phd study in veterinary

College of Veterinary Medicine

• Comparative and Molecular Biosciences
• CMB PhD program degree timeline & course requirements
• CMB MS program degree timeline & course requirements
• Projects seeking applicants
• Current graduate students in Comparative and Molecular Biosciences
• Meet our faculty
• MS and PhD in Veterinary Sciences

VS PhD degree timeline & course requirements

• VS MS degree timeline & course requirements
• Project Seeking Applicants
• Current graduate students in Veterinary Sciences
• Summer scholars program
• Professional and career development
• Where are our alumni?

Course requirements

Formal coursework for the PhD degree varies according to the field of study, interests, and career goals of individual students. Courses may be taken in disciplines other than veterinary sciences. Students wishing to enroll in a 4000-level course need to consult with their advisor and the director of graduate studies prior to registration to use the course in their degree program. Such courses may be appropriate to supplement any deficiencies in the student’s academic background provided:

• A maximum of six 4000-level course credits may be used to satisfy the doctoral course requirements.
• At least 12 course credits and 24 doctoral thesis credits must be completed while enrolled in the Veterinary Sciences graduate program.
• Approved transfer coursework may include a maximum of 12 graduate credits taken as a non-degree seeking or non-admitted student.
• Transfer of thesis credits is not allowed.
• At least two-thirds of course credits must be taken with grades A-F. 

PhD program requirements

Course credits: 24 credit minimum to be taken in Veterinary Sciences or a related field Thesis credits: 24 credits (VMED 8888) Total credits: 48 credits minimum

+ Required courses

• VMED 5190 Seminar and Presentation Development for Graduate Students
• VMED 5910 Grant Writing: What Makes a Winning Proposal?
• VMED 8134 Ethical Conduct of Animal Research
• VMED 8550 Veterinary Medicine Seminar (2 credits)
• At least three additional 8000-level courses in major field
• At least one course in Biostatistics (two are recommended)

+ Recommended courses to fulfill biostatistics requirement credits

• VMED 5915 Essential statistics for Life Sciences
• VMED 8910 Statistical Principles of Research
• PUBH 6414 Biostatistical Literacy
• PUBH 6450 Biostatistics I 
• PUBH 6451 Biostatistics II 
• Stat 5021 Statistical Analysis
• Stat 5031 Statistical Methods for Quality Improvement 
• Stat 5302 Applied Regression Analysis
• Stat 5303 Designing Experiments 
• Stat 5421 Analysis of Categorical Data

Statistics courses other than those listed can be used to fulfill this requirement with the approval of the student’s adviser, the thesis committee, and the PAC. 

Degree timeline

The following timeline is recommended for all Ph.D. students in the VMED program. Completion of requirements as described will ensure that each student will progress through the program in an efficient and timely manner. It is also recommended that you discuss your graduation progress with your adviser.

Begin coursework.

• VMED 8550 Veterinary Medicine Seminar (2 cr)
• At least one course in Biostatistics  
• Three additional 8000-level major or supporting courses (recommend CMB 8202)
• Submit GPAS by the end of Year One.
• Identify thesis committee members, request form from Graduate Program Coordinator, and gain approval of committee from PAC.
• Begin Individualized Development Plan (IDP)
• VMED 5910 Grant Writing: What makes a winning proposal?
• Schedule first committee meeting during fall semester to discuss thesis proposal and submit committee meeting report form .
• Contact Graduate Program Coordinator for written preliminary exam template.
• Submit written preliminary exam to Graduate Programs Coordinator (GPC) for committee approval.
• Complete Preliminary Oral Exam online scheduling form (at least one week prior to preliminary oral exam).
• Complete preliminary examinations by August 15.
• After successful completion of preliminary exams, submit online the final oral exam committee members .
• Schedule annual committee meeting and submit committee meeting report form .
• Complete research and write dissertation .
• Schedule and complete annual committee meeting and submit committee meeting report form .
• Visit the Graduate School's Degree Completion Steps to learn about the graduation process.
• Apply to graduate by the first day of the anticipated graduation month.
• Note: thesis defense presentation date must allow a committee three weeks minimum of review time.
• Provide graduate program coordinator with thesis title, date, time and location of thesis defense (two weeks prior to defense).
• Complete final oral defense/examination online scheduling form (at least one week prior to defense).
• Initiate Final Exam form.
• Electronically submit final thesis manuscript .
• Schedule exit interview with graduate program coordinator.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion overview
• Commitment to diversity
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee
• Reporting bias or sexual misconduct
• Iverson Bell Accessibility
• Registration, Hotel & Travel
• Visiting the Twin Cities
• Zoetis Diversity and Inclusion Award
• Our faculty & staff
• Strategic plan 2023-2026
• What we offer
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
• Graduate Programs
• Dual degree programs
• Internship & Residency Programs
• Accreditation
• Departments overview
• Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
• Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
• Our faculty
• Give to VCS
• Department of Veterinary Population Medicine
• Centers & programs overview
• Center for Animal Health and Food Safety
• Current clinical trials
• Completed clinical studies
• For UMN & external collaborators
• For CVM investigators
• Regulatory information
• Community medicine initiative
• One Health workforce
• One Health systems mapping and analysis resource toolkit (OH-SMART)
• Respond project
• John Fetrow Dairy Education Center overview
• Davis partner
• Veterinary student education
• Funding & support
• Staying at the center
• Leatherdale Equine Center
• Minnesota Urolith Center
• Secure Food Systems
• Secure Poultry Supply
• DVM students
• Graduate students
• Principles and applications of genetics and genomics to improve animal health
• Swine Disease Eradication Center
• African Swine Fever
• COVID-19 resources for the swine industry
• Bronchial lavage
• Deep tracheal sample
• Laryngeal swabs
• Lung tissue collection
• Nasal swabs
• Oro-pharyngeal swabs
• Tonsillar swabs
• UV germicidal chambers - best practices
• Morrison Swine Innovator prize
• Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Program
• The Raptor Center
• Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
• Research overview
• Research news
• Office of the Associate Dean for Research
• RIDE Summit
• RIDE Seminar Series
• Animal Cancer Care & Research
• Research laboratories home
• Blood and Laboratory Support Services
• Canine genetics research
• Canine genetics testing
• Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory Members
• Chemistry Tests & Protocols
• Coagulation Tests & Protocols
• Cytology Tests & Protocols
• Hematology Tests & Protocols
• Urinalysis Tests & Protocols
• Equine Genetics and Genomics
• Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO)
• Members, Collaborators & Alumni
• Publications
• Surgical Research Laboratory

• Hospital & Primary Care
• Diagnostic Services
• Education >

Master’s & PhD Programs

Taking it to the next level.

Whether you are wanting to further specialize in a specific field of veterinary medicine or are passionate about biomedical research, we have the graduate degree options that you are looking for.

Our Programs

Dvm-mph program.

DVM-PhD program

Comparative Biomedical Sciences

Master of Avian Medicine

Master of Avian Health & Medicine

Master of Food Animal Medicine

PhD in Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology

PhD in Infectious Diseases

We’re UGA Vet Med, and our

passion powers our commitment.

