College of Veterinary Medicine

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Professional Curriculum

The primary thrust of the first year of the curriculum is to help students to understand the normal animal, the second year is devoted to teaching diseases and the agents that cause them, and in the third year students begin to learn about the principles of medicine and surgery. The fourth, or clinical, year of the program encompasses the calendar year period from May (immediately following the end of the third year) to May of the next year.

Fourth Year

Much as in human medicine, the delivery of veterinary medical care occurs in primary, secondary, and tertiary centers. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital is an example of a tertiary care center. A secondary care center can be a multi-practitioner specialty practice that is not large enough to be affiliated with a teaching hospital. Finally, primary care centers represent general practices in large and small communities. Typically, primary and secondary practices refer their most difficult and challenging cases to tertiary or referral centers for evaluation and treatment. It is important for veterinary students to spend time in a tertiary care center so that they can learn what is possible in regards to the art and practice of veterinary medicine. Students will witness and participate in cutting edge medicine, surgery, and critical care and wellbeing. They will see the most advanced diagnostic and imaging technology. These experiences will be invaluable as they prepare to eventually refer cases themselves. To gain these experiences, students will rotate through the various services offered in the Teaching Hospital. The required rotations include small animal medicine and surgery, equine medicine and surgery, food animal medicine and surgery, and clinical services. Elective blocks are available to enhance students’ special interests.

The college firmly believes that students’ educational experiences must not be limited entirely to a tertiary care setting. It is equally important for them to participate in cases that typically present to primary or secondary care centers. The externship/preceptorship program allows students to leave campus to interact with veterinarians in a routine practice setting, to gain experience in their particular area of interest, and/ or to explore diverse career opportunities.

Basic required blocks

VM 600P Scientific Writing and Presentation
VM 605P Small Animal Community Practice
VM 606P Small Animal Referral Medicine
VM 607P Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery
VM 608P Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery
VM 609P Small Animal Clinical Neurology
VM 628P Equine Surgery
VM 629P Equine Medicine
VM 630P Agricultural Animal Medicine
VM 650P Anesthesia Case Management
VM 675P Large Animal Intensive Care
VM 674P Small Animal Intensive Care
VM 690P Student Initiated Professional Experience
VM 691P Guided Preceptorship
+ 9 weeks vacation/additional electives