vetgate.ac.uk Gateway to internet resources in animal health www.vin.com Veterinary information networks 14. USEFUL ADDRESSES Veterinary Council of New Zealand PO Box 10 563 Level 11 Kordia House 109 Willis Street Wellington 6143 New Zealand Phone: +64 4 473 9600 Fax: +64 4 473 8869 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vetcouncil.org.nz Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North Phone: +64 6 356 9099 (Massey is the only university in New Zealand offering a degree in veterinary science) New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) PO Box 11 212 Wellington 6142 Phone: 04 471 0484 Email: [email protected] The NZVA offers reduced price associate membership to overseas-trained veterinarians who have not yet achieved registration in New Zealand. Membership provides access to the extensive information available on the NZVA website, to library facilities, to Continuing Education seminars and courses, to professional periodicals and opportunities for networking with New Zealand veterinarians. NZVA will also include associate members details on their website for seeing practice opportunities.


Ministry for Primary Industries Pastoral House 25 The Terrace PO Box 2526 Wellington 6140 New Zealand Phone: (within New Zealand) 0800 00 83 33 Phone: (calling from overseas) +64 4 894 0100 Website: www.mpi.govt.nz


Appendix A: Communication Skills Assessment Criteria

Overseas qualified veterinarians seeking to register in New Zealand by sitting and passing the New Zealand National Veterinary Examination (NZNVE) are required to show competency in oral and interpersonal communication skills pertinent to working with clients in a New Zealand context. In particular, NZNVE candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate: effective oral and interpersonal communication skills effective non verbal communication awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural differences in communication good listening skills avoidance of inappropriate technical jargon strategies for developing rapport, sensitivity, empathy, courtesy and respect towards clients clear and accurate explanations of findings, treatment options and likely outcomes in easily

understood language strategies for confirming clients understanding of the information provided. These skills are assessed using an interactive scenario either in the Companion Animal or Sheep sections of the final NZNVE examination. The scenario is marked out of 100 points and to pass the communication competency requirements, candidates must achieve a score of 60 points.

Assessment Guide

1 poor 2 inadequate 3 acceptable 4 good 5 excellent

Ratings are given for the highest level of behaviour. For example, if the veterinarian initially uses technical jargon, but then recognises that the client does not understand, and rephrases at a simpler level, then the rating should be recorded at the highest level.

1 2 3 4 5

A. Introduction

1. Greets client (and patients1) warmly. Shows an initial interest in the patient(s)

2. Introduces self and role clearly and appropriately

3. Invites the client to explain the reason for the visit

4. Listens without interrupting

5. Confirms clients concerns by summarising and reflecting back

6. Screens for further problems

1 Note: in some examination situations, the patient may not be present at the consultation. Where the term patient is included in each category, it taken to mean those instances where the patient is present.


B. Gathering information: Taking the history

1. Uses effective questioning (uses appropriate questioning strategies)

2. Listens attentively and without interrupting

3. Summarises and reflects back client explanations to check understanding

4. Uses plain, concise language

5. Uses appropriate body language (appropriate eye contact, conveys confidence and concern)

6. Is appropriately responsive to clients concerns, feelings and expectations

C. Examination, explanation and treatment

1. Explains the findings of the examination using language the client understands

2. Explains treatment options and likely outcomes in language the client understands

3. Explains proper administration of treatment to client

4. Checks client understanding and rephrases if necessary

D. Closing the session

1. Explains follow up treatment and checks for understanding

2. Checks with the client for any further questions or concerns

3. Signals the end of the consultation and farewells client and patient warmly

E. Overall

1. Demonstrates empathy, interest, respect and concern throughout the session


Appendix B: Core Clinical Skills expected of graduating Massey BVSc students Core Skills (expected of all Massey BVSc graduates) General 1. Demonstrate knowledge of isolation protocol 2. Demonstrate knowledge of chemotherapeutic protocol 3. Scrub-up, gown and close glove in preparation for surgery 4. Display a working knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment and implants (including

suture material) 5. Interpret clinical pathology results 6. Know how to dispense and correctly label medications 7. Write a full prescription for routine medications 8. Perform a PCV and TP on a blood sample 9. Collect a fine needle aspirate, prepare a smear , stain with Diff-Quik and examine 10. Prepare an impression smear (skin lesion, tissue), stain with Diff-Quik and examine 11. Collect appropriate samples for bacteria, viral and fungal culture 12. Appropriate submission of samples for laboratory testing

