Curriculum
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 covering normal physiological principles in health and disease and integrates material from the first year. Courses include pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, nutrition, the 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, 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.
Courses
Clinical Year
The Clinical Year is a comprehensive, hands-on training experience designed to prepare students for the professional practice of veterinary medicine. The program consists of 40 weeks of clinical instruction, totaling 48 credits, and includes 20 two-week clinical rotations distributed throughout the academic year. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in clinical externships during rotation breaks, allowing them to expand their professional experiences and explore specialized areas of veterinary medicine.
The UAGM School of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) serves as the primary center for clinical education, providing students with immersive learning experiences in a dynamic healthcare environment. Throughout their clinical rotations, students collaborate directly with experienced veterinarians and veterinary specialists, applying classroom knowledge to real-world patient care.
Students actively participate in all aspects of veterinary clinical practice under close faculty supervision, including patient assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, medical and surgical procedures, patient monitoring, and client communication. These experiences foster the development of essential clinical competencies, critical thinking abilities, professional judgment, and effective communication skills. Students also gain experience in maintaining medical records, interpreting diagnostic findings, and collaborating with veterinary healthcare teams to support patient care and clinical decision-making.
To further enhance clinical training opportunities, the UAGM School of Veterinary Medicine has initiated collaborations with AVMA-accredited Colleges and Schools of Veterinary Medicine across the United States, as well as partnerships with leading veterinary specialty and referral centers. These collaborations will provide students with access to diverse clinical settings and unique learning experiences.
Through these clinical partnerships and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, students will be exposed to a broad range of animal species and medical conditions, including both routine and complex cases. This diverse clinical experience ensures that graduates develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and professionalism necessary to enter veterinary practice as competent and compassionate veterinarians.
The UAGM School of Veterinary Medicine will offer a new range of graduate programs and professional certificate opportunities. These innovative academic opportunities are designed to complement veterinary training with advanced knowledge in research, public health, practice management, and environmental science. DVM and non DVM students will have the opportunity to pursue integrated graduate degrees and professional certificates in areas critical to veterinary medicine.
DVM/PhD in Environmental Sciences
The DVM/PhD in Environmental Sciences will be an interdisciplinary program for students who are passionate about environmental research and One Health Systems approach to solutions. The dual Degree will be offered in partnership with the PhD in Environmental Sciences program at Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM). The dual degree program will combine advanced veterinary training with scientific research focused on climate change, toxicology, water quality, ecosystem health, and sustainability.
MSc in Veterinary Science
The Master of Science in Veterinary Science degree will prepare students with critical thinking skills needed to thrive in career paths such as research and specialized veterinary clinical practice. With a focus on research design, data analysis, and laboratory services or field-based investigation, this program will prepare students for research careers or advanced specialization. Furthermore, an MSc in Veterinary Science will provide practicing veterinarians the skills needed to become highly trained in a specific veterinary field and support their professional growth in veterinary medicine. DVM students will have the opportunity to pursue an MSc alongside their veterinary medicine training, building a strong foundation for specialization or future doctoral studies.
Professional Certificate in One Health
The Professional Certificate in One Health will teach students the core concepts of One Health and the driving forces for its emergence. Students will be able to evaluate the principles of One Health to generate new interventions and strategies to address contemporary global health challenges. Additionally, students who complete the certificate will recognize the complexity of One Health with a clear understanding of the vital role of multidisciplinary collaborations, networks and teams in implementing One Health system approaches to address animal, environmental and human health issues.
Professional Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management
The Professional Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management will equip veterinary professionals and students with the essential skills needed to effectively lead, manage and grow fast-paced veterinary practices and stand out in the world of veterinary business and industry operations. Students will be able to apply core principles of business management within a veterinary context, including finance, business operations, human resources, leadership, strategic planning, marketing and compliance. Students who complete the certificate will enhance their professional career in veterinary practice management.
We invite students currently planning their DVM path, those already enrolled and professionals in the veterinary medicine field, to explore how these options can support their long-term career goals. Stay tuned for more information on admissions, curriculum design, and application timelines.