• About the Dean
• Office of Academic Affairs
• Accreditation
• Inclusive Excellence
• College Directory
• Academic Departments
• Student Life
• Undergraduate Programs
• DVM Program
• Master’s & PhD Programs
• Intern & Residency
• Office of Research & Faculty and Graduate Affairs
• Areas of Emphasis
• Research Centers
• Faculty Research Labs
• Clinical Trials
• Student Research Opportunities
• Veterinary Teaching Hospital
• Pet Health Center
• Mobile Veterinary Services
• Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
• PDRC Diagnostic Services
• Infectious Diseases Lab
• Pathology Labs
• Milk Quality Laboratory
• SCWDS Wildlife Research & Diagnostic Service
• Alumni & Giving
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Student Complaints
• Veterinarians

501 D. W. Brooks Drive Athens, GA 30602

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Course Directory

PhD in Veterinary Medicine

Postgraduate Study

• Why Cambridge overview
• Chat with our students
• Cambridge explained overview
• The supervision system
• Student life overview
• In and around Cambridge
• Leisure activities
• Student unions
• Music awards
• Student support overview
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Disabled students
• Accommodation
• Language tuition
• Skills training
• Support for refugees
• Courses overview
• Department directory
• Qualification types
• Funded studentships
• Part-time study
• Research degrees
• Visiting students
• Finance overview
• Fees overview
• What is my fee status?
• Part-time fees
• Application fee
• Living costs
• Funding overview
• Funding search
• How to apply for funding
• University funding overview
• Research Councils (UKRI)
• External funding and loans overview
• Funding searches
• External scholarships
• Charities and the voluntary sector
• Funding for disabled students
• Widening participation in funding
• Colleges overview
• What is a College?
• Choosing a College
• Applying overview
• Before you apply
• Entry requirements
• Application deadlines
• How do I apply? overview
• Application fee overview
• Application fee waiver
• Life Science courses
• Terms and conditions
• Continuing students
• Disabled applicants
• Supporting documents overview
• Academic documents
• Finance documents
• Evidence of competence in English
• AI and postgraduate applications
• Terms and Conditions
• Applicant portal and self-service
• After you apply overview
• Confirmation of admission
• Student registry
• Previous criminal convictions
• Deferring an application
• Updating your personal details
• Appeals and Complaints
• Widening participation
• Postgraduate admissions fraud
• International overview
• Immigration overview
• ATAS overview
• Applying for an ATAS certificate
• Current Cambridge students
• International qualifications
• Competence in English overview
• What tests are accepted?
• International events
• International student views overview
• Akhila’s story
• Alex’s story
• Huijie’s story
• Kelsey’s story
• Nilesh’s story
• Get in touch!
• Events overview
• Upcoming events
• Postgraduate Open Days overview
• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD Study webinars
• Virtual tour
• Research Internships
• How we use participant data
• Postgraduate Newsletter

Primary tabs

• Overview (active tab)
• Requirements
• How To Apply

The Department of Veterinary Medicine houses a wide range of skilled staff, facilities and equipment, and has a wide clinical patient group to support students' research.  It also has strong ties with world class groups elsewhere in the University and its surrounding Research Institutes. 

We have particular  Research  strengths in   Disease Dynamics ,  Infection and Immunity ,   Systems Pathology . There is a wide range of potential research subjects on offer: from mathematical studies to small and macromolecules, cells, tissues and model organisms to clinical patients.

The PhD degree by research is carried out over a minimum of three and a maximum of four years full time (five to seven years part-time), including a probationary period of one year.  Each student is assigned a primary supervisor who will then assign an advisor or supervisory team to assist the student under their supervision.

Many research projects are carried out primarily within the Department, but part of your studies may occur elsewhere or even abroad.  Depending on the funder, some courses include lab rotations in the first year.  All students are expected to take part in the Postgraduate School of Life Science’s  Researcher Development Programme .

At the end of their first year of study, students are required to complete a satisfactory first-year report and assessment.  A short report is also expected at the end of the second year and students are expected to participate in Departmental events such as Seminars, Journal clubs and Research Days. Final Examination is by submission and viva voce examination of a thesis.

Continuation to the PhD from MPhil is possible although it is not automatic.  All cases are judged on their own merits based on a number of factors including evidence of progress and research potential; a sound research proposal; the availability of a suitable supervisor, full funding and resources required for the research; and acceptance by the Head of Department and the Degree Committee.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

We also welcome visits by interested candidates throughout the year: please contact potential supervisors to discuss a visit (see https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/study/postgrad/apply to find out how to make contact).

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of veterinary medicine, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024 (closed), easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Biological Sciences at the Department of Veterinary Medicine PhD
• Veterinary Medicine MV
• Veterinary Science MPhil
• Biological Science (Veterinary Medicine) by thesis MPhil
• Biological Science (Pathology) by thesis MPhil

Postgraduate Admissions Office

• Admissions Statistics
• Start an Application
• Applicant Self-Service

At a glance

• Bringing a family
• Current Postgraduates
• Cambridge Students' Union (SU)

University Policy and Guidelines

Privacy Policy

Information compliance

Equality and Diversity

Terms of Study

About this site

About our website

Privacy policy

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Browser does not support script.

Veterinary Medicine and Science PhD

• Full-time: Up to 4 years
• Part-time: Up to 8 years
• Start date: Multiple available
• UK fees: £5,350
• International fees: Up to £44,000 per year

Research overview

Develop your skills and understanding of the latest veterinary research.

We're committed to addressing the key challenges of our age through research that has an impact. Our research spans across species, improving the health and welfare of animals. From reducing lameness in sheep using technology, understanding cancer, cardiovascular and degenerative diseases, to how viruses and bacteria work, so we can better understand and treat them.

Our expertise are made up of research groups and specialist research centres, including:

• One Virology
• Translational Infection Biology
• Diagnostics and Therapeutics
• Ruminant Population Health
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Veterinary Education and Professionalism
• Advanced Data Analysis Centre (ADAC)
• Centre for Dairy Science Innovation (CDSI)
• Centre for Evidenced Based Veterinary Medicine (CEVM)
• Centre for Applied Bioethics (CAB)

The School of Veterinary Medicine part of Unit of Assessment (UoA6 Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Science) has improved their position in the upper half of the UoA and seen a significant increase in the proportion of outputs assessed as ‘ world-leading ’ or ‘ internationally excellent ’ from those submitted to REF2014. The Unit’s research environment is also recognised as being 75% ‘world-leading’ and 25% ‘internationally excellent’. Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Course content

Our Veterinary Medicine and Science PhD will give you specialist training in a broad range of topics. You'll learn the theory and practical techniques you'll need for a successful research career in veterinary medicine and science.

You'll design, plan and deliver an original and independent research project, with supervision and support from our research experts. Training in key skills is also provided. Skills you'll learn will depend on the nature of your chosen project.

During your first year, you'll work on a report and a confirmatory review. The review will be a written report on your thesis and progress so far, including comments from your principal supervisor.

You'll be required to attend a minimum number of formal and documented supervision sessions and submit a research portfolio detailing your formal and informal training records.

The confirmatory review must be passed to progress to the remainder of the PhD programme. If you do not pass the confirmatory review, you may be awarded an MRes degree instead.

After completing your first year, you'll be given the status of PhD student. You'll continue to focus on your chosen research topic, with support from your supervisor. The standard PhD course is three years, but some funded PhD courses are for 3.5 or four years. All PhDs must be completed within 4 years.

You'll need to complete:

• a written thesis of up to 100,000 words
• a verbal examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in-depth to an examination panel

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

Our Veterinary Medicine and Science PhD is flexible. You can choose to start on:

• 1 October 2024
• 1 December 2024
• 1 February 2025
• 1 April 2025
• 1 July 2025

We encourage you to contact a member of the academic staff about your research proposal before applying. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area.

Details of research supervisors at the University can be found on our research A to Z.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice .

You should factor into your budget some potential additional costs, such as living expenses in the UK.

You'll need to pay for your membership to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) if you are undertaking a clinical degree.

