Course Descriptions
Year 1, Semester 1
VM7001 Clinical Skills I (2 credits, 0 hours lecture, 6 hours lab, F2F). Students will learn and practice foundational clinical veterinary skills and techniques such as animal handling and restraint, physical examination, diagnostic procedures, surgical techniques, and therapeutic skills. Learning activities will focus on the clinical reasoning behind the application and integration of basic knowledge, skills, and competencies related to courses taught during the semester.
VM7011 Professional Skills I (2 credits, 2 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). Through a series of professionally oriented learning experiences, students will engage with core elements of professional identity in the veterinary field, focusing on the knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes essential for success in veterinary medicine. Students will engage in activities that foster interpersonal and clinical communication, clinical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and personal wellness. Students will learn to take patient histories and use case examples to navigate a clinical reasoning framework, build a foundation for evidence-based veterinary medicine, while maintaining professional and ethical standards. Wellness strategies for maintaining personal resilience and work-life balance will also be integrated throughout the course. Students will demonstrate development in professional skills related to the profession.
VM7021 Thinking Like a Veterinarian I (1 credit, 0 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). In this case and problem-based course, students will put into practice what they have learned in other courses such as Cell Biology and Metabolism, Form and Function, Clinical Skills, and Professional skills courses. By working through a series of simulated clinical cases, students will become familiar with information gathering, physical examinations, basic communication skills, etc.
VM7031 Exploration of Post-DVM Career Opportunities I (0.5 credit, 0.25 hours lecture, 0.25 hours lab, F2F). This course introduces veterinary students to diverse career opportunities available beyond traditional clinical practice. Through interactions with post-graduate trainees, including veterinary interns and residents, and graduate students pursuing MS or PhD degrees, students will gain insights into various professional pathways. Activities may include direct clinical experiences with interns or residents, attending research seminars, and participating in career-focused events that highlight specialty training and continuing education. Students are responsible for independently identifying, arranging, and completing their experiences fostering autonomy and self-directed learning.
VM7101 Cell Biology and Metabolism (3 credits, 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course provides a foundation of cellular structures and their functions. Principles of cellular and molecular biology as related to veterinary medicine will be discussed. In addition, clinically relevant cellular and animal metabolic processes will be taught.
VM7111 Animal Systems and the Veterinary Profession (2 credits, 2 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course provides learners the opportunity to become familiar with the different animal industries (beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, equine, poultry, swine), their terminology and the role that veterinarians play in promoting the success and sustainability of these industries.
VM7121 Form and Function - Musculoskeletal System (5 credits, 2 hours lecture, 9 hours lab, F2F). This course provides an integrated systems-based foundation in anatomy, histology, and physiology of the musculoskeletal system. The development of fetal tissues, organs, and structures will be discussed. This course will be offered using a combination of lectures, active learning activities, cases, and laboratories. Emphasis will be given to clinically relevant structures, tissues, and physiological mechanisms. Priority will be given to understanding how and why anatomical, histological, and physiological disturbances affect the musculoskeletal system and lead to disorders.
VM7122 Form and Function – Nervous System (3 credits, 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). This course provides an integrated systems-based foundation in anatomy, histology, and physiology of the neurological system. The development of fetal tissues, organs, and structures will be discussed. This course will be offered using a combination of lectures, active learning activities, cases, and laboratories. Emphasis will be given to clinically relevant structures, tissues, and physiological mechanisms. Priority will be given to understanding how and why anatomical, histological, and physiological disturbances affect the neurological system and lead to disorders.
VM7123 Form and Function - Cardiovascular System (2 credits, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). This course provides an integrated systems-based foundation in anatomy, histology, and physiology of the cardiovascular system. The development of fetal tissues, organs, and structures will be discussed. This course will be offered using a combination of lectures, active learning activities, cases, and laboratories. Emphasis will be given to clinically relevant structures, tissues, and physiological mechanisms. Priority will be given to understanding how and why anatomical, histological, and physiological disturbances affect the cardiovascular system and lead to disorders.
