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SWAG视频 / College of Veterinary Medicine / Curriculum

Curriculum

Examine the Curriculum

Employers of our first graduates expressed an impressive 95% satisfaction rate, based on our graduates鈥� knowledge, performance, communication, problem solving, and learning skills.

SWAG视频鈥檚 four-year DVM curriculum uses a problem-based learning approach, and is guided by a reverence-for-life philosophy. Your education will include not only wellness care, primary and tertiary care, but also client communication, collegial exchange, and business training.

Review the Course Listing in our Catalog

For more detail regarding the curriculum, please review the course descriptions (PDF) in our University catalog.

VetMed students examine a dog in clinic

Problem-Based Learning


Problem-based learning (PBL) is significantly different from the traditional lecture-based format. In SWAG视频鈥檚 PBL curriculum, groups of approximately 7 students actively engage in the learning process while faculty facilitate and provide subject-matter knowledge.

Working independently and in small groups, students explore case studies to learn basic science and clinical concepts. As a student, you鈥檒l learn to uncover answers, assess the quality of information, learn basic science knowledge and communicate effectively as you explore 64 carefully selected cases during your first and second year in the program.
Western University of Health Sciences鈥� College of Veterinary Medicine Assistant Professor of Physiology David Kersey, PhD,

Although the transition from a traditional to a problem-based learning style can be challenging, students and alumni say it is extremely rewarding and worth the effort!
  • Read more on PBL below

    I love our problem-based learning approach. Instead of sitting through lectures and, for example, getting totally immersed in every single parasite known to man, we are presented with a new case each week.

    鈥淲e receive disclosures (medical background and presenting symptoms) each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday regarding our 鈥榩atient鈥� for the week. We then come up with all of the facts from the case, our problems, ideas, and plans for diagnosis and treatment.

    We also come up with learning issues; things we need to know to be able to effectively diagnose and treat the patient. We are responsible for coming up with learning issues and finding the resources we need to learn the information. This way of learning puts the responsibility on the student and makes things 鈥渟tick鈥� so much better. I can relate the basic sciences to an actual case, and this makes the knowledge much more memorable.鈥�

    Jennifer Stonequist, DVM 2011
    • Photo of Vet with dog between their hands

    Reverence-for-Life Philosophy

    You will master all the technical skills you need to become a skilled professional, and you will learn them in a manner that does not harm animals. For example, you will acquire skills, such as how to anesthetize and perform surgeries through use of inanimate and dynamic models, computer simulations and apprenticeships. Mastery of skills is required before you work on live animals; we never perform unnecessary surgeries or procedures on healthy animals. You will have the chance to practice your skills on real animals with real medical issues at various points in the program.
  • Early Clinical Experience

    You can expect clinical exposure starting in the very first week of class, and more extensive third year clinical experience than is available at most other veterinary schools. You will master procedural skills on high-tech mannequins before performing them on live animals at numerous facilities both on and off campus. Read more about the incredible clinical experiences you can expect as a SWAG视频 student.
  • Learn Alongside Students in Other Health Professions

    SWAG视频鈥檚 interprofessional curriculum provides a forum for you to collaborate and learn from students in eight other health-care programs. This curriculum provides an opportunity for early networking with other health professionals and ultimately prepares you to better serve your patients through interprofessional collaboration and referrals.
  • Academic Support

    Dedicated clinical and basic science faculty with many years of teaching experience are committed to working closely with you to help you succeed in our rigorous program. You will have a faculty advisor who serves as a mentor throughout your academic career by providing advice, referrals, letters of recommendation, and other support.

    The Office of Learning Enhancement & Academic Development Office (LEAD) is another resource for on-campus and distance students. LEAD helps students connect academic success with wellbeing. In individual counseling sessions, students learn time management, test taking, and studying strategies. LEAD facilitates training in managing stress, increasing focus, and professional skills.

    Just five years after opening our doors to students, the College of Veterinary Medicine has achieved limited full accreditation and a reputation as a leader in innovative learning and reverence-for-life pedagogy. Clearly, we prioritize student success.
  • Facilities and Technology

    Western University of Health Sciences is a thriving academic health center spread out over 22 acres in Pomona, CA. The main campus includes 19 major buildings.

    As a SWAG视频-DVM student, you will learn in a variety of settings including the Veterinary Science Center鈥檚 problem-based learning (PBL) rooms, anatomy lab and multidisciplinary classroom, two CVM-associated companion animal wellness centers, local veterinary clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and zoos.
    • SWAG视频 CVM campus

    Veterinary Clinical Center

    You will also gain experience in the Veterinary Clinical Center, which opened in May, 2008. The first floor of the center is fully equipped with exam rooms, laboratory, pharmacy, medical imaging, and surgery capabilities.

    On the rest of the first floor is the student commons, student lockers, a large Wet Lab, and an A/V room. The second floor consists of an auditorium/classroom and a large divided conference room that can also be used as classrooms. Offices are also on both floors.

    Join us for information session where you can tour the facilities, chat with faculty and students, and learn more about SWAG视频鈥檚 DVM curriculum and admission requirements.
    Information Session