Cats and Dogs 13. Perform pre-anaesthetic examination 14. Develop anaesthetic protocols suitable for routine procedures 15. Be able to deliver inhalational anaesthetic agents safely and appropriately 16. Monitor anaesthetic depth 17. Correct set up the necessary drugs and equipment for a routine anaesthetic 18. Monitor blood pressure in an anaesthetized cat and dog 19. Perform IPPV correctly in an anaesthetized cat and dog

20. Pressure check the high and low pressure systems of an anaesthetic machine 21. Demonstrate the methods of basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation


22. Recognise and effectively manage / treat pain 23. Display an appropriate knowledge of surgical anatomy and recognised basic surgical

procedures 24. Obtain a thorough, detailed and appropriate history 25. Be able to care for a hospitalised medical case 26. Be able to provide comprehensive case management instructions to a client

(diagnosis, diagnostic tests, discharge advice, giving medications and on-going patient care requirements)

27. Design a preventative health care programme eg feeding, vaccination etc 28. Obtain a thorough, detailed and appropriate history for a surgical case 29. Care for a hospitalised surgical case 30. Neuter a female cat or dog

31. Perform an orthopaedic examination 32. Perform a neurological examination 33. Develop a surgical fracture plan 34. Calculate daily requirements for and formulate a nutrition plan for a hospitalised patient 35. Recommend an appropriate Prescription Diet 36. Calculate expected and actual daily water intake 37. Record and interpret an ECG 38. Perform a blood pressure and explain how to determine cuff size 39. Be able to perform a dental prophylaxis procedure 40. Perform a Schirmer Tear Test

41. Correctly instill ophthalmic medication 42. Instill Fluorescein, examine cornea and nasolacrimal drainage 43. Measure Specific Gravity and dipstick examination of urine 44. Collect an ear swab for cytology, stain with Diff Quik and interpret 45. Correctly instill otic medication


46. Perform a complete fundic exam 47. Collect skin scrapings and examine for ectoparasites 48. Collect coat brushings and examine for ectoparasites 49. Perform a Woods lamp examination of dermatophytosis 50. Demonstrate correct and safe restraint 51. Correctly perform IV injection (cephalic vein) or collect blood sample 52. Correctly perform IM injection 53. Correctly perform SQ injection 54. Perform an otoscoptic ear examination, viewing tympanic membrane and canals 55. Assess and monitor hydration status 56. Administer fluid requirements to dehydrated animals SQ (calculate volume required,

volume per site, appropriate fluid 57. Administer fluid requirements to dehydrated animals IV (insert catheter, select fluid,

delivery) 58. Administer oral medication

59. Collect jugular venous blood 60. Obtain a urine sample by cystocentesis 61. Express anal sacs 62. Perform rectal exam and interpret findings (dogs)

Small mammals and birds

63. Perform a complete and thorough physical examination of a small mammal 64. Perform a complete and thorough physical examination of a cage bird

Production animals 65. Administer oral medications

66. Correctly perform SQ injection 67. Correctly perform IM injection


68. Properly restrain a cow in a head bale 69. Put a halter on correctly 70. Use nose grips to restrain a cow 71. Perform a complete and thorough physical examination 72. Correctly diagnose pregnancy by rectal examination (100% accurate on 10

consecutive cows) 73. Correctly identify ovarian structures (CL, follicle) per rectum 74. Place mouth gag correctly 75. Pass stomach tube or probing 76. Collect a milk sample for bacteriology 77. Collect a blood sample jugular and caudal vein 78. Correctly perform IM injection into the anterior part of the neck

