Road to Graduation

Year 1 — Build Foundations

Your first year is about learning how to learn in veterinary medicine and building the habits that will carry you through the program.

Focus Areas

  • Academic foundations
  • Study strategies & time management
  • Professional identity formation

Key Actions

  • Attend orientation and complete onboarding requirements
  • Read and attest to the CVM policies
  • Meet with your faculty advisor (SMART) and student services coordinator (OSS)
  • Engage with PASS tutoring and academic support early
  • Develop effective study systems (individual + group)
  • Utilize the DRC (Disability Resource Center) for any accommodations
  • Begin building relationships with classmates and faculty
  • Explore student organizations and get involved
  • Create/update your resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Attend career exposure and Lunch & Learn events
  • Prioritize wellness and establish healthy routines

Year 2 — Deepen Knowledge & Direction

Year 2 is about integration—connecting systems, refining study strategies, and beginning to explore your future path in veterinary medicine.

Focus Areas

  • Systems integration
  • Clinical thinking development
  • Early career exploration

Key Actions

  • Meet with your advisor to refine academic and career goals
  • Review and attest to the CVM policies
  • Continue PASS and academic support as needed
  • Identify areas of interest (small animal, large animal, research, public health, etc.)
  • Begin exploring externships, summer experiences, or research opportunities
  • Strengthen relationships with faculty mentors and your student services coordinator
  • Attend Career Connections events and networking opportunities
  • Update your resume and professional profiles
  • Participate in student organizations and consider early leadership roles
  • Continue prioritizing wellbeing and balance
  • Take NAVLE Prep exam

Year 3 — Prepare for Clinical Practice

Year 3 is your transition year—moving from classroom learning to clinical readiness.

Focus Areas

  • Clinical competence
  • Career decision-making
  • Transition planning

Key Actions

  • Work with advisors and OCP to plan your clinical year (DVTP)
  • Review and attest to CVM policies, including 4th year clinical practice
  • Identify and apply for externships or specialty experiences
  • Prepare for NAVLE (begin structured study planning)
  • Participate in mock interviews and career readiness workshops
  • Refine your resume, CV, and cover letters
  • Identify potential employers or postgraduate pathways (internships, residencies)
  • Secure strong letters of recommendation
  • Take on leadership roles in student organizations
  • Continue building your professional network

Year 4 — Launch into the Profession (DVTP)

Your clinical year is where everything comes together. You will apply your knowledge, build confidence, and step fully into your role as a future veterinarian.

Focus Areas

  • Clinical performance
  • Professional transition
  • Career placement

Key Actions

  • Complete clinical rotations (AVIPs and required experiences)
  • Prepare for and take the NAVLE
  • Apply for positions, internships, or residencies
  • Participate in interviews and evaluate opportunities
  • Utilize your network and mentors for career guidance
  • Finalize licensure requirements and documentation
  • Complete graduation requirements and surveys
  • Transition confidently into professional practice

Post-Graduation — Stay Connected & Grow

Graduation is not the end, it’s the beginning of your professional journey.

Lifelong Learning

Engage in continuing education and skill development (Mountainlands conference, career portal, case challenges, clinical pearls)

Professional Growth

Continue building your professional network (LinkedIn, professional associations, and information networks)

Stay Connected with Us

Stay connected with the USU CVM community (CVM social media, career portal, Partners in Practice, Where Are You Now Spotlight, Ask an Alum threads)

Giving Back

Mentor current students (mentoring program, Partners in Practice)

Share your experiences and support future Aggie veterinarians (Career Connection Fair, Lunch & Learn)

Contribute to the profession and your community (donate/gift)