The Semi-Distributed Veterinary Teaching Program at Utah State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (USU CVM) provides an immersive, hands-on clinical education for 4th-year veterinary students. This innovative program partners with carefully selected Affiliate Veterinary Instructional Partners (AVIPs) to offer diverse, real-world training across a broad spectrum of veterinary practices.
Interested in becoming a preceptor? Learn more about our Affiliate Veterinary Instructional Partner (AVIP) program.
Hands-On Clinical Training with AVIPs
During their clinical year, students rotate through a network of AVIP sites, collaborating closely with veterinarians and support staff to refine their clinical competencies, enhance diagnostic and problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to a variety of cases. The program is designed to ensure that students graduate as day-one-ready veterinarians, prepared for the demands of professional practice.
Rotational Experiences Across Veterinary Disciplines
Students gain hands-on experience in a variety of veterinary settings, ensuring a well-rounded clinical education:
- Companion Animal Clinics: Experience in primary care and preventive medicine.
- Specialty & Referral Hospitals: Exposure to advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures.
- Shelter Medicine: Focus on population health, high-volume surgical procedures, and community outreach, preparing students for roles in animal welfare.
- Mixed-Animal & Large-Animal Practices: Develop skills in medical and surgical care for livestock and equine patients.
- Public Health, Research & Regulatory Roles: Gain insights into veterinary roles beyond private practice, including disease prevention, public policy, and scientific advancements.
Mentorship & Educational Support
Mentorship and oversight are central to the program's success. Each student benefits from:
- Guidance by experienced AVIP veterinarians
- Continuous support from USU CVM faculty
- Structured case-based learning
- Professional development opportunities
- Regular evaluations to ensure students meet rigorous educational and professional standards
The program fosters a safe and supportive environment for student growth and skill development.
Locations & Travel Considerations
Clinical rotations primarily take place at AVIP sites across the United States, with additional opportunities available in Canada and select international locations. This expansive network provides students with a diverse range of clinical experiences but also requires them to be highly adaptable, independent, and proactive in managing logistics.
Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation and securing housing for most of their rotations.
Financial Support & Scholarships
To support these needs, USU CVM hopes to provide students with scholarships that will be disbursed in May, August, and January, to help offset 4th-year housing expenses and travel costs associated with their clinical placements.
While this structure provides students with the flexibility to tailor their learning experiences, it also fosters essential life skills such as financial planning, problem-solving, and resilience, all of which are crucial for a successful transition into veterinary practice.
Clinical Year Schedule
| Rotation Type | Weeks | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Required Rotations | 16 weeks |
|
| Elective Interest Rotations | 16 weeks | Students choose 4 rotations from AVIPs, in practice type or species focus, that interest them. |
| Elective Species Rotations | 8 weeks | Students choose 2 rotations with a species focus on mixed animal (60% small animal), or small animal, or equine/large/food animal focus. |
| NAVLE preparation | 4 weeks | Organized review session to prepare for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). (This will take place the same time each year in October, before NAVLE is offered.) |
| Vacation | 4 weeks | Students may choose when they take their 4-week vacation block. |
| Orientation | 1 weeks | Students are trained on clinical year expectations. (This will take place the same time each year in May, the first week of the clinical year.) |
| Program Check-in Week | 3 weeks | Program opportunity to assess clinical reasoning, administer program assessments, or offer remediation. There are three,1-week check-ins, spaced strategically throughout the year. |
| Total | 52 weeks |