Year 1, Semester 2
VM7002 Clinical Skills II (2 credits, 0 hours lecture, 6 hours lab, F2F). In a continuation of Clinical Skills and Reasoning I, students will build upon the foundational clinical veterinary skills and techniques taught in the previous course. Skills include animal handling and restraint, physical examination, diagnostic procedures, surgical techniques, and therapeutic skills. Learning activities will focus on the development of basic knowledge, skills, and competencies.
VM7012 Professional Skills II (2 credits, 2 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). Through a series of learning experiences, students are introduced to the concept of professional identity and the alignment of roles, responsibilities, values, ethical standards, and practices that are consistent and currently accepted within the field of veterinary medicine. This course builds on Professional Skills I. In addition, students will gain experience with further wellness training; foundations of diversity, equity, inclusion, implicit bias, and accessibility; personal finances and insurance; scholarship and life-long learning practices; critical analysis of current research; alternative career paths; and practice/business management concepts. Students will demonstrate continued development in communication, leadership, and professional skills related to the increasing complexities of the veterinary profession.
VM7022 Thinking Like a Veterinarian II (1 credit, 0 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). In this case and problem-based course, students will put into practice what they have learned in other courses such as Cell Biology and Metabolism, Form and Function, Clinical Skills, and Professional skills courses. By working through a series of simulated clinical cases, students will become familiar with information gathering, physical examinations, basic communication skills, etc.
VM7032 Exploration of Post-DVM Career Opportunities II (0.5 credit, 0.25 hours lecture, 0.25 hours lab, F2F). This course introduces veterinary students to diverse career opportunities available beyond traditional clinical practice. Through interactions with post-graduate trainees, including veterinary interns and residents, and graduate students pursuing MS or PhD degrees, students will gain insights into various professional pathways. Activities may include direct clinical experiences with interns or residents, attending research seminars, and participating in career-focused events that highlight specialty training and continuing education. Students are responsible for independently identifying, arranging, and completing their experiences fostering autonomy and self-directed learning.
VM7132 General Pathology (3 credits, 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course provides a foundation of the processes underlying disease. Students learn how to conduct a post-mortem examination and to describe common gross and microscopic lesions using medical terminology. Students will develop a general understanding of lesion development and the associations between the host, pathogens, and the environment.
VM7142 Agents of Infection and Immunity (3 credits, 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course focuses on the basic mechanisms of infection, immunity, and immunological disorders, with an emphasis on protective immunity against infectious diseases and the role of aberrant immune responses in disease. The goal of the course is for students to acquire a functional basis in clinical immunology.
VM7162 Fundamentals of Pharmacology (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course will introduce principles of pharmacology such as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as well as drug dosing calculations.
VM7172 Principles of Nutrition (2 credits, 2 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course provides a general introduction to physiological processes associated with nutrition, the chemical composition of feedstuffs, the nutrition requirements of domestic/production animals, and an introduction to formulating and balancing rations for relevant animal species. This course also introduces students to some basic clinical applications of nutrition such as body condition scoring, evaluating quality feed ingredients, and the influence of proper nutrition on performance, production, and quality of life.
VM7124 Form and Function - Respiratory System (1 credit, 0.75 hours lecture, 0.75 hours lab, F2F). This course provides an integrated systems-based foundation in anatomy, histology, and physiology of the respiratory system. The development of fetal tissues, organs, and structures will be discussed. This course will be offered using a combination of lectures, active learning activities, cases, and laboratories. Emphasis will be given to clinically relevant structures, tissues, and physiological mechanisms. Priority will be given to understanding how and why anatomical, histological, and physiological disturbances affect the respiratory system and lead to disorders.
VM7125 Form and Function - Urinary System (2 credits, 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab, F2F). This course provides an integrated systems-based foundation in anatomy, histology, and physiology of the urinary system. The development of fetal tissues, organs, and structures will be discussed. This course will be offered using a combination of lectures, active learning activities, cases, and laboratories. Emphasis will be given to clinically relevant structures, tissues, and physiological mechanisms. Priority will be given to understanding how and why anatomical, histological, and physiological disturbances affect the urinary system and lead to disorders.
