Curriculum and Course Descriptions
The doctor of veterinary medicine degree is awarded upon successful completion of the Pre-clinical Curriculum and the Clinical Training Curriculum. The Pre-clinical Curriculum consists of 131 semester credit hours of specifically prescribed course work.
The Clinical Curriculum consists of three semesters of clinical training at an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine in the United States that is associated with Ross University. Students should complete the curriculum in ten semesters.
The first seven semesters are at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine's St. Kitts campus. The last three semesters are completed at an AVMA-accredited school or college of veterinary medicine in the United States.
| Pre-clinical Curriculum (Semesters) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Microscopic Anatomy & Embryology | Intro to Veterinary Medicine | Gross Anatomy I | Physiology I | Animal Nutrition |
| 2nd | Immunology | Parasitology | Gross Anatomy II | Physiology II | |
| 3rd | Bacteriology & Mycology | Virology | Pharmacology I | Pathology I | |
| 4th | Diseases of Poulty | Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology | Pharmacology II | Pathology II | Clinical Pathology w/lab |
| 5th | Anesthesiology w/lab | Diagnostic Imaging | Intro to Clinics I | Small Animal Medicine I | Toxicology |
| 6th | Large Animal Medicine I | Practice Management & Jurisprudence | Small Animal Surgery Lab | Small Animal Medicine II | Small Animal Surgery |
| 7th | Large Animal Medicine II | Lab Animal Medicine | Intro to Clinics II | Theriogenology w/lab | Large Animal Surgery w/lab |
Note: Pre-Clinical Curriculum subject to change.
Pre-clinical Veterinary Sciences Curriculum
• Presents a program in which each subject area receives comprehensive, in-depth coverage commensurate with contemporary veterinary educational trends
• Provides clinical correlation and examples of clinical relevance throughout the instructional program
Pre-Clinical Course Descriptions
Semesters 1 and 2
VMA 5111 Microscopic Anatomy & Embryology with Laboratory (5 credits)
Concentrates on the study of cell biology, cell physiology, and the microscopic structure of cells, tissues and organs of domestic animals. Students use dual-viewing microscopes and digital images in laboratories to study the structure of basic tissue types and their integration into organs and organ systems. The lectures correlate microscopic and gross anatomy with function and development of organ systems.
Selected embryology topics focus attention on common developmental anomalies encountered by veterinarians.
VMA 5113 Gross Anatomy I with Laboratory (5 credits)
Focuses on gross anatomy of the domestic dog, with minor emphasis on the domestic cat. Laboratories utilize embalmed canine cadavers for dissections and prosections, models, skeletal specimens, radiographs and computer video technology. Radiographic Anatomy is an integral part of the course. The lectures employ computer-assisted instruction and clinical correlations to stress anatomical details. The course is supported on the World Wide Web.
VMI 5101 Introduction to Veterinary Medicine (1 credit)
Provides a general introduction to veterinary medicine, with emphasis on veterinary issues such as ethics, animal breeds, animal welfare, behavior, animal restraint, alternative medicine, and substance abuse. This team taught course also covers trends in veterinary medical education, practice, research, public health, and other related areas.
VPP 5131 Animal Nutrition (4 credits)
The physiology component focuses on carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism with particular emphasis on the regulation of biochemical pathways at the levels of cell and organism. Nutrition deals with the basic feed constituents, energy, protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins; concepts in feed labeling; the characteristics of feeds used in animal feeding; feeding guidelines for cats, dogs, cattle, sheep and swine. The course incorporates real life case examples and out-of-class assignments to reinforce important concepts.
VPP 5123 Physiology I (5 credits)
Focuses on neurologic and muscular physiology, with particular emphasis on the behavior of membrane receptors and channels; cardiovascular physiology, with particular emphasis on electrical activity of the heart and defense of effective circulating volume; respiratory physiology; and blood cell formation and coagulation mechanisms.
VMA 5216 Gross Anatomy II with Laboratory (5 credits)
Studies gross anatomy of the horse and ruminants and, to a lesser extent, the pig and birds. Laboratories use embalmed donkey, sheep, goat, and ox cadavers, as well as fresh material for dissection. Palpation of the live animal is a prominent part of the course. The lectures use skeletons and radiographs to emphasize anatomical structures of clinical significance.