Deer 79. Perform a thorough and complete clinical examination

80. Correctly perform an IV injection or collection of a blood sample (jugular vein) in a

conscious animal 81. Be able to body condition score 82. Understand the basics of ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis 83. Be able to develop a protocol for sedation and reversal 84. Be able to induce analgesia in an antler

Pigs 85. Be able to perform a complete and thorough physical examination 86. Correctly perform a SQ injection 87. Perform an IM injection 88. Obtain a jugular venous blood sample

Equine 89. Catch, halter and lead a horse


90. Pick up and clean all four feet 91. Apply hoof testers 92. Apply a twitch 93. Administer oral medication 94. Correctly perform SC injection 95. Correctly perform IM injection 96. Correctly perform IV injection 97. Obtain a jugular venous sample 98. Place an intravenous catheter 99. Record the identity of a horse

100. Perform a complete and thorough clinical examination 101. Perform and interpret a faecal egg count 102. Be able to identify abnormalities in conformation and gait (forelimb and hindlimb

lameness) 103. Remove and put on a cover 104. Examine and float a horses teeth 105. Bandage a horses limb 106. Perform a pre-anaesthetic exam in a horse 107. Develop anaesthetic protocols suitable for routine equine procedures

Additional skills by track Companion Animal Practice 1. Placement and management of a naso-oesophageal feeding tubes and nasal oxygen 2. Placement and management of eosophagostomy tubes 3. Diet selection for assisted feeding 4. Placement and management of thoracotomy tubes 5. Thoracocentesis


6. Arthrocentesis and interpretation of direct smears of joint fluid 7. CSF collection 8. Bone marrow collection 9. Urinary tract catheterization (male and female) 10. Cystocentesis 11. Prostatic wash 12. Trans-tracheal wash 13. Trans-bronchial wash 14. Blind nasal biopsy 15. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage 16. Lacrimal duct cannulation 17. Lymph node fine needle aspiration 18. Care for closed and open drains 19. Apply a foot bandage 20. Express bladder 21. Administer oral medications 22. Administer tube feeding (choose appropriate diet, design daily feeding schedules,

prepare diet, administer diet) 23. Administer an enema 24. Apply an Ehmer sling 25. Apply a Robert Jones bandage

Production Animal Practice 1. Liver biopsy 2. Interdermal injection (cattle or deer) 3. Pass interuterine catheter 4. Ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy


5. Anaesthesia of horn (corneal block) 6. Correctly perform epidural anaesthesia 7. Inject into the jugular vein 8. Administer metabolic fluids 9. Lift and tie a cows foot 10. Undertake corrective trimming of a cows hoof 11. Perform an IV injection 12. Determine breeding soundness of a ram 13. Ultrasonography diagnosis of pregnancy

Equine Practice

1. Safely perform a rectal exam 2. Take and interpret plain radiographs 3. Perform an orthopaedic exam 4. Upper respiratory tract endoscopy 5. Neurologic examination 6. Ophthalmologic examination 7. Euthanasia 8. Ultrasonographic examination of the thorax 9. Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen 10. ECG recording and interpretation 11. Preparation of the mare for genital examination 12. Examination of the genital tract by rectal palpation 13. Examination of the genital tract by trans-rectal ultrasonography 14. Examination of the genital tract by vaginal speculum 15. Palpation of scrotum and tests of stallions


16. Abdominocentesis 17. Preneural nerve block 18. Intrasynovial analgesia 19. Transtracheal or endobronchial aspiration 20. Bronchoalveolar lavage 21. Epidural analgesia

Appendix C: New Zealand National Veterinary Examination process

Meets English competence, fitness to practise and 4 yr+ qualification requirements. All required documents & fees received.