VM7126 Form and Function - Gastrointestinal System (2 credits, 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab, F2F). This course provides an integrated systems-based foundation in anatomy, histology, and physiology of the gastrointestinal system. The development of fetal tissues, organs, and structures will be discussed. This course will be offered using a combination of lectures, active learning activities, cases, and laboratories. Emphasis will be given to clinically relevant structures, tissues, and physiological mechanisms. Priority will be given to understanding how and why anatomical, histological, and physiological disturbances affect the gastrointestinal system and lead to disorders.
VM7127 Form and Function – Endocrine and Reproductive Systems (2 credits, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). This course provides an integrated systems-based foundation in anatomy, histology, and physiology of the endocrine and reproductive systems. The development of fetal tissues, organs, and structures will be discussed. This course will be offered using a combination of lectures, active learning activities, cases, and laboratories. Emphasis will be given to clinically relevant structures, tissues, and physiological mechanisms. Priority will be given to understanding how and why anatomical, histological, and physiological disturbances affect the endocrine and reproductive systems and lead to disorders.
VM7128 Form and Function – Zoological Companion Animals (1 credit, 0.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab, F2F). This course aims to provide foundational knowledge of the anatomical and functional differences between domestic animals and small mammalian, reptilian, “exotic”, and avian species. This course will be offered using a combination of lectures, active learning activities, cases, and laboratories. Emphasis will be given to clinically relevant structures, tissues, and physiological mechanisms. Priority will be given to understanding how and why anatomical and physiological disturbances affect exotic animals and lead to disorders.
Year 2, Semester 3
VM7003 Clinical Skills III (2 credits, 0 hours lecture, 6 hours lab, F2F). Building on Clinical Skills and Reasoning I and II, students will learn and practice intermediate clinical veterinary skills and techniques such as diagnostic reasoning, advanced physical examinations, restraint, diagnostic procedures, surgical techniques, anesthesia, analgesia, and therapeutic skills. Learning activities will focus on the development of intermediate-level knowledge, skills, and competencies. Previously acquired skills will be reinforced and refined.
VM7013 Professional Skills III (2 credits, 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab, F2F).Through a series of small group activities, students will expand and apply skills practiced in Professional Skills 1 and 2 to learn and practice the principles of relationship-centered care through a series of encounters with simulated clients. Emphasis this semester will be Gathering Information, Relationship Building, and the beginnings of Explaining and Planning. Students will continue to develop relational competence in interacting professionally with students will expand and apply skills practiced in Professional Skills 1 and 2 to learn and practice the principles of relationship-centered clients, colleagues, and mentors. Students will practice giving and receiving feedback as well as self-reflection. We will explore personal attitudes, assumptions, and emotions that can facilitate or interfere with our goals.
VM7023 Thinking Like a Veterinarian III (1 credit, 0 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). A case- and problem-based course where students will put into practice what they have learned in other courses such as The Body in Disease, Clinical Skills and Reasoning, and Professional Skills courses. By working through a series of simulated clinical cases, students will refine their diagnostic, professional, and clinical reasoning skills.
VM7033 Exploration of Post-DVM Career Opportunities III (0.5 credit, 0.25 hours lecture, 0.25 hours lab, F2F). This course introduces veterinary students to diverse career opportunities available beyond traditional clinical practice. Through interactions with post-graduate trainees, including veterinary interns and residents, and graduate students pursuing MS or PhD degrees, students will gain insights into various professional pathways. Activities may include direct clinical experiences with interns or residents, attending research seminars, and participating in career-focused events that highlight specialty training and continuing education. Students are responsible for independently identifying, arranging, and completing their experiences fostering autonomy and self-directed learning.
VM7221 The Body in Disease 1 - (7 credits, 7 credit hour lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). Building on the Form and Function courses, this course integrates systemic pathology, clinical pathology, toxicology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, pharmacology, and imaging to form an extensive understanding of the hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems in disease and the interaction of these disciplines.
VM7222 The Body in Disease 2 - (6 credits, 6 credit hour lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course integrates systemic pathology, clinical pathology, toxicology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, pharmacology, and imaging to form an extensive understanding of the liver and pancreas, and the urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems in disease, and the interaction of these disciplines.
