Volume 78 - Spring / Summer 2001	Download

Competencies Versus Objectives Clarification of Intent by Kathy Waller, PhD, CLS(NCA) Secretary, NAACLS Board of Directors

The CLSPRC continually strives to clarify and improve the interpretation of NAACLS Essentials, especially those that are frequently cited during accreditation site visits. One specific area of concern relates to the difference between competencies and objectives. Competencies are general statements that are broad in scope and are typically written at the program level to reflect what is expected of a graduate at career entry. Under "Description of the Profession" in the Essentials, competencies are defined in that way. Hence, use of competencies is primarily at the program level following completion of the curriculum. They are not intended for individual courses. On the other hand, objectives are specific, observable and measurable learning outcomes written for individual units of study.

Essential 12 requires that course syllabi have objectives and competencies. Although this has never been cited by the CLSPRC, some site visitors check this as a "no" causing confusion in the interpretation. It currently reads, "Instruction shall follow a plan which documents a structured curriculum, including clinical education, with clearly written program goals and course syllabi which include individual course objectives and competencies to be achieved."

At the recent NAACLS Board of Directors meeting the Board approved an editorial change to more accurately reflect the intended content.

Essential 12A now reads, "Instruction shall follow a plan which documents a structured curriculum, including clinical education, with clearly written program goals, expected graduate/career entry-level competencies, and course syllabi which include individual course objectives to achieve these competencies."

Essential 12B stands as it presently reads but in order to further clarify, Essential 12C was edited from, "Evaluation systems shall be related to the objectives and competencies described in the curriculum" to "Evaluation systems shall be related to the objectives described in the curriculum."

It is hoped that this clarifies the intent for both program directors and site visitors and will prevent further confusion. Your comments are welcome, especially as the revised Essentials for both CLS/MT and CLT/MLT are distributed for public input and discussion.

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