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, farm animal medicine 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 program will consist of 48 weeks rotations, with a total of 48 credits, encompassing 12 rotations of 2 weeks duration each semester. Students will take a 2-week mid-rotation break to have the opportunity to participate in clinical externships. The VTH will serve as the main resource for pre-clinical and clinical rotation experiences. Students will be exposed to diverse clinical scenarios, such as wellness examinations and emergencies to enhance their communication skills through student-client interactions in exam rooms with post-interaction evaluations by SVM specialty teaching faculty. Students will also experience patient handling and history taking, as well as participating in the clinician’s approach to the patients’ individual case, during the diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and discharge instructions to the owners, with the support of experience clinical faculty.
Currently, UAGM SVM has established communication with AVMA accredited schools and colleges of Veterinary Medicine in the United States which have expressed interest in hosting UAGM SVM senior students for their clinical rotations. Furthermore, UAGM SVM has secured partnerships with clinical specialty centers. These efforts will guarantee our students the necessary exposure to a diverse case load, inclusive of normal and diseased animals from various domestic and exotic species as either clinical patients or teaching animals.
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.
