The clinical year of the LMU-OPCVM veterinary program includes semesters 7 and 8 of the curriculum with 45 weeks of clinical experience. These 45 weeks are comprised of 29 weeks of Foundation rotations, and 16 weeks of elective rotations. The final rotation is a one week programmatic review that is held over the week prior to commencement.
Clinical courses are classified as either Foundational or Elective curriculum. Foundation curriculum courses are required and assigned by the Office of Clinical Relations and Outreach and cannot be changed by the student. Clinical year core curriculum is provided at Foundation Instructional Sites where LMU-OPCVM faculty oversee students . In addition, clinical year foundation curriculum is provided at Foundation Instructional Sites (FIS) by trained clinical site personnel with additional support and oversight by LMU-OPCVM employees (Hub Liaisons, Course Mentors and the Office of Clinical Relations and Outreach). A list of clinical affiliate locations delivering foundational curriculum is found in Medtrics and designated as “FIS” in the site title.
Clinical year elective courses total 16 weeks. Elective rotations must be 4 weeks, except for externships. Students may schedule two 2-week externships into one 4-week block. Longer rotations are possible with approval by the Office of Clinical Relations and Outreach. Students are NOT permitted to schedule more than 4 weeks at any one general practice location. Dates for elective rotations proposed by students must align with the all LMU-CVM and LMU-OPCVM clinical year calendars.
See the Curriculum Digest for additional information and specific courses.