The LMU-OPCVM DVM curriculum is a full-time, continuous 8-semester (three year) program leading to the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). The curriculum will stress the interdependence of the biological, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences. Throughout the curriculum, emphasis will be placed on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the diseases of animals. The curriculum uses live animals, clinical immersion, and team-based learning. Practical clinical skills, including diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures, will be taught from the beginning, reinforced throughout the curriculum as part of the Clinical Skills courses. Professional skills, including personal development, communication with clients, and collaboration with other health professionals and paraprofessionals will be taught as part of the One Health initiative and the Professional Life Skills courses.
A veterinarian must be skilled in problem-solving and demonstrate expertise in diagnosis. To achieve this goal, LMU-OPCVM’s curriculum will emphasize the integration of the basic and clinical sciences. The curriculum will be divided into a pre-clinical phase and a clinical phase.
Calculation of Credit Hours
Calculation of credit hours is based on the following formula: Fifteen lecture hours and a minimum of two hours out of class student work per week for approximately fifteen weeks equals one credit hour, thirty laboratory hours equals one credit hour, and four weeks of rotation equals four credit hours.
1.0 Credit hour = 15 Lecture or Seminar Hours and a minimum of two hours out of class student work per week for approximately fifteen weeks
1.0 Credit hour = 30 Lab Hours
Pre-Clinical Curriculum
The first six semesters of the DVM program will provide the student with a solid understanding of the basic sciences that form the foundation for veterinary practice. This introduction will occur within the philosophy of “clinical immersion”, i.e., the early emphasis on practical application of scientific knowledge to real-life veterinary problems. This approach will help students to develop problem-solving skills and prepare them for entry into the challenging field of veterinary practice.
A pre-clinical academic year consists of three semesters:
Academic Year 1 (AY 1): Semesters 1(Summer), 2 (Fall), & 3 (Spring)
Academic Year 2 (AY 2): Semesters 4(Summer), 5 (Fall), & 6 (Spring)
Pre-Clinical Coursework Waivers
Selected basic pre-clinical science courses may be waived by prior completion of comparable coursework, as determined by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in consultation with the Course Director. The waiver policy is primarily designed for incoming students who have received a graduate degree in a field that the course they are requesting the waiver for encompasses. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs may waive the course entirely or require the student to successfully pass a comprehensive examination covering the course material. For each course waived, a waiver petition/form must be completed, with the appropriate signatures, and filed with the Office of Academic Affairs prior to the start of the class. The signed waiver form becomes a part of the academic record at LMU-OPCVM and serves as a record of the student’s completion of those course requirements. The student will receive credit for the course but will not receive a letter grade. The class will not be figured into the student’s GPA. Students receiving a waiver will not be eligible for official class rank. The granting of a waiver will not reduce a student’s tuition. Students who are granted a waiver are strongly encouraged to use their waived course time and expertise to serve as tutors for their classmates. Clinical rotations may not be waived.
Course Descriptions, Course Catalog, and Curriculum Digest
A summary listing of all course descriptions and credit hours is located in Appendix A and B. Courses contain the prefix OPDVM and are numbered from 700-799.