Year 2, Semester 4
VM7004 Clinical Skills IV (2 credits, 0 hours lecture, 6 hours lab, F2F). A continuation of Clinical Skills and Reasoning III, students will learn and practice intermediate clinical veterinary skills and techniques such as diagnostic reasoning, advanced physical examinations, diagnostic procedures, surgical techniques, anesthesia, analgesia, and therapeutic skills. Learning activities will focus on intermediate-level knowledge, skills, and competencies. Previously acquired skills will be reinforced and refined.
VM7014 Professional Skills IV (2 credits, 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab, F2F). Students will expand and apply skills practiced in Professional Skills 3 through a series of encounters with simulated clients. This semester, we will emphasize skills in explanation and planning to promote shared decision-making and mutual understanding. We will also identify and apply skills used in difficult situations such as breaking bad news, euthanasia, medical errors, and more. Students will continue to develop relational competence when interacting professionally with clients, colleagues, and mentors. Students will continue the practice of giving and receiving feedback as well as reflective practice. We will explore personal attitudes, assumptions, and emotions that can facilitate or interfere with our goals.
VM7024 Thinking Like a Veterinarian IV (1 credit, 0 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). A case- and problem-based course where students will put into practice what they have learned in other courses such as The Body in Disease, Clinical Skills and Reasoning, and Professional Skills courses. By working through a series of simulated clinical cases, students will refine their diagnostic, professional, and clinical reasoning skills.
VM7034 Exploration of Post-DVM Career Opportunities IV (0.5 credit, 0.25 hours lecture, 0.25 hours lab, F2F). This course introduces veterinary students to diverse career opportunities available beyond traditional clinical practice. Through interactions with post-graduate trainees, including veterinary interns and residents, and graduate students pursuing MS or PhD degrees, students will gain insights into various professional pathways. Activities may include direct clinical experiences with interns or residents, attending research seminars, and participating in career-focused events that highlight specialty training and continuing education. Students are responsible for independently identifying, arranging, and completing their experiences fostering autonomy and self-directed learning.
VM7262 Population Health (4 credits, 4 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course provides a general overview of herd health and how this is integrated with the health of the human population. Epidemiological statistics and critical thinking will be applied to scenarios of zoonotic infectious disease, biosecurity/isolation, food safety, antimicrobial stewardship, and protecting wild and domestic animal populations. Foreign animal diseases and transboundary disease control will be integrated into epidemiology. Herd health and management will be discussed as related to public health. Current concepts and principles will be considered in presenting options and methods for preventing and controlling health risks to human and animal populations will be presented in didactic teaching, active learning, and case-based learning.
VM7242 Anesthesia (2 credits, 2 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the general principles of anesthesia in small and large animals. Emphasis will be placed on anesthetic drugs and the creation of anesthetic protocols, risk assessment, monitoring, anesthetic machinery and circuits, pain management, and local anesthetic blocks. Students will learn to apply knowledge to create appropriate protocols and monitoring plans for animals with various types and severities of disease.
VM7272 Theriogenology I (2 credits, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). This course provides foundational principles of theriogenology including breeding management of agricultural species, horses, and companion animals. Students will understand the factors that affect reproductive efficiency and how that affects the profitability of animal systems.
VM7223 The Body in Disease 3 – (5 credit, 5 hour lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course integrates systemic pathology, clinical pathology, toxicology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, pharmacology, and imaging to form an extensive understanding of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, and reproductive systems in disease and the interaction of these disciplines.
VM7224 The Body in Disease 4 – Integumentary System (3 credit,3 hour lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course integrates systemic pathology, clinical pathology, toxicology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, pharmacology, and imaging to form an extensive understanding of the integument system and diseases that integrate multiple systems and do not have a predominant anatomical system.
Year 3, Semester 5
VM7005 Clinical Skills V (4 credits, 0 hours lecture, 12 hours lab, F2F). Students will practice, master, and assimilate skills gained in Clinical Skills and Reasoning I, II, III, and IV into small animal, agricultural animal, and equine case management scenarios.
