Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Please Note UM currently does not have a veterinary medicine school

Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) treat disease, disorders and injuries in non-human animals. Veterinarians care for small animals and house pets (e.g., dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, etc.), large animals (e.g. horses), farm animals (e.g., cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, etc.), aquatic and zoo animals. DVMs advise on “every aspect of animal health, including diet and exercise, interaction with other animals and family members, preventive measures to ensure animal well being, and ways to address illness and injury. Veterinarians are critical in preventing the transmission of animal diseases to people, and by maintaining the health of food animals, keep our food supply clean and safe” (WVMA, 2010).

Similar to other professional medical schools, schools of veterinary medicine follow a four-year curriculum that includes two or more years of didactic coursework and two years of clerkships or clinical rotations. Because most veterinarians work in private practice, this career is suited to those who have a love for animals and are interested in working a typical 9 – 5 schedule.

For more information about veterinary medicine please visit AVMA.

Program Quick Facts 

Education Association: AAVMC (Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges) 

Application Service: VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service) 

Entrance Exam: GRE

Length of program: 4 years

Residency Required: Optional

A horse on a treadmill