VMP 5253 Immunology (3 credits)
Covers basic defense mechanisms, diseases of the immune system, and the role of immunity in diseases of domestic animals. Serological and other immunological tests, and their application in laboratory diagnosis of diseases, are covered.
VMP 5265 Parasitology with Laboratory (5 credits)
The study of helminthic, arthropod and protozoan parasites which affect domestic animals, including those which are zoonotic and transmissible to humans. Lectures stress hosts, identification, life cycles, pathogenesis and lesions, clinical signs, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of parasites. Laboratories focus on identification of parasites and lesions they produce. Lectures and laboratories are integrated to achieve course objectives.
VMP 5225 Physiology II (5 credits)
Focuses on renal and acid-base physiology; the gastrointestinal system, with emphasis on digestion and absorption of nutrients and minerals, carbohydrate,
fat, and protein metabolism; the endocrine system; and reproductive systems, including pregnancy and neonatal physiology
Semester 3
VMP 5351 Bacteriology & Mycology with Laboratory (5 credits)
Concentrates on diseases in domestic animals caused by pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Lectures emphasize basic properties of microorganisms, including identification and pathogenesis. Laboratory instruction includes basic bacteriology/mycology laboratory techniques, with hands-on application of those in the form of standard staining and microscope techniques, plating of cultures, and simple methods of identification of bacteria.
VMP 5355 Virology (3 credits)
Covers the basic properties of animal viruses, including classification, genetics, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of viral diseases using laboratory methods. Control and prevention of viral diseases are discussed.
VPA 5341 Pathology I with Laboratory (5 credits)
Introduces the terminology of disease, mechanisms of disease from both causal and tissue-response aspects, systemic pathology based on etiopathogenesis, and gross and microscopic appearance of lesions. Teaching materials include necropsy, slide transparencies, prepared tissue sections, laser disk slides, and abattoir specimens.
VPP 5332 Pharmacology I (3 credits)
Focuses on general principles of pharmacology, together with drugs acting on the autonomic and central nervous systems, muscle relaxants, local anesthetics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Semester 4
VMP 5462 Diseases of Poultry (2 credits)
Presents the causes, clinical signs, lesions, and prevention of diseases in poultry, as well as the role of management and nutrition in disease prevention and control. The second part of this course covers caged and aviary bird medicine, husbandry, breeds, and diseases.
VMS 5475 Veterinary Public Health (4 credits)
Discusses important aspects of veterinary medicine such as food preservation, milk hygiene, humane slaughter, meat inspection and food borne diseases. In addition, students are expected to learn basic concepts of disaster medicine, emerging infectious diseases, bioterrorism, and water quality.
VPA 5443 Pathology II with Laboratory (5 credits)
Continues systemic pathology of food and companion animals. The disorders are presented from the perspectives of agent, pathogenesis, and gross and microscopic lesions. Lectures, laser disk, histopathology slides, necropsies, and abattoir specimens are employed.
VPA 5448 Clinical Pathology with Laboratory (5 credits)
Covers the pathological mechanisms responsible for abnormal hematologic, chemical and cytologic test results, as well as interpretation of laboratory data and clinical laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of diseases in animals.
VPP 5434 Pharmacology II (3 credits)
Focuses on chemotherapy of microbial, fungal, viral, neoplastic, and parasitic diseases; insecticides; pharmacology of autocoids; drugs acting on the blood, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, skin, mucous membranes, eyes and ears; and endocrine pharmacology.
Semester 5
VMS 5577 Anesthesiology with Laboratory (4 credits)
Introduces the principles of general and local anesthesia of small and large animals. The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of fluid and acid-base disorders are discussed, as well as the recognition, treatment, and prevention of anesthetic emergencies. Laboratory sessions provide students with experience in small animal anesthesia, in addition to demonstrations of monitoring equipment, mechanical ventilation, and large animal general anesthesia.
VMS 5581 Introduction to Clinics I with Laboratory (1 credit)
Introduces clinical techniques through laboratories on physical examination, and neurologic, orthopedic and ophthalmic examinations. In addition, equine endoscopy is demonstrated, and the problem-oriented medical record is introduced.