VM7015 Professionals Skills V (2 credits, 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab, F2F). Through a series of professionally oriented learning experiences, students are introduced to the concept of professional identity and the alignment of roles, responsibilities, values, ethical standards, and practices that are consistent and currently accepted within the field of veterinary medicine. This course builds on skills from Professional Skills IV. This course will focus on professional skills related to communities and systems. Topics covered range from interprofessional and community communication; health equity; patient management; compliance; inventory management and business finance. Students will demonstrate continued development in communication, leadership, and professional and practice management skills related to the increasing complexities of the veterinary profession.
VM7025 Thinking Like a Veterinarian V (1 credit, 0 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). A case- and problem-based course where students will put into practice what they have learned in other courses such as the surgery and medicine courses, Clinical Skills and Reasoning, and Professional Skills courses. Students will practice clinical reasoning by developing and implementing diagnostic and treatment plans in simulated scenarios.
VM7035 Exploration of Post-DVM Career Opportunities V (0.5 credit, 0.25 hours lecture, 0.25 hours lab, F2F). This course introduces veterinary students to diverse career opportunities available beyond traditional clinical practice. Through interactions with post-graduate trainees, including veterinary interns and residents, and graduate students pursuing MS or PhD degrees, students will gain insights into various professional pathways. Activities may include direct clinical experiences with interns or residents, attending research seminars, and participating in career-focused events that highlight specialty training and continuing education. Students are responsible for independently identifying, arranging, and completing their experiences fostering autonomy and self-directed learning.
VM7311 Equine Medicine and Surgery I (3 credits, 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course aims to provide foundational knowledge to prepare students to diagnose, treat, manage, and recommend preventative measures for most common equine. Students will be provided an integrative approach to preventative strategies, medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics including clinical pharmacology, nutrition, dentistry, emergency, and critical care. Students will also learn to conduct the most common procedures in these species and will be exposed to a wide range of veterinary care options to meet clients’ expectations.
VM7321 Agricultural Animal Medicine and Surgery I (3 credits, 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course aims to provide foundational knowledge to prepare students to diagnose, treat, manage, and recommend preventative measures for the most common agricultural animal diseases. Students will be provided an integrative approach to preventative strategies, medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics including clinical pharmacology, nutrition, emergency, and critical care. Students will also learn to conduct the most common procedures in these species and will be exposed to a wide range of veterinary care options to meet clients’ expectations.
VM7331 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery I (4 credits, 4 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course aims to provide foundational knowledge to prepare students to diagnose, treat, manage, and recommend preventative measures for the most common small animal diseases. Students will be provided an integrative approach to preventative strategies, medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics including clinical pharmacology, nutrition, dentistry, emergency, and critical care. Students will also learn to conduct the most common procedures in these species and will be exposed to a wide range of veterinary care options to meet clients’ expectations.
VM7351 Live Animal Surgery I (1 credit, 0 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). This course offers a comprehensive experience in which students will perform intake, history acquisition, examination, pre-surgical communications, pre-operative care including pre-anesthetic clinical diagnostics, development and implementation of general anesthetic protocol, aseptic technique, defined surgical procedures, anesthesia recovery and post-operative care, patient discharge. Students may be encouraged to practice general preventative medicine on a case-by-case basis.
VM7363 Regulatory Veterinary Medicine (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). Students will discuss principles of regulatory veterinary medicine and be prepared to achieve USDA accreditation.
VM7373 Theriogenology II (2 credits, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). This course provides theriogenology principles including causes and management of reproductive failure, reproductive diseases, obstetrics, and neonatal care in agricultural species, horses, and companion animals.
Year 3, Semester 6
VM7006 Clinical Skills VI (4 credits, 0 hours lecture, 12 hours lab, F2F). Building on Clinical Skills and Reasoning I-V, students will practice, master, and assimilate skills into small animal, agricultural animal, and equine case management scenarios.
VM7016 Professional Skills VI (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). This course will focus on students completing a project or paper that demonstrates their integration of a variety of professional skills learned throughout their time in the Professional Skills course series.