Additional costs relating to your research project will vary depending on the type of project decide on. For example, laboratory costs, basic veterinary equipment, insurance or CPD expenses if these are not covered by your project budget or funding.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

For Home students, tuition fees are often incorporated into a postgraduate grant. For self-funded, EU or international students, tuition fees are applicable.

You may be able to access funds to attend a UK conference each year, or an international conference at least once during your postgraduate degree.

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

You'll carry out your PhD under the supervision of one primary, and one secondary supervisor from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science. Both will be academic members of staff in the school and will have university training on the responsibilities associated with being a postgraduate supervisor.

You may also have additional supervisors from specialist research facilities, other Universities, research institutes or from industry.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• faith support
• financial support
• mental health and wellbeing support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• students who identify as women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

Purpose-built veterinary facilities.

You'll also have access to our  purpose-built veterinary school  at our  Sutton Bonington Campus .  Our facilities  include anatomy and clinical labs, a large surgery and dissection suite, and animal facilities such as kennels, stables, exotic pet rooms and sheep and pig housing.

Other facilities on our 1000-acre Sutton Bonington Campus include the  University Farm  with demonstration unit and  Centre for Dairy Science Innovation .

Specialist veterinary research facilities

Our research facilities are modern and purpose-built. We have specialist research labs for:

• ribonucleic acid (RNA)
• flow-cytometry
• biological level 2 and 3 organisms
• anaerobic organisms 
• histology and pathology

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

We've developed and supported more than 500 PhD students in recent years. Many have gone on to work in academia, research, and further study.

Related courses

Molecular medicine (and complex diseases) phd, infection immunity and global health phd, computational biology phd, veterinary science mres, research excellence framework.

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• The School of Veterinary Medicine part of Unit of Assessment (UoA6 Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Science) has improved their position in the upper half of the UoA and seen a significant increase in the proportion of outputs assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ from those submitted to REF2014. The Unit’s research environment is also recognised as being 75% ‘world-leading’ and 25% ‘internationally excellent’. Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
• 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
• 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 01 July 2024 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

• Startpage SLU

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science

The faculty's mission is to conduct high-quality academic research and teaching in the field of veterinary medicine and animal science. We are engaged in most aspects of the life and welfare of domestic animals.

Faculty Management

Rauni Niskanen , Dean Dirk Jan de Koning , Deputy Dean Marnie Hancke , Head of Faculty Administration

Programmes given in English

Animal science, departments and special resources, department of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, animal breeding and genetics, department of clinical sciences.

Explore UCD

• (opens in a new window) University Strategy
• University Governance
• President's Office
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Campus Development
• Course Catalogue
• Study at UCD
• Current Students
• Campus Accommodation
• International Student Experience
• Access & Lifelong Learning
• Careers Network
• Sports Clubs
• (opens in a new window) Student Societies

Research & Innovation

• Innovation at NovaUCD
• Graduate Studies
• Support for Researchers
• (opens in a new window) Find a UCD Researcher
• UCD College of Arts and Humanities
• UCD College of Business
• UCD College of Engineering and Architecture
• UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences
• UCD College of Science
• UCD College of Social Sciences and Law
• All Colleges and Schools
• News & Opinion
• Work at UCD
• UCD in the Community
• Global Partnerships
• (opens in a new window) UCD Foundation
• University Relations

Key Services

• Staff Directory
• Sport & Fitness
• IT Services
• (opens in a new window) Commuting
• (opens in a new window) UCD Map
• (opens in a new window)

Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry)

Undergraduate programmes.

• Veterinary Medicine
• Veterinary Nursing

With so much competition for entry to Veterinary Medicine from school leavers, many candidates with the necessary aptitude and attitude required to develop productive, professional careers in this area are unable to secure a place. By increasing the number of places available to graduates with appropriate prior learning, and by providing a tailor-made programme over four years for graduate entrants, we have increased student diversity and provided enhanced opportunities for entry.

To apply for this four-year programme, you must have completed a degree in biological, biomedical or animal sciences before entry into the programme. This graduate entry programme is designed to educate future veterinarians to the best international standards in veterinary medicine and to prepare them for careers in professional work, research and public service.

Course Summary

Degree Qualification: MVB (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Course Length:  4 Years

CAO Code: DN301

UCD Reference Code (Non-EU Applicants): VTS3

See  (opens in a new window) myUCD  and  UCD Registry - Graduate Entry for further information.

Entry Requirements - Irish & EU Applicants

Requirements for the four-year graduate entry course (DN301):

• GPA of 3.2 or above
• Physics with lab (1)*
• Biochemistry (1)*
• General biology (1)*
• General inorganic chemistry with lab (1)*
• Microbiology (1)*
• Cellular biology (1)*

*Number in brackets above denotes semester hours required.

For the four-year graduate entry course (DN301) you are eligible if you:

• Hold/expect to hold an honours degree (NQAI Level 8) with 2.2 Honours or above in a Biological/Biomedical/ Animal Science discipline OR a Master’s degree, OR a PhD in a relevant area of biological science by June 2021.
• Are considered an EU applicant (i.e. not deemed ‘overseas’ applicants for purposes of fees)

For the five-year graduate entry course (DN300) you are eligible if you:

• Hold/expect to hold an honours degree (NQAI Level 8) with 2.2 Honours or above OR a Master’s degree, OR a PhD in any discipline by June 2021.

For more detailed information on entry requirements visit the UCD Admissions website here .

Entry Requirements - Non-EU Applicants

Candidates who have studied and will complete a degree in an appropriate biological, biomedical or animal science discipline may be considered for the 4-year Graduate programme in Veterinary Medicine with the award of MVB.

Course requirements (Semester Hours):

• Physics with lab (1)
• Biochemistry (1)
• General biology (1)
• General inorganic chemistry with lab (1)
• Microbiology (1)
• Cellular biology (1)
• Those candidates with a non-science degree or lacking some prerequisites will be considered for entry to the 5-year MVB programme.

Additional requirements and considerations: A minimum of two references (one from an academic source, and one from a veterinary surgeon with whom you have worked/completed work experience).

Applicants are expected to have gained relevant work experience of handling animals. This should, where possible, include not only seeing veterinary practice, but also spending time on livestock farms and other animal establishments.

How to Apply

Irish & EU Applicants

Irish & EU Applicants apply for this course through Central Applications Office (CAO)

For detailed information on the application process and the supporting documents required visit the UCD Admissions website here .

North American Applicants: 

UCD School of Veterinary Medicine participates in the VMCAS application system. Please (opens in a new window) click here to begin your application via VMCAS .

Please note: A supplemental application through the  (opens in a new window) UCD online application system is also required.

North American applicants who have not applied via VMCAS before the closing date can apply directly via the (opens in a new window) UCD online application system .

Other Non-EU Applicants: 

Non-EU applicants without residence in North America can find country-specific application information on the UCD Global website here .

Graduate entry programmes are not part of the “Free Tuition” scheme. This is a level 8 undergraduate degree, so the undergraduate fees rules apply.

For EU Fees please see the UCD Fees website here

For Non-EU Fees please see the UCD Fees website here

Please note: If you have at any time resided, or are at present resident outside of the EU then you must contact the UCD Fees Office well in advance of the closing date to verify your EU Fee status. Your status will determine whether you apply as an EU applicant or if you are required to apply directly to the University as a Non-EU applicant. You can complete an online self-assessment on the UCD Fees website here . 

What will I Study?