VMS 5585 Small Animal Medicine I (5 credits)
Focuses on the problem-oriented approach to veterinary medicine, cardiovascular disorders, clinical hematology, respiratory disorders, oncology, selected infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. The important diseases of dogs and cats are discussed according to their pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, differential diagnoses, treatment and prognosis.
VMS 5573 Diagnostic Imaging with Laboratory (5 credits)
Provides an overview of the physics of diagnostic radiology, the principles of veterinary radiography, and quality control of radiographs. Normal radiographic findings and anatomy in small animals plus radiographic features and patterns as they relate to diseases are also covered. An introduction to equine radiography and diagnostic ultrasound is included, along with an introduction to alternate imaging techniques.
VPP 5538 Toxicology (3 credits)
Studies toxicants and poisonous plants of significance to livestock and companion animals, including their source, properties, toxicity, toxicokinetics, mechanism of toxicologic damage, detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Semester 6
VMS 5649 Small Animal Surgery (4 credits)
Focuses on the major pathophysiologic changes, diagnostic procedures and treatments of surgical diseases and conditions of the dog and cat. Emphasis will be on the integration and utilization of this information in clinical decision-making. Instruction is based on lectures and reading assignments.
VMS 5650 Small Animal Surgery Laboratory (2 credits)
Introduces surgery of the dog and cat, with emphasis on basic principles of asepsis, tissue handling, and surgical skills. In the laboratory, students perform surgical procedures that are common in small animal practice
VMI 5673 Practice Management and Jurisprudence (2 credits)
Provides an introduction to the subjects of ethics, law, and business management that relate to private veterinary practice. Students are made aware of laws and regulations that control various aspects of veterinary medicine as well as the legal obligations involved in veterinary practice. Students are also given information concerning their career as a veterinarian that includes employment options within the profession, preparation of a resume, negotiating an employment contract, finding the right position, and options for internships and residencies.
VMS 5687 Small Animal Medicine II (5 credits)
Studies diseases of the urinary system, followed by common diseases of the eye, skin, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems in dogs and cats. Etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapy are emphasized. Instruction is based on a review of key anatomical and physiologic points of importance, followed by the pathophysiology of the disease process. Signalment, history, physical exam findings, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic management are also emphasized. Problem-based examples are used intermittently to illustrate key points. Current veterinary literature (review articles, case reports, recent research) are also integrated into the course.
VMS 5690 Large Animal Medicine I (5 credits)
Focuses on the examination and diagnosis of diseases of relevance to the horse. The etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, clinical pathology, diagnosis
therapy, and control of diseases of horses are discussed.
Semester 7
VMS 5775 Theriogenology with Laboratory (5 credits)
Integrates reproductive pathology, endocrinology, physiology, and pharmacology as they apply to the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of reproductive disorders in domestic animals. Breeding soundness evaluation of males and females are also covered. By the end of the course, the student should be able to approach an obstetrical situation in any of the domestic animal species with the necessary background to diagnose, manage, and resolve the condition. Students are also introduced to procedures and technologies used in pregnancy diagnosis, artificial insemination, and semen collection and evaluation.
VMS 5783 Introduction to Clinics II with Laboratory (2 credits)
Focuses on the continuation of the techniques necessary to obtain clinical data, with emphasis on thorough physical examination and problem-oriented veterinary medical records. Clinical practical sessions utilize referral and general appointment cases. Students gain experience in common veterinary diagnostic techniques.
VMS 5793 Large Animal Medicine II (5 credits)
Covers diseases of food-producing animals including small ruminants, cattle, swine and camelids. In addition, a brief discussion of the use of alternative therapies in large animal medicine is included.
VMS 5795 Large Animal Surgery (6 credits)
Focuses on surgery of farm animals, with emphasis on cattle and horses. In cattle, the alimentary, locomotor, and reproductive systems are covered in detail. In the horse, the healing and treatment of wounds, lameness, dentistry, colic, and the respiratory, urinary, male and female reproductive systems are covered. Surgical laboratories include a wide range of surgeries on sheep, goats, and donkeys.