VM7026 Thinking Like a Veterinarian VI (1 credit, 0 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). A case- and problem-based course where students will put into practice what they have learned in other courses such as the surgery and medicine courses, and Professional Skills courses. Students will practice clinical reasoning by developing and implementing diagnostic and treatment plans in simulated scenarios.
VM7036 Exploration of Post-DVM Career Opportunities VI (0.5 credit, 0.25 hours lecture, 0.25 hours lab, F2F). This course introduces veterinary students to diverse career opportunities available beyond traditional clinical practice. Through interactions with post-graduate trainees, including veterinary interns and residents, and graduate students pursuing MS or PhD degrees, students will gain insights into various professional pathways. Activities may include direct clinical experiences with interns or residents, attending research seminars, and participating in career-focused events that highlight specialty training and continuing education. Students are responsible for independently identifying, arranging, and completing their experiences fostering autonomy and self-directed learning.
VM7312 Equine Medicine and Surgery II (3 credits, 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). A continuation of Equine Medicine and Surgery I. The aim of this course is to provide foundational knowledge to prepare students to diagnose, treat, manage, and recommend preventative measures for the most common equine diseases. Students will be provided an integrative approach to preventative strategies, medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics including clinical pharmacology, nutrition, dentistry, emergency, and critical care. Students will also learn to conduct the most common procedures in these species and will be exposed to a wide range of veterinary care options to meet clients’ expectations.
VM7322 Agricultural Animal Medicine and Surgery II (3 credits, 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). A continuation of Agricultural Animal Medicine and Surgery I. The aim of this course is to provide foundational knowledge to prepare students to diagnose, treat, manage, and recommend preventative measures for the most common agricultural animal diseases. Students will be provided with an integrative approach to preventative strategies, medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics including clinical pharmacology, nutrition, emergency medicine, and critical care. Students will also learn to conduct the most common procedures in these species and will be exposed to a wide range of veterinary care options to meet clients’ expectations.
VM7332 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery II (4 credits, 4 hours lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). A continuation of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery I. The aim of this course is to provide foundational knowledge to prepare students to diagnose, treat, manage, and recommend preventative measures for most common small animal diseases. Students will be provided an integrative approach to preventative strategies, medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics including clinical pharmacology, nutrition, dentistry, emergency medicine, and critical care. Students will also learn to conduct the most common procedures in these species and will be exposed to a wide range of veterinary care options to meet clients’ expectations.
VM7343 Applied Anesthesia and Analgesia (2 credits, 1.5 hr lecture, 1.5 hr lab, F2F). This course delves into the application of anesthesia and analgesia in veterinary medicine, focusing specifically on patients with underlying diseases or conditions that complicate the anesthetic process. Through a blend of lectures, case studies, and simulation exercises students will develop the expertise required to navigate the complexities of anesthesia in diseased patients across various species and clinical scenarios. Topics covered in this course include risk assessment and pre-anesthetic planning, advanced anesthetic and analgesic techniques and monitoring, anesthetic considerations for specific disease states, emergent and critical care anesthesia, anesthetic complications and emergencies, multimodal pain management in diseased patients, ethical and legal considerations.
VM7352 Live Animal Surgery II (1 credit, 0 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F and patient care). A continuation of Live Animal Surgery I in which students will conduct intake, history acquisition, examination, pre-operative care including pre-anesthetic clinical diagnostics, development and implementation of general anesthetic protocol, execution of surgical sterilization, surgery/anesthesia recovery and post-operative care, create discharge instructions and discharge the patient.
VM7342 Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery I (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab, F2F). Students will be provided a comparative and integrative approach to prevention, medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics for the most common diseases in small mammalian, reptilian, “exotic”, avian species including clinical pharmacology, nutrition, emergency medicine and critical care. Students will also learn to conduct the most common procedures in these species and will be exposed to a wide range of veterinary care options to meet clients’ expectations.
