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 129 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	Mechanisms of Diseases	Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology	Pharmacology II	Pathology II	Clinical Pathology
5th	Anesthesiology	Diagnostic Imaging	Intro to Clinics I	Small Animal Medicine I	Toxicology
6th	Small Animal Surgery	Surgery Laboratory I	Practice Management & Jurisprudence	Small Animal Medicine II	Large Animal Medicine I
7th	Special Species	Theriogenology	Intro to Clinics II	Large Animal Surgery	Surgery Laboratory II	Large animal Medicine II

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 the comparative gross anatomy of domestic animals including canine, equine, and ruminant, with minor emphasis on feline and porcine. Laboratories utilize embalmed canine cadavers for dissections and prosections of other species. Also integrated into the course is normal radiographic anatomy, instrument handling labs and live animal palpation. The lectures provide overviews of the main concepts or hard-to-explain details. Topics covered in the first semester include osteology and muscle systems of the limbs, anatomy of the thorax and abdomen, and autonomic nervous system.

VMI 5101 Introduction to Veterinary Medicine (1 credit)
Provides a general introduction to veterinary medicine, with emphasis on veterinary topics and issues such as ethics, life skills/personal finance, animal welfare, introduction to communication skills, and substance abuse. This team-taught course also covers trends in veterinary medical education, practice, research, and other related areas.

VPP 5131 Animal Nutrition (4 credits)
Deals with the basic feed constituents, energy, protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins; concepts in feed labeling; the characteristics of feeds used in animal feeding; animal management; feeding guidelines for cats, dogs, cattle, sheep and swine. The physiology component focuses on carbohydrate, lipid and protein digestion, absorption and metabolism, with particular emphasis on the regulation of biochemical pathways at the levels of cell and organism. 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)
Continues the Gross Anatomy I course. Comparative gross anatomy of the domestic animals focusing on canine, equine, and ruminant as well as the avian species, with minor emphasis on the feline and porcine. Laboratories utilize embalmed canine cadavers for dissections and prosections of other species. Also integrated into the course are normal radiographic anatomy, clinical skills labs, and live animal palpation. Topics covered in the second semester include anatomy of the pelvic cavity/reproductive tract, innervation and vasculature of the limbs, anatomy of the head/neck, avian anatomy and a clinical neuroanatomy component.

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)
Studies the 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 the parasites and lesions they produce. Lectures and laboratories are integrated to achieve course objectives.

VPP 5223 Physiology II (5 credits)
Focuses on renal and acid-base physiology; the gastrointestinal system, with emphasis on mechanisms and control of exocrine and endocrine secretions; the endocrine system, with emphasis on regulation of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism; and the reproductive system, 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 identifying those organisms 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

VMS 5475 Veterinary Public Health (4 credits)
Provides students with the fundamentals of epidemiologic theory as a means of understanding how epidemiology can be used in veterinary medicine. Introduces the concepts of emerging infectious diseases, bioterrorism, and disaster medicine, as well as the epidemiology of various zoonotic diseases. Important aspects of veterinary medicine such as milk hygiene, humane slaughter, meat inspection and food-borne diseases are also discussed.

VPA 5443 Pathology II with Laboratory (5 credits)
Continues systemic pathology of food and companion animals. Disorders are categorized by organ system, emphasizing etiopathogenesis, gross and microscopic lesions, and sequela. Lectures, histopathology slides (real and virtual), 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.

VMA 5418 Mechanisms of Diseases (2 credits)
Describes how changes in normal anatomy and function result in various common disease syndromes. Further, the reasons for the clinical presentations of the syndromes are described as are the principles underlying their diagnosis and treatment.

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)
Develops the student’s ability to perform a physical examination on several veterinary species. Students will have laboratories on physical examination of dogs, horses and ruminants. These labs will be taught in small groups to ensure that each student has a hands-on experience in performing the examinations. Additional laboratories in the Clinical Skills Laboratory will focus on surgical and halter knot tying, skin scraping, phlebotomy and cardiac resuscitation. All of these labs will use models or cadaveric tissues.

VMS 5585 Small Animal Medicine I (5 credits)
Focuses on disorders of the cardiovascular, endocrine and neurological systems as well as selected infectious diseases. The important conditions 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 Surgery Laboratory I (2 credits)

Comprises one laboratory period and one hour of lecture or discussion each week. The initial laboratories cover aseptic technique, instrument handling, surgical knots and suturing. This is followed by a review of and examination in anesthesia. If the students pass this examination, they proceed to live animal surgery using University-owned sheep. During this period, students also have a practice laboratory using abattoir-sourced sheep skin and a bandaging lab using University-owned dogs. The final exercises are a donkey cast application laboratory and a practical examination, using the ROSSIE model of canine ovariohysterectomy. Students must pass this examination to pass the course. Additional practice hours are available in the Clinical Skills Laboratory throughout the semester. This is a pass/fail course.

VMI 5603 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)
Utilizes a problem-oriented approach to study common diseases of the eyes, kidneys, urinary tract, skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas and blood as well as basic oncology for dogs and cats. Knowledge will be built on preclinical studies such as anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology and will draw heavily on clinical pathology, pharmacology and toxicology. Medical diseases will be arranged to coincide chronologically with surgical diseases of the same systems being taught in Small Animal Surgery.

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 is 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 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. Mandatory rotations include: equine, bovine 1 & 2, small animal clinics, ambulatory, emergency, grand rounds. Elective rotations include: small animal surgery, anesthesia, clinical pathology, clinical simulation, diagnostic imaging, advanced clinics, primate research, dentistry, small animal theriogenology, communication.

VMS 5793 Large Animal Medicine II (5 credits)
Focuses on the recognition, treatment, and prevention of diseases of food producing animals and camelids. Recognition and management of foreign and emerging animal diseases is also included. Management of the herd unit is emphasized.

VMS 5795 Large Animal Surgery (4 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.

VMS 5796 Surgery Laboratory II (2 credits)
Provides training in preoperative planning, anesthesia, surgical techniques, operating room decision-making, and postoperative care via supervised operations designed to parallel the most commonly performed surgeries in private practice. Students entering this course should have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology as well as basic surgical skills and anesthesiology.

VMS 5798 Special Species Medicine (2 credits)
Allows students to gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of veterinarians with respect to diseases, husbandry, surgery, and medicine as well as aspects related to public health in the context of pet birds, and non-traditional species including reptiles, rodents, ferrets, and rabbits.

Electives

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VPP 5531 Clinical Nutrition (1 credit)
Introduces concepts of canine and feline clinical nutrition to 5th through 7th semester students. Topics include developing a weight loss program for obese animals, the do’s and don’ts of enteral/parenteral nutrition, recognizing key nutritional factors which must be addressed in various disease states.

VPP 5011-5055 Special Topics in Research (1-5 credits)
Provides specific research opportunities for students with research interests. Participates in campus research projects, off-campus programs or field investigation. Course credit is assigned on the basis of the degree of a student’s involvement in the planning, execution, data collection, analysis and publication of a given project.

VMS 5498 Laboratory Animal Medicine Elective (1 credit)
Provides a basic overview of laboratory/exotic animal medicine and care including species specific anatomy, physiology, biology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment, and the ethical use of these animals as models for biomedical research and teaching.

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
Kansas State University, Manhattan www.vet.ksu.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