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Degree Overview

The recently revised, integrated DVM curriculum uses active learning and builds the relationship between the basic sciences and the clinical cases graduates will see in their practices. During the first three years of the DVM program, students focus on the study of the normal animal, the pathogenesis of diseases and the prevention, alleviation and clinical therapy of diseases.

The program concludes with 13 months of clinical rotations at the University of Minnesota , where students learn methods of veterinary care and develop skills needed for professional practice. Students can choose from more than 65 rotations, ranging from Apiculture to Urgent Care. Check out the University of to learn all the offerings available. The fourth year includes up to 12 weeks of externship experiences at off-campus sites of the student’s choice.

DVM students attend class full time, Monday through Friday, from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students do not have classes during the summer semesters between their first and second, and second and third years of the program. Students attend class for one full calendar year, including summer semester, during their fourth year.

The following courses are taught during the first two years while at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ.

Course NameCredits
Jackrabbit Orientation and Leadership Experience I1
Microscopic Anatomy I1
Microscopic Anatomy I Lab1
Integrated Biochemistry and Physiology7
Anatomy I2
Anatomy I Lab2
Clinical Skills I1
Professional Development I1
Critical Scientific Reading 1
Immunology2
Rural Veterinary Practice I1
Preventative Medicine4
Course NameCredits
Professional Development II1
Anatomy II2
Anatomy II Lab2
Clinical Skills II1
Physiology II4
Basic Pathology2
Agents of Disease I4
Microscopic Anatomy II1
Microscopic Anatomy II Lab1
Clinical Correlations I1
Veterinary Genetics and Genomics1
Non-Traditional Pets1
Rural Veterinary Practice II1
Thrive Through Life4
Masters Research Problem/Project: PPVM1
Course NameCredits
Agents of Disease II5
Pharmacology I2
Systemic Pathology5
Clinical Pathology I3
Clinical Skills III1
Clinical Epidemiology2
Public Health2
Small Animal Medicine I2
Diagnostic Laboratory Methods1
Diagnostic Laboratory Methods Lab1
Large Animal Medicine I2
Professional Development III1
Rural Veterinary Practice III1
Masters Research Problem/Project: PPVM1
Course NameCredits
Small Animal Medicine II5
Small Animal Surgery I2
Small Animal Surgery I Lab1
Large Animal Medicine II3
Large Animal Surgery I3
Veterinary Imaging I3
Pharmacology II2
Clinical Skills IV1
Clinical Pathology II2
Clinical Pathology II Lab1
Avian Core2
Dermatology2
Clinical Correlations1
Professional Development IV1
Rural Veterinary Practice IV1
Masters Research Problem/Project: PPVM1

Years 3 and 4, including clinical rotations, are taught by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. For more information about the year 3 courses and year 4 clinical rotations, please visit

Licensure

Students in the ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ PPVM will earn their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the UMN CVM. Earning a DVM from the UMN CVM qualifies graduates to take the licensing exam in every state provided they pass the national exam and meet the state non-academic guidelines (background check, etc).  

DVM students must pass both state and national board licensing exams in order to practice. The national exam is called the  and is offered in the fall and the spring. Those wishing to practice in South Dakota must also take the  licensing exam. Information regarding licensure in other states can be found .

Additional licensing requirements may vary from state to state. Please check with any state you are considering practicing in for specific details.