Year 4, Required Rotations
VM7400 Diagnostic Medicine (4-week block, 4 credits). Students will work in an AAVLD-accredited laboratory (Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UVDL)) under the direction of board-certified specialists to understand the use of diagnostics in clinical practice. At the UVDL, students will spend four weeks, with time split between necropsy, diagnostic imaging, and other diagnostic pathology services (bacteriology, virology, serology, etc.). Students may work at either the main (Logan) or branch (Spanish Fork) laboratories.
VM7410 General Practice (4-week block, 4 credits). Students will work under supervised clinical instruction in either large animal medicine and surgery (equine, food animal species) or small animal medicine and surgery (canine, feline, avian/exotic/pocket pets) at selected high-quality private general practices. Students will see various cases and actively participate in their diagnostic and therapeutic management, including documentation of findings and care in problem-oriented medical records and the performance of clinical procedures.
VM7420 Specialty/Referral Practice (2-week block, 2 credits). Students will work in supervised clinical instruction in specialty practice medicine and surgery (equine, food animal, canine, feline, lab animal, exotic, and zoological) in selected AVIP specialty practices. Instruction will take place in practices with board-certified specialists. Students will see various cases and actively participate in their diagnostic and therapeutic management, including documentation of findings and care in problem-oriented medical records and the performance of clinical procedures. Students are exposed to various cases with instructive pathophysiological learning opportunities.
VM7430 Emergency/Critical Care (2-week block, 2 credits). Students will work under supervised clinical instruction at emergency or emergent care centers. Students will attend to emergency or emergent cases that reinforce the quick decision process and teamwork necessary to work with these types of cases. Students will be involved in all aspects of emergency or critical care cases including triage, supportive care, diagnostics, imaging, surgery, etc. as needed to stabilize for referral. Students will have supervised clinical instruction in academic and practical aspects of emergency medicine and critical care in high-quality practices with board-certified veterinary specialists and/or veterinarians who focus on emergency and critical care. Students are active participants in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of a wide variety of cases requiring timely medical and/or surgical management in veterinary emergency and critical care situations.
VM7440 Shelter Medicine, Surgery, and Community Practice (4-week block, 4 credits). Students will work under supervised clinical instruction in community shelter’s medical and surgical areas. Students perform medical, dental, and surgical treatments for the benefit of animals owned by the shelter or the public. Students perform physical examinations on presented animals (mainly dogs and cats) and discuss their findings with shelter veterinarians and staff. For animals presenting for preventative health care, students will examine, recommend, and present preventative health care (vaccinations, microchips, antiparasitics) to clients, under the direct supervision of shelter veterinarians and staff. Students will be intimately involved in providing medical, surgical, and preventive care to shelter animals and will be involved in preparing and performing elective surgeries (such as ovariohysterectomy, orchiectomy, and dentistry) on dogs and cats under the supervision of shelter veterinarians and staff. Students participate in discussions and/or demonstrations regarding animal behavior problems and potential solutions.
Students participate in medicine and surgery rounds and will make formal rounds of presentations to other students and staff during the course and prepare a presentation relevant to the shelter experience with the course director's approval for presentation at rotation end. The course comprises hands-on medical and surgical care of shelter-owned animals, lectures, self-study, case write-ups and presentations, and team-based exercises.
VM7450 NAVLE Preparation (4-week block, 4 credits). This four-week North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE®) preparation rotation will provide structured day-by-day virtual instruction to help candidates ready themselves for the NAVLE licensing exam. There will be an organized review of topics pertinent to the exam presented in different formats, including in-class practice testing with immediate feedback and review in the form of written and live debriefing, as well as reserved time for an independent review of class materials. Course requirements will include completing written test preparation assignments, a mock practice exam, and 80% completion of an approved NAVLE preparation course.
VM7460 Vacation Block (4-week block, 0 credits). Students will have a four-week block to use at their discretion.
Year 4, Elective Species Rotations
VM 7415 Elective Species Rotation: Small Animal Predominant (4 -week block, 4 credits). Students will receive supervised clinical instruction in high-quality, specialized learning experiences at practices within USU’s CVM AVIP network, where small animals represent the predominate (>90%) cases seen.