VMS 5797 Laboratory Animal Medicine and Special Species (4 credits)
Concentrates on common medical and surgical problems of laboratory animals, primates, ferrets, llamas, reptiles, individual avian patients, and some exotic animals are discussed, together with housing and behavior. Laboratories and field trips provide practical experience.
Summary of University Activities in Support of Placement of Graduates
In order to assist in the placement of graduates, all students are required to take the course Practice Management and Jurisprudence during the pre-clinical program. The course introduces ethics and law, with emphasis on government regulations and business management relating to veterinary practice. A portion of this course includes instruction in debt management and employment contracts, writing an effective cover letter and resume/CV, interview skills, salary negotiation, selecting a first position, and corporate career opportunities. In addition, the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and the Associate Dean of Student Life offer to review all student resumes.
Clinical Training at an Affiliated Institution in the United States
Ross University contracts with AVMA–accredited colleges or schools of veterinary medicine in the United States to provide the final year (Semesters 8–10) of clinical training and for the performance evaluation of our students. Students must be eligible for promotion to the eighth semester at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and meet the requirements of the affiliate institution. Arrangements with the affiliate institution are handled entirely by Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine; students are not to contact these programs directly. Ross University students matriculate through the clinical program with students from the affiliate programs, and are subject to the academic standards of the host institution. During the clinical year, students remain enrolled in and graduate from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and tuition is paid to Ross University and not the affiliated institution. Affiliate institutions submit an evaluation form, completed by the veterinary faculty and clinicians from the clinical training site, for each clinical rotation (core and elective). Ross University assigns grades to the students based on the recommendations of the faculty of the affiliate institution. Students making unsatisfactory academic progress are subject to termination at the host institution and subsequent dismissal from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
The clinical year consists of 52 weeks of which a minimum of 48 weeks must be completed at the affiliate school campus or in an externship approved by the affiliate program. A maximum of four weeks may be used for vacation during the year. Six weeks of externship credit is allowed during the clinical year. This time may be used to investigate areas of special interest to the student (i.e., exotic animal medicine or lab animal medicine) or to strengthen an area of weakness.
The clinical curriculum varies slightly from one program to another and the names of clinical assignments may be different. However, Ross University School of Veterinary
Medicine requires students to take a broad-based curriculum. The core clinical assignments consist of small animal medicine, small animal surgery, anesthesiology, diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology and/or necropsy, equine medicine, equine surgery, farm animal medicine, and farm animal surgery.
Elective clinical assignments may include but are not limited to: theriogenology, neurology, dermatology, cardiology, emergency medicine, critical care, behavior, exotics, wildlife or zoological medicine, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, laboratory animal medicine, or others as offered by the affiliate programs.
The library and other educational resources are available to Ross University students at affiliated programs, so the students may prepare for clinical assignments and study for licensure examinations.
Currently, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine has affiliate agreements with the following AVMA–accredited colleges and schools of veterinary medicine in the United States (see chart below).
Affiliated Colleges of Veterinary Medicine Location Web Site
Auburn University Auburn, Alabama www.vetmed.auburn.edu
Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado www.cvmbs.colostate.edu
Cornell University Ithaca, New York www.vet.cornell.edu
Iowa State University Ames, Iowa www.vetmed.iastate.edu
Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana www.vetmed.lsu.edu
Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan www.cvm.msu.edu
North Carolina State University Raleigh, North Carolina www.cvm.ncsu.edu
Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Oklahoma www.cvm.okstate.edu
Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon www.oregonstate.edu
Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana www.vet.purdue.edu
Texas A & M University College Station, Texas www.cvm.tamu.edu
The Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio www.osu.edu
Tufts University Medford, MA www.tufts.edu
University of Florida Gainesville, Florida www.vetmed.ufl.edu
University of Illinois Urbana, Illinois www.cvm.uiuc.edu
University of Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota www.cvm.umn.edu
University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri www.cvm.missouri.edu
University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania www.vet.upenn.edu
University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin www.vetmed.wisc.edu
Virginia Polytechnic Institute Blacksburg, Virginia www.vetmed.vt.edu
Washington State University Pullman, Washington www.vetmed.wsu.edu