Serious fitness concerns or degree less than four years application likely to be declined. Preliminary Examination

Run by AVBC on behalf of VCNZ

Fail (less than 50% in any 1 paper or less than 60% across 3 papers). May resit. No limit on the number of times, but examiners may recommend further study.

Conditional Pass (fail one paper, but average 60% across 3, and no less than 50% in failed paper).

NZNVE Final Examination

Maximum length of time between successfully sitting the Preliminary Examination and sitting the Final Examination is 5 years.

FAIL RESULT: Fails more than 3 out of the first 10 sections of clinical exam. If gained a conditional pass in the Preliminary Examination resit and pass to be eligible to resit final. If gained full pass in Preliminary Examination eligible to resit Final Examinations. Two attempts at Final Examination allowed. One further attempt may be approved if further study has been undertaken.

PASS RESULT: 10 sections passed Plus communication competency

SUPPLEMENTARY RESULT: Passes 7 out of first 10 sections allowed to resit failed areas as supplementary exams. Two attempts allowed at each supplementary. Second failure at supplementary equals one overall failure in final examination. Following second supplementary failure, if a conditional pass gained in the Preliminary Examination then resit Preliminary Examination. If full pass gained in Preliminary Examination then resit Final Examination.

PASS RESULT: 10 sections passed plus communication competency APPLY FOR REGISTRATION.

Pass (Minimum 60% in each of 3 papers).

Enter examination process.

ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT Candidates apply directly to AVBC for an assessment of their eligibility to enter

the Examination process.

Page 37 of 37 Candidate Information Handbook New Zealand National Veterinary Examination (NZNVE) Version April 2013

2.2 Eligibility assessmentRole of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) a Final Examination, also conducted in English, which consists of one written paper of three hours, a communications assessment and a practical examination of nine sections in clinical veterinary medicine and surgery . This examination is conducted once a year and occurs over several days, in the last week of November or first week of December. It is held at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

2. EXAMINATION PROCEDURES2.2 Eligibility assessment2.4 Preliminary Examination Each fee paid allows only one attempt at each examination. If you are eligible to take the examination a second time a separate application must be completed and another examination fee paid.8.3 Final Examination Sections 2 10; Practical Assessments:Section 8: Pathology, microbiology, parasitology knowledge of radiation safety.

8.4 Practical arrangements8.5 Standard of the Final ExaminationSection 1 - Written ExaminationSections 2 - 10 Practical AssessmentsSection 11 - Communication skills assessment

8.7 Provision of feedback to candidates failing the final examination 8.8 Queries to be directed to the VCNZ office 9.1 Preliminary Examination This reading list is a guide only.General ReferencesProduction Animal MedicineCompanion Animal Medicine and SurgeryToxicologyVeterinary Pathology and Public HealthVeterinary ParasitologyVeterinary MicrobiologyPoultryEpidemiologyPharmacology

Munroe G and Weese S, Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, Manson Publishing Ltd Colahan P T, Merritt A M, Moore J N and Mayhew I G, Manual of Equine Medicine and Surgery: Pocket Companion to 5th Ed. Mosby 1999Parliamentary ActsCourses, Seminars, Workshops, ConferencesPeriodicals

The following sources of veterinary educational information have been gathered from searches of the internet. VCNZ does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided on these sites. Many overseas universities, particularly American University sites offer case studies that may assist students in diagnosis. Note that some of these case studies may not be relevant to the Australasian situation.http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/learning/ Links to online learning opportunities for practitioners and studentsCornell University, School of Veterinary Medicine: http://w3.vet.cornell.edu/nst/Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine:http://www.xmarks.com/site/courses.vetmed.wsu.edu/vm552/urogenital/arf.htmUniversity of California Davis:University of Georgia:District of Columbia Academy of Veterinary Medicine:Consultant:Study Resources: Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences

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