VM 7425 Elective Species Rotation: Mixed Animal (4-week block, 4 credits). Students will receive supervised clinical instruction in high-quality, specialized learning experiences at practices within USU’s CVM AVIP network, where small animals represent at least about 60% of the cases seen.
VM7435 Elective Species Rotation: Equine/Large Animal/Food Animal (4-week block, 4 credits). Students will receive supervised clinical instruction in high-quality, specialized learning experiences at practices within USU’s CVM AVIP network, where equine, large animal, and/or food animal cases comprise more than 90% of the caseload.
Year 4, Elective Interest Rotations
VM7417, VM7427, VM7437, VM7447 Elective Interest Rotation I-IV (4-week block, 4 credits each course). Students will receive supervised clinical instruction in high-quality, specialized learning experiences at practices within USU’s CVM AVIP network, including specialty practices (such as medicine, surgery, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology), species-specific practices, zoos, and other USU CVM approved public and private biomedical institutions. The four elective interest rotations provide 4th year students the opportunity to further explore their interest areas.
Return Weeks
VM7413 Clinical Year Orientation (1-week block, .25 credits). The Clinical year block schedule will be reviewed with students. Instruction will be given for procedures and expectations for their clinical rotations. The Office of Clinical Programs will illustrate the procedure for communication, feedback, and assessment, as well as how student’s questions and concerns will be received and addressed.
VM7423 Clinical Year Check-in Week I (1-week block, .25 credits). This block will provide students with an opportunity for case reports, clinical reasoning, and assessment. Students will be given resources for their upcoming NAVLE preparation block. The clinical year director will determine remediation requirements for students with less than satisfactory performance in previous rotations.
VM7433 Clinical Year Check-in Week II (1-week block, .25 credits). This block will provide students with an opportunity for case reports, clinical reasoning, and assessment. Students will be instructed in areas such as practice buy-ins, loan repayment, and financial management. Graduation requirements and arrangements will be reviewed. The clinical year director will determine remediation requirements for students with less than satisfactory performance in previous rotations.
VM7443 Clinical Year Check-in Week III (1-week block, .25 credits). This block will provide students with an opportunity for case reports, clinical reasoning, and assessment. Exit interviews will be conducted, and graduation arrangements will be finalized. The clinical year director will determine remediation requirements for students with less than satisfactory performance in previous rotations.
Years 1 or 2 Electives
VM7601 One Health (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab). This course explores the interconnectedness of people, animals, and ecosystems. It covers zoonotic diseases, ecosystems, and public health while considering the impact of laws and policies on the One Health paradigm. Students learn practical tools to encourage inter-professional collaboration.
VM7602 Leadership (1 credit, 1 hour lecture, 0 hours lab). This course aims to equip veterinary professionals and biomedical scientists with the leadership principles and skills necessary to create positive change within their professional sphere of influence as well as in the broader community.
VM7625 Clinical Zoological & Wildlife Medicine (1 credit, 0 hour lecture, 1 hour lab, F2F, asynchronous). This elective provides hands-on experience in clinical zoo and wildlife medicine. Students collaborate with faculty at local zoological institutions and wildlife rehabilitation centers to perform preventive medicine, clinical workups, and assist in procedures with non-traditional species.
Years 1, 2, or 3 Eelectives
VM7597 Special Topics in Veterinary Medicine (1-4 credits, 1-4 hours lecture, 0 hours lab). This course examines emerging trends and challenges in veterinary medicine, emphasizing innovative practices, interdisciplinary approaches, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making to prepare students for the evolving demands of modern veterinary practice.
VM7621 Small Ruminant Parturition and Neonatal Care (1 credit, 0 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F). This course covers pre-, peri- and post-parturient care and management, parturition, and routine post-natal care of small ruminants. Students participate in parturition observation and management of small ruminant dams and neonates.
VM7560 Equine Parturition and Post-Natal Care (2 credits, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, F2F, asynchronous). This course covers pre-, peri- and post-parturient mare care and management, parturition and routine post-natal care of the foal. Students conduct exams for pre-partum signs, foal out their mare and provide immediate care to both the mare and foal.