The Graduate-entry Programme is organised into four stages:

In Stage 1 of the programme, students will build on their knowledge of the basic biological sciences by taking modules designed to demonstrate how this knowledge is applied in the practice of Veterinary Medicine, and gain a firm grounding in animal welfare, behaviour and handling.  

As the programme progresses, students will learn clinical skills and study each of the clinical sciences using a “body systems” approach. The final year of the programme consists of clinical rotations in the UCD Veterinary Hospital where students have the opportunity to work alongside experienced and specialist staff clinicians, and participate in patient care and client communication. Each student has a personalized timetable ensuring that they participate in rotations in Large and Small Animal Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Anaesthesiology, Small Animal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Farm Animal Clinical Studies including Herd Health, and Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology.

Throughout the programme, students are required to participate in extra-mural studies. In the early years, this consists of gaining experience in the handling and management of farm and companion animals, and in later years, of working with veterinarians in practice.

For detailed information about Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) please visit the (opens in a new window) UCD Course Finder here . 

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Following on from graduation, you can work in mixed, small animal, farm animal or equine practice. You may also obtain further specialist clinical qualifications. Beyond clinical practice, veterinarians play an important role in the protection of public health, in research into diseases of animals and humans, and in other areas, such as conservation and wildlife protection. While most graduates work in clinical practice, increasing numbers pursue research in public service or the private sector. This reflects the important role of the veterinarian in animal health control and consumer protection. At present, there is almost complete employment for veterinary graduates.

Student Testimonial

“Over the last two years at UCD, I had the immense privilege of learning from world-class faculty specialising in every discipline of veterinary medicine imaginable. This exposure embodied UCD’s mantra ‘Ad Astra’ (which is Latin for ‘to the stars’) as it showed me that there is no limit to the potential you can achieve with your veterinary degree. I was particularly captivated with the concept and ground breaking research of One Health Medicine and I am delighted to have the opportunity to pursue research in that field this summer. All of that, coupled with the available student support, really demonstrated the holistic approach taken by our program, as it not only allowed me to receive an excellent education, but it also emphasized the importance of resilience and wellbeing within the veterinary profession.”

Fiona Sahyoun, Student

Useful Information for International Students

Below you will find useful informaton for Non-Eu students who are interested in studying in UCD.

Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland is a small, compact island that is easy to navigate. On the western edge of Europe, Ireland is a member country of the European Union and a natural gateway to Europe, especially now as we are the only English speaking country in the Eurozone.

We’re home to one of the best education systems in the world which is just one of the reasons why international students love to study abroad in Ireland. Graduates with degrees from Irish Universities are highly sought after by businesses, governments, international organisations and academic institutions throughout the world.

Our international students love exploring and travelling around our beautiful country while they study abroad in Ireland! We're a safe nation (ranked 12th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index). We're also a happy and welcoming nation - 22nd on the World Happiness Index! We are particularly proud of our culture and heritage. There are two UNESCO world heritage sites, countless cathedrals, ancient monuments and castles for you to explore and enjoy.

UCD - a university in  Dublin  - is a cosmopolitan European city full of parks, coffee shops, museums, live music events - and of course the world-renowned  (opens in a new window) St Patrick's Day Festival . Dublin is also surrounded with beaches, cliff walks, forest and mountain trails for those who like outdoors and adventure.

Outside of Dublin, international students will find the breath-taking  (opens in a new window) Wild Atlantic Way  and the enigmatic  (opens in a new window) Ancient East  within reasonable easy reach. In the North is  (opens in a new window) The Giant's Causeway  and a number of filming locations for Game of Thrones. In the South, you'll find our  (opens in a new window) bustling second city  and the stunning scenery of West Cork amongst the many other attractions. Everything is just a few short hours bus, train or drive from UCD!

Why Study Veterinary In UCD?

The UCD School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the leading veterinary schools in Europe, and it has also been granted full accreditation by the  American Veterinary Medical Association  (AVMA)' page" rel="noopener" tabindex="0"> (opens in a new window) American Veterinary Medical Association  (AVMA) , the  European Association of Establishments in Veterinary Education  (EAEVE)' page" rel="noopener" tabindex="0"> (opens in a new window) European Association of Establishments in Veterinary Education  (EAEVE) , the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)' page" rel="noopener" tabindex="0"> (opens in a new window) Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) , the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC)' page" rel="noopener" tabindex="0"> (opens in a new window) Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC)  and the  Veterinary Council of Ireland  (VCI)' page" rel="noopener" tabindex="0"> (opens in a new window) Veterinary Council of Ireland  (VCI) .

Students and faculty of the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine have access to cutting edge expertise at the  UCD Veterinary Hospital ' page"> UCD Veterinary Hospital , a referral and teaching hospital. Its international faculty includes Board-certified specialists in a wide range of disciplines as well as veterinary scientists actively contributing to the development of advances in their subjects.

Talk To Current Veterinary Students

There is no better way to get a real sense for studying with us than talking to our current students. You can talk to a number of our students on Unibuddy through the link below: 

(opens in a new window) https://www.myucd.ie/chat-with-our-students/

Take a Virtual Tour

If you haven't already visited the Belfield campus why not take a virtual tour to discover everything that our 133 hectare woodland campus has to offer students. 

(opens in a new window) Click here to view the UCD Virtual Tour.

Scholarships & Finance Information

UCD is pleased to offer a number of scholarships to international students. There are both full and partial scholarships available. For more information on scholarships available visit the UCD Global website here . 

Visas and Immigration Information

All students are responsible for assessing their own visa requirements, so you should  check the  (opens in a new window) Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service  (INIS) website to see if you require a visa.

If you do require a visa, please visit our  Visa Required page .

While you may not require a visa to study in Ireland, all students from outside the EU / EEA are subject to ordinary immigration processes at the port of entry or airport.

The UCD Global website has speciific information for students on Visas and Immigration: 

Click here for United States of America Information 

Click here for Canada Information

Accommodation Information

UCD provides safe, comfortable and modern student residences surrounded by the greenery and nature of our large, urban campus.

Visit the  UCD Global website here for information about accommodation 

Campus Life Information

At UCD we have the most diverse student facility of any university in Ireland, with a multitude of facilities designed to encourage our students become involved in  clubs  and  (opens in a new window) societies , and stay fit and healthy during their time here. There are also multiple opportunities for students to get involved in exciting initiatives related to their specific disciplines.

For more information on Campus Life and Student Experience visit the UCD Global website here . 

Get in Touch with Us

If you have any queries or would like to find out more about studying at UCD, please contact us:

E-mail : [email protected]

Phone : +353 1 716 6100

Contact the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine

10 VETERINARY-PHD positions in Germany

Filtered by.

• VETERINARY-PHD

Refine Your Search

• Scholarship 7
• Research Job 1
• Fellowship 1
• PhD Studentship 1
• Postdoc Fellowship 1
• Hannover Medical School • 3
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München • 2
• Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) 1
• Justus Liebig University Giessen • 1
• Technical University of Munich 1
• Medical Sciences 3
• Environment 1
• Linguistics 1
• Mathematics 1

PhD / Doctorate •

Degree Doctor of Philosophy ( PhD ) in Medical Research – Cardiovascular Science Teaching language English Languages Courses are held in English only. PhD theses are written only in English. Full-time

Research Associate/ PhD candidate (m/f/d) Evolutionary Ecology of Pathogens

The Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany, offers the position of a Research Associate/ PhD candidate (m/f/d) Evolutionary Ecology

PhD student - doctoral researcher (f/m/d)

joining our team from July 2024. Applicants should hold a Diploma/Master degree in biology, biotechnology, ( veterinary ) medicine or a related area, and have a strong background in immunology with experience

Junior Research / Technology / Clinician-Scientist Group Leaders (m/f/d) in the field of infection

, the Technische Universität Braunschweig, the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. For the newly established HUMAN program, we seek exceptional professionals to join us

Bayer Foundation: Carl Duisberg Fellowships in Medical Sciences

fields are invited to apply: human or veterinary medicine, medical engineering, applied medical sciences, public health, or data science in medicine. Academic Requirements Master's or PhD students

Degree PhD in Medical Research, Dr med In cooperation with Technical University of Munich, Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Helmholtz Zentrum München Teaching language English

Degree PhD or Dr rer nat In cooperation with Leibniz University Hannover Helmholtz Institute for Infection Research Braunschweig Technical University Braunschweig University of Veterinary Medicine

Degree After successful completion, candidates will be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy ( PhD ) or, if certain conditions apply, a Doctor rerum naturalium (Dr rer nat). In cooperation with HZI Graduate

Graduate school •

comprises six international PhD programmes – Molecular Medicine (since 2000), Infection Biology and DEWIN (since 2003/2010, Cluster of Excellence RESIST), Regenerative Sciences (from the Excellence Cluster

Description/content A Structured PhD Programme Within a Cutting-Edge Research Environment At the GCSC, you will actively participate in a research-intensive environment from the start, with support

Searches related to VETERINARY PHD

• phd veterinary
• medical sciences
• animal science phd
• pharmacology phd
• phd in veterinary pathology
• phd pharmacology
• phd in veterinary science

Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry)

MVB (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Course Video

Curricular information is subject to change.

With so much competition for entry to Veterinary Medicine from school leavers, many candidates with the necessary aptitude and attitude required to develop productive, professional careers in this area are unable to secure a place. By increasing the number of places available to graduates with appropriate prior learning, and by providing a tailor-made programme over four years for graduate entrants, we have increased student diversity and provided enhanced opportunities for entry.

To apply for this four-year course, you must have completed a degree in biological, biomedical or animal sciences before entry into the course. This graduate entry course is designed to educate future veterinarians to the best international standards in veterinary medicine and to prepare them for careers in professional work, research and public service.

Clinical rotations take place primarily in the UCD Veterinary Hospital in Belfield, which receives a range of pet species, farm animals and horses.

The study of Veterinary Medicine necessitates using animal-derived material in some classes. Any animal tissue used in classes is ethically sourced in full compliance with the university’s ethical review body. Individuals who object unreservedly to the use of animal material in teaching should not enter the veterinary medicine programme.

The course is organised over four years. In first year, students will build on their knowledge of the basic biological sciences. You will take modules which demonstrate how this knowledge is applied in the practice of veterinary medicine, and gain a firm grounding in animal welfare, behaviour and handling. A key objective will be to ensure that you have the required knowledge, skills and competencies to progress to second year. Between second and fourth year, you’ll take combined modules with students taking the DN300 degree in Veterinary Medicine.

Eligibility Criteria

The four-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who:

i) hold an honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in a biological, biomedical or animal science discipline at the level of a 2.2 Honours or above, a Master’s degree or a PhD. (Graduates of any discipline are welcome to apply for entry to the five-year MVB programme. Up to five places will be made available in DN300.)

ii) are EU applicants (i.e. not deemed “Non-EU” applicants for purposes of fees).

Graduate entry candidates will be assessed on a combination of:

i) GAMSAT score

ii) educational performance

iii) a personal statement outlining their motivation to study Veterinary Medicine.

iv) animal handling experience in at least 2 or more species is recommended

v) applicants may be called for an interview

Click here for Application Procedure

For detailed information on subject content click here.

You may be interested in the following blog posts: Student insight into UCD’s Graduate Entry Level Veterinary Medicine Program

You can work in mixed, small animal, farm animal or equine practice. You may also obtain further specialist clinical qualifications. Beyond clinical practice, veterinarians play an important role in the protection of public health, in research into diseases of animals and man, and in other areas, such as conservation and wildlife protection. While most graduates work in clinical practice, increasing numbers pursue research in public service or private sector research. This reflects the important role of the veterinarian in animal health control and consumer protection. At present, there is almost complete employment for veterinary graduates.

“Being a part of the UCD veterinary medicine community has been a dream come true for me. The opportunity to travel, meet people from all over the world, and be immersed in the local language and culture are just a few of the highlights for me. Close proximity to the UCD Vet Hospital and access to research projects in the school are reasons why I chose UCD. I identify with UCD’s ‘One Health’ approach to medicine and the pre-clinical and clinical skills I have gained, have helped build my confidence, in my future veterinary medicine career. From day one the staff have all been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I look forward to continuing my education at UCD and I am very grateful for this opportunity!”

Claudia Da Silva, Student

UCD Veterinary Medicine School Office, Veterinary Sciences Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 6100 Email: [email protected]

CAO Code: DN301

Cao point range 2023: n/a, length of course: 4 years, leaving cert subject entry requirements: n/a application procedure for full details about the application procedure, please click here for more information . students who have previously been unsuccessful in any veterinary medicine programme (i.e. have not met academic or other requirements within the programme) will only be considered for admission to veterinary medicine in ucd on a case-by-case appeal basis, to be considered by the relevant programme board., other school leaving requirements: see www.ucd.ie/admissions, other courses of interest, useful information, privacy overview.

• veterinary medicine

Fully funded veterinary medicine Scholarships in 2024 - 2025

20+ best scholarships for veterinary medicine students.

Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University 2025 in UK (Fully Funded)

• Fully Funded
• University of Oxford
• Masters, PhD
• All Subjects
• International Students

This is a Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at University of Oxford, UK. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University 2025 in UK (Fully Funded).

University of Nottingham China Beacons Institute Scholarships 2025

• Partial Funding
• University of Nottingham Ningbo China
• Green Chemicals and Energy, Intelligent Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Healthcare
• International Students, Domestic Students

This is a PhD scholarships for International Students, Domestic Students at University of Nottingham Ningbo China, China. Students interested in Green Chemicals and Energy, Intelligent Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Healthcare are advised to apply for University of Nottingham China Beacons Institute Scholarships 2025.

Ithaca College USA Study Abroad Scholarship Spring 2025

• Ithaca College
• Undergraduate
• Domestic Students

This is a Undergraduate scholarships for Domestic Students at Ithaca College, USA. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Ithaca College USA Study Abroad Scholarship Spring 2025.

Estonia Government Degree and Exchange Study Scholarships 2024 (Study in Estonia)

• Estonia Universities
• Bachelor, Masters, PhD

This is a Bachelor, Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Estonia Universities, Estonia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Estonia Government Degree and Exchange Study Scholarships 2024 (Study in Estonia).

UK Government Chevening Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded)

• UK Universities

This is a Masters scholarships for International Students at UK Universities, UK. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for UK Government Chevening Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded).

University of Sydney Australia Farrand International Scholarship 2025

• University of Sydney

This is a Undergraduate scholarships for International Students at University of Sydney, Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for University of Sydney Australia Farrand International Scholarship 2025.

Canada Post Scholarships 2025 (Funding up to $2000)

• Canada Universities
• Undergraduate, Postgraduate

This is a Undergraduate, Postgraduate scholarships for Domestic Students at Canada Universities, Canada. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Canada Post Scholarships 2025 (Funding up to $2000).

University of Queensland Australia UQ Firebirds Scholarship 2025

• University of Queensland

This is a Undergraduate scholarships for International Students, Domestic Students at University of Queensland, Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for University of Queensland Australia UQ Firebirds Scholarship 2025.

Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) Vietnam Undergraduate Scholarships 2025

• Full tuition fee, Partial Fee Waiver
• Ton Duc Thang University
• Domestic Students, International Students

This is a Undergraduate scholarships for Domestic Students, International Students at Ton Duc Thang University, Vietnam. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) Vietnam Undergraduate Scholarships 2025.

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2025, Study in Ireland

• Ireland Universities

This is a Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Ireland Universities, Ireland. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2025, Study in Ireland.

Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand Tongarewa International Scholarships 2025

• Victoria University of Wellington
• Masters, Postgraduate
• New Zealand

This is a Masters, Postgraduate scholarships for International Students at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand Tongarewa International Scholarships 2025.

University of Sydney Australia Thomas T Roberts Education Fellowship 2024

• Masters, Research, PhD, Fellowship

This is a Masters, Research, PhD, Fellowship scholarships for Domestic Students, International Students at University of Sydney, Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for University of Sydney Australia Thomas T Roberts Education Fellowship 2024.

Australian Catholic University ACU Industry PhD Scholarships 2024/2025 (Fully Funded)

• Partial Funding, Fully Funded
• Australian Catholic University

This is a PhD scholarships for Domestic Students, International Students at Australian Catholic University, Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Australian Catholic University ACU Industry PhD Scholarships 2024/2025 (Fully Funded).

UN Young Professional Programme (YPP) 2024 for International Students

• offered by United Nations
• Short Training

This is a Short Training scholarships for International Students at , USA. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for UN Young Professional Programme (YPP) 2024 for International Students.

Hong Kong China PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/2026 (Fully Funded)

• China Universities

This is a PhD scholarships for International Students at China Universities, China. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Hong Kong China PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/2026 (Fully Funded).

Quick Links

• Facebook like 25.7 K
• twitter share

Recent Updates

• Scholarships

MRIWA Australia Odwyn Jones PhD Scholarship 2025 (Funding up to $139,677)

Kings college london uk chevening scholarships 2025 (fully funded), tu delft netherlands justus and louis van effen excellence scholarships 2025, government of japan adb scholarship 2024. (fully funded), oas usa leo s rowe supplementary scholarship spring 2025 (worth $2000), a five-step guide to uscis translation requirements, how to preserve academic integrity, 5 best caribbean medical schools, erasmus mundus vs eu scholarships 2025 - the ultimate guide for aspiring scholars, become a teacher in new zealand: start preparing for teachnz scholarships 2025, university of florence announces fully funded scholarships for 2024, applications open for the 2025 lester b pearson international student scholarship at university of toronto, fully funded scholarships at top 10 universities according to qs world university rankings 2025.

PhD Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology

We have 0 Veterinary Sciences (fully funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Veterinary Sciences

All locations

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

All Funding

Veterinary Sciences (fully funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

There are currently no PhDs listed for this Search. Why not try a new PhD search .

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Filtering Results

University of Missouri

• Veterinary Health Center
• Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

College of Veterinary Medicine

Cvm researchers shed light on approaches to improve veterinary student wellbeing.

Published 8/28/2024

Kerry Karaffa, PhD, LP, Tamara Hancock, DVM, MS, DACVP, and Tiffany Sanford-Martens, PhD, LP, recently published their research titled, “Perfectionistic Cognitions, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Distress Among Veterinary Students” in the Journal of College Student Mental Health. Karaffa, licensed psychologist and mental health and wellness coordinator at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, was the principal investigator, while Hancock, assistant teaching professor, and Sanford-Martens, licensed psychologist, served as co-investigators.

Previous research has suggested that veterinary students may be at risk for experiencing mental health concerns, and maladaptive perfectionism may be a contributing factor. Some aspects of perfectionism, such as attention to detail or high personal standards, may be adaptive and associated with academic successes. However, maladaptive perfectionism, which is characterized by excessive self-criticism, fear of making mistakes or disappointing others, and feelings of inadequacy, may be detrimental to students’ personal and academic wellbeing.

“Unfortunately, little research has examined this so far and we sought to better understand this relationship,” says Karaffa. “A better understanding of the ways in which perfectionism could compromise veterinary students’ wellbeing is essential to identifying protective factors and points for intervention.”

In the study, an online survey was administered to 472 DVM students enrolled in 18 professional programs of veterinary medicine in the United States. Survey items related to students’ psychological distress, which included depression, anxiety, academic distress and more, as well as the frequency they reported having thoughts about perfectionism and their level of self-compassion.

“Perfectionistic thoughts reflect the discrepancy between one’s aspirational goals and actual level of attainment, and are a component of maladaptive perfectionism,” Karaffa says. “Self-compassion, on the other hand, involves practicing kindness toward oneself when experiencing challenges, seeing challenges as being part of a shared experience, and maintaining a balanced perspective on thoughts and feelings, rather than over-identifying with them.”

When compared to a normative sample of college students, the study found that veterinary students reported more frequent perfectionistic thoughts. Veterinary students who reported experiencing more frequent perfectionistic thoughts also tended to report lower self-compassion and greater psychological distress across a range of symptoms. Furthermore, self-compassion explained part of the relationship between perfectionistic thoughts and psychological distress.

“These findings suggest developing skills to identify and challenge negative self-talk, cultivating an academic environment in which empathy and self-reflection are valued, and improving self-compassion may be ways of practically reducing the impacts of maladaptive perfectionism on veterinary students’ mental health,” says Karaffa.

Karaffa suggests that future research should explore factors that could contribute to the development of maladaptive perfectionism among both pre-veterinary and matriculated students. He also believes that it would be valuable for future research to investigate the effectiveness of individual and organizational interventions to reduce maladaptive perfectionism and improve self-compassion among veterinary students and professionals.

By Nick Childress

• Animal Care
• Research and Innovations
• Department of Clinical Sciences
• Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences
• Department of Population Health and Pathobiology
• Faculty and Staff
• Student Experience
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Awards and Honors
• Media Resources
• Media Contacts
• Virtual Tour
• College and Hospital Facts
• Experts List
• Photos and Videos
• The Oath Magazine

Research Roundup NC State Veterinary Medicine, August 2024

Advocate and advance are two CVM values that continually drive the researchers at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. See how our faculty have been busy this summer finding innovative solutions to everyday hardships facing veterinary and human medicine. 

Discovering a Promising New Treatment for Infections Caused by Staphylococcus aureus

Scull G, Aligwekwe A, Rey Y, Koch D, Nellenbach K, Sheridan A, Pandit S, Sollinger J, Pierce JG, Flick MJ, Gilbertie J, Schnabel L, Brown AC.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most dangerous staphylococcal bacteria that cause staph infections. The bacteria often cause skin infections but can spread through the bloodstream and infect other organs, posing a significant threat to immune-compromised individuals. One of the reasons this particular strain is so worrisome is because S. aureus has a biofilm matrix that acts as a barrier and keeps immune cells from being able to reach the bacteria within the matrix, limiting the ability of antimicrobial drugs to eliminate S. aureus infections. A recent study led by experts from across NC State University, including faculty from the College of Veterinary Medicine, and UNC-Chapel Hill tested a novel treatment using antimicrobial loaded fibrin-based nanoparticles (FBNs) to administer antibiotics into the biofilm of S. aureus . The FBNs were made up of the same material that S. aureus generates for its biofilm, meaning the bacteria would incorporate the FBN particles into its matrix as well once the particles were introduced. From there, the antibiotics within the FBN particles could treat the infection. This exciting discovery shows FBN-antibiotic delivery has the potential to be a therapeutic tool for the treatment of S. aureus infections.

This study was published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research and can be found here. 

Evaluating the Success of Veterinary Students in the Clinical Environment 

Hepworth-Warren KL, Erwin-Craig SJ, Love K.

Although being able to place an intravenous catheter (IVC) in a horse is a necessary skill for graduating veterinary students, many times clients, faculty or technical staff are reluctant to allow students to be involved in placing the catheter out of fear of complications. A unique aspect of research at a teaching hospital is the ability to study students as they learn required skills and techniques in real time to assess how well they are absorbing information and applying it to clinical practice. Clinician researchers from our Department of Clinical Sciences conducted a retroactive study where they reviewed data from medical records of 455 IVCs placed in 394 horses. They gathered that the total rate of complications was 15.6% and that the most common type of complication was vein swelling. Students were involved in 87 of the IVC site preparations and placements, and there were no statistically significant differences in complication rates between the IVC sites prepared or placed by veterinary students versus nonstudent personnel. This data show that although there may be some hesitation with students performing these types of placements rather than someone with more experience, their knowledge from both the classrooms and laboratories at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine has prepared them adequately for clinical duties. 

The study was published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Associatio n and can be found here. 

Protecting the Gut Microbiota of Weaning Piglets

Boston TE, Wang F, Lin X, Kim SW, Fellner V, Scott MF, Ziegler AL, Van Landeghem L, Blikslager AT, Odle J.

The abrupt change in diet and overall stress during the weaning process of young piglets can damage their growth and development. Antibiotics have historically been used post-weaning to lessen the pathogenic bacteria in their guts, but the growing concerns of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria have caused veterinarians to investigate other avenues of protecting the stomach bacteria and promoting a healthy GI tract in these young pigs. A recent study, involving researchers from CVM’s Departments of Clinical Sciences and Molecular Biomedical Sciences, and university collaborators from NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, investigated whether the dietary prebiotic galactooligosaccharide (GOS) could improve growth and intestinal health in the piglets if supplemented both pre- and post-weaning. The results found that the prebiotic GOS supplements were most effective in proving piglet growth when supplied post-weaning. 

The full study was published in the Journal of Science and Biotechnology and can be accessed here. 

Finding Solutions for Colostrum Replacement in Beef Calves Delivered by Cesarean Section.

Chamorro MF, Saucedo M, Gamsjaeger L, Reppert EJ, Miesner M, Passler T.

Colostrum is the first form of breastmilk released by the mammary glands and is full of nutrients, including antibodies, providing a healthy start to the immune system of young mammals. In calves, colostrum is not only beneficial but considered necessary, as calves who do not receive passive immunity from colostrum have been shown to have a higher mortality rate. One factor that can affect whether a calf adequately receives colostrum actually has to do with the birth itself. After a C-section delivery, it is very likely the mother will not be able to stand and feed them the colostrum, and it is crucial the calves receive it as soon as possible. Currently, there are no colostrum replacement recommendations for beef calves. Therefore, a team of researchers, including Dr. Lisa Gamsjaerger of NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, studied whether administering a colostrum replacement product alone or in combination with maternal colostrum would increase the antibody concentrations of beef calves delivered by C-section. The results of this study showed that when compared with natural nursing, neither replacing nor supplementing colostrum resulted in higher antibody concentrations in the beef calves. The team emphasizes that more research is needed for innovative strategies for colostrum replacement in young calves delivered by C-section to ensure the health and safety of these important animals from the moment they are born. 

This study was published in Veterinary Sciences and can be found here . 

Testing a New Diagnostic Procedure for Lyme Disease in Humans

Lee G, Pretsch P, Ursery L, Giandomenico D, Abernathy HA, Evans L, Qurollo BA, Breitschwerdt EB, Boyce RM.

Lyme disease, caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria from the bite of certain tick species, is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. It can be difficult for doctors to catch and diagnose Lyme disease quickly, and the disease can pose lifelong complications to victims. Researchers are aiming to improve access to testing and early detection of infection by developing rapid, point-of-care tests that could simplify the diagnosis and expedite the treatment. The SNAP 4Dx Plus test (IDEXX Reference Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME, USA) is used in veterinary settings to screen for annual heartworm and tick-borne disease in dogs. Researchers from the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Clinical Sciences studied whether the canine point-of-care SNAP 4Dx Plus test could also be used for human diagnosis. The results showed that the SNAP 4Dx Plus test, though effective for canine use, was not as accurate for diagnosing Lyme Disease in humans. The team believes this could be because of different levels of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies between humans and canines. Researchers are continuing to find new diagnostic tools for the early detection and treatment of Lyme Disease. 

The research was published in Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases and can be found here.  

Student Summer Research Series

Fifty-seven DVM students spent their summers immersed in mentored lab research studies through the 10-week Veterinary Scholars Program. This summer, we highlighted three projects to showcase their aptitude and innovation! 

Ashley Chang

Dileydis Soto Montes and Sara Fitzgerald

More From Veterinary Medicine News

Litwack Q&A With Dr. Javier Perez Quesada: Investigating Why Foals are Born with Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome 

Dr. Sam Jones Named Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies 

Which Patients Are More Likely to Contract Bacterial Infections in Hospitals? NC State Researchers Use Machine Learning to Find Out 

PhD student accused of killing friend's baby faces death penalty if convicted

Pittsburgh prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case of a woman accused of killing a 6-week-old baby and injuring his twin brother in June, a new court filing shows.

Nicole Virzi, 30, a PhD student, was charged with homicide and multiple counts of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children. The charges stem from an incident in June when Virzi was babysitting the twin boys of a couple she knew in Pittsburgh.

According to a criminal complaint, Virzi called the police on the night of June 15, claiming that one of the twins had fallen from a bassinet. The baby, named Leon Katz, was rushed to a nearby children's hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The next evening, Virzi discovered injuries to Leon’s twin brother, including scratches, bruising and swelling. After the second baby was taken to the hospital, doctors found the injuries sustained by both twins were neither natural nor accidental.

An examination by the medical examiner's office revealed that Leon had suffered from a severe skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds, with the cause of death determined to be blunt force trauma to the head, resulting from homicide.

Virzi, who had been staying at an Airbnb property in Pittsburgh, told police that Leon was in a bouncer seat when she left the room to get him a bottle. She then heard the baby screaming and found him on the floor before she contacted police. Virzi also alleged that Leon's twin brother got a scratch to his face when she tried to put him in a car seat and he flailed his arms.

The twins' parents denied inflicting any injuries on their children.

The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office cited torture as one of the aggravating factors justifying its pursuit of the death penalty.

Virzi’s defense attorney, David Shrager, told NBC News that Virzi was close friends with the twin’s parents and maintains her innocence.

“This was not the direction we hoped the case would go,” Shrager said. “We strongly disagree with the allegations made by the DA’s office regarding the death penalty. We will of course be litigating this case aggressively until the truth comes out.”

Virzi was pursuing her doctorate at the University of California, San Diego. According to the university's website , she was studying behavioral medicine in the joint doctoral program in clinical psychology.

She is being held in the Allegheny County Jail without bond.

Pennsylvania is one of 27 states where the death penalty remains legal. Over 100 people remain on death row in the state — including just one woman — but no executions have been carried out since 1999.

When Gov. Josh Shapiro took office last year, he a nnounced that he would not issue any execution warrants during his term. He called on the General Assembly to abolish the death penalty, saying, "The Commonwealth shouldn't be in the business of putting people to death."

News Associate 

Cornell University

Cornell chronicle, popular destinations.

• Plan a Visit
• Maps and Directions
• Academic Calendar
• Colleges and Schools
• Directory Search

Important dates

• Aug 31 August Degree Date
• Sep 2 Labor Day - No Classes
• Oct 12 Fall Break Begins

NY at Work report: Cost of living most critical issue

2030 Project plans climate-themed speaker series

Machine learning explains material’s thermal conductivity

Cognitive behavioral therapy app improves anxiety in young adults

STEP expands local high school students’ horizons

Study confirms frequency of undetected responsiveness in severe brain injury

What went wrong in 2022 baby formula crisis?

Smart food choices at family level can ease chronic illness

Horse miscarriages offer clues to causes of early human pregnancy loss

The ‘knowledge curse’: More isn’t necessarily better

Explore #Cornell on Social Media

“I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.”

Ezra Cornell, 1868

Veterinary student uses fellowship to research chronic pneumonia in sheep

Andrew Mann

27 Aug 2024

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Copy address link to clipboard

In the rolling hills of Southwest Virginia, Emilia Jones finds herself far from her Chicago roots, drawing blood samples from sheep and diving deep into the world of veterinary research. 

The rising second-year veterinary student's journey from urban vegetarian to passionate food animal researcher is as unexpected as it is inspiring. 

Jones is among 15 students selected for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Veterinary Student Research Fellowship. The program addresses critical challenges facing the agriculture industry and global food security.

Seizing research opportunities

As a veterinary student at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Jones was eager to gain research experience. When she did not secure a spot in the competitive summer research program, she refused to give up.

Her persistence paid off when she discovered the Veterinary Student Research Fellowship opportunity. With a tight deadline looming, Jones raced to put together a proposal, drawing on her previous experience of doing health checks with her own sheep.

Jones focused on ovine progressive pneumonia, a disease that needs to be more widely studied because of its slow, insidious nature. 

Ovine progressive pneumonia is a chronic disease that affects sheep and is a slow progression and affects multiple systems in the body. The signs typically appear in sheep older than 2 and include progressive weight loss despite a normal appetite, labored breathing, and  respiratory distress. 

Ovine progressive pneumonia is considered one of the most economically significant chronic diseases in sheep production worldwide for its impact on animal health and productivity and despite its prevalence, many sheep operations lack effective control. It requires diligent management practices to control its spread and mitigate its impact on sheep flocks. 

Learning the research ropes

Sierra R. Guynn, clinical assistant professor of production management medicine and Jones's research mentor, was impressed by her determination. 

"Emilia came in with this incredible drive," Guynn said. "She didn't have research experience but had the passion to learn."

The learning curve was steep. Jones had to navigate the complexities of grant applications, Institutional Review Board protocols, and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approvals. "Dr. Guynn has been my guiding light," Jones said. "From paperwork to blood draws, she's been there every step of the way."

Boots on the ground

Jones's research involves visiting sheep farms across Southwest Virginia, collecting blood samples and surveying farmers about their management practices. Over a year, she aims to test 306 sheep from 30 to 35 farms.

The hands-on nature of the research has provided valuable experiences, but it is challenging. Jones has had to quickly learn the intricacies of conducting field research, from proper blood sample handling to operating unfamiliar equipment.

Despite these hurdles, Jones remains enthusiastic about the learning process. She finds working with producers and collecting samples relatively straightforward but acknowledges that the biggest challenge lies in learning everything else as she goes along.

Impacting animal health and farmer education

Guynn sees the project's potential to make a real difference, particularly in its alignment with the college's focus on food animal research in Virginia. The research has both economic implications and a role in improving biosecurity practices. 

Beyond studying ovine progressive pneumonia, the project provides an opportunity to educate farmers about broader animal health issues. 

"We're not just collecting data," Guynn said. "We're having conversations about vaccinations, management practices, and overall flock health."

A global perspective

The 2024 Veterinary Student Research Fellows represents a diverse group of students from institutions across the United States and internationally. The year-long fellowship culminates with the fellows presenting their research at the annual Veterinary Scholars Symposium, a national event that brings together hundreds of veterinary students, researchers, and leaders in the field. 

Looking to the future

For Jones, this research fellowship is just the beginning.

“Whether it's mixed animal practice, regulatory medicine, or infectious disease work, I am excited to see where this journey takes me. The One Health initiative really resonates with me because it shows how everything is connected – human health, animal health, and the environment. It's not just about treating individual animals,” she said.

As she balances her veterinary studies with this ambitious research project, Jones remains driven by her curiosity and passion for learning. She credits her experiences as an LGBTQ individual and a mother to have further inspired and motivated her pursuit of success in the veterinary field.

Jones is quick to emphasize that her achievements are not hers alone. "I couldn't have achieved this without the support of my VMCVM [veterinary college] friends and encouraging faculty," she said. "Dr. Guynn, in particular, has been extremely supportive and given me so much of her time. She has helped me with every step of the process, from paperwork to practical skills."

540-231-9005

• Blacksburg, Va.
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program
• Farm Animals
• Fellowships
• Good Health and Well-Being
• Graduate Students
• Large Animal Clinical Sciences
• Quality Education
• Responsible Consumption and Production
• Top News - Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
• Veterinary Teaching Hospital
• Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Related Content

• Graduate Programs
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Graduate Studies News >

The Graduate School FUSE Program 2024 Cohort

Graduate studies news.

August 29, 2024

The Graduate School welcomes the newest cohort of the FUSE Program .

FUSE Cohort 2024-2026

Alexa DeVilme – College of Public Health

Yasmin Holt – Marine Sciences, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Charlotte Ingram – Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics, College of Family and Consumer Sciences

Genesis Ivey – International Policy, School of Public & International Affairs

G’re Leslie Marc – Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine

Nina Simone Warner – Odom School of Ecology

Kaitlyn Whitner – Department of English, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Jamia Wideman – College of Public Health

Through the program, Facilitating Underrepresented Student Experiences (FUSE) , the UGA Graduate School affirms its commitment to recruit, retain, and graduate historically underserved students. Since 2008, UGA has fostered partnerships with minority-serving institutions to enhance the recruitment and transition of undergraduate students as they learn about applying to graduate school and enroll as graduate students.  Prospective UGA graduate students who earned undergraduate degrees from one of UGA’s partner institutions are eligible to participate.

The UGA Graduate School provides programming, support, and resources for these students from their application to UGA through graduation. Once enrolled, cohort participants receive an assistantship, attend professional development and networking programs, are paired with a mentor, and find strong support from earlier cohort members. To date, the FUSE Program has enrolled 112 students.

Read more about a recent FUSE participant and 2023 UGA Ph.D. graduate success story: Jared Grant – Using Trust to Build Community

Tags: #Committo , #GradStudies , #UGA , #UGAFUSE , #UGAgraduateschool , #unlockingpotential

« Older Entries

• Announcements
• Policy Updates
• Spotlight – Faculty
• Spotlight – Research
• Spotlight – Staff
• Spotlight – Student

Unlocking potential. Building futures.

Apply Today

The Graduate School Brooks Hall 310 Herty Drive Athens, GA 30602 706.542.1739

• Administration
• Graduate Bulletin
• Strategic Plan
• Virtual Tour
• Submit a Complaint
• Request Information
• Requirements
• Application Fee
• Check Status
• UGA Main Campus
• UGA Gwinnett
• UGA Griffin
• UGA Atlanta-Buckhead

• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

AgriLife Today

Texas A&M AgriLife's digital magazine and newsroom

Veterinary Science Certificate Program makes job-ready high school graduates

Agrilife extension offers path into veterinary science with industry-recognized certification.

August 19, 2024 - by Ashley Vargo

Haley Andrews, a veterinary science instructor in Pