Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

The School of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum is comprised of a 4-year course of study with the final year dedicated to applied learning through clinical core and elective rotations and externships.

The first year is devoted to the building of strong basic sciences foundation courses such as basic principles of anatomy, physiology, research, cellular structure, and molecular science virology, bacteriology, and mycology along with skills in physical examination, clinical reasoning, and ethics and business management.

The second year focuses on core courses that deal with normal physiological principles in health and disease and integrates materials from year 1. Courses include pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, nutrition, and principles of surgery, internal medicine, anesthesia, and diagnostic imaging, as well as clinical pathology. During this year, students will have the opportunity to rotate in the VTH as part of their introduction to clinical training.

Third year courses enhance clinical skills training and professional development while expanding on experiential learning and integration of the content into principles of clinical practice. These courses include veterinary dentistry, SA internal medicine and surgery, LA internal medicine, theriogenology, LA surgery, farm animal medicine and Licensing Examination course. During this year, students will have the opportunity to rotate in the VTH.

Fourth year students will enroll in their clinical rotations to put into practice the veterinary concepts and skills acquired during the pre-clinical years.

Electives - The curriculum provides a variety of content and supplemental topics not taught in the core curriculum. These incorporate applied and experiential learning, allowing students to develop areas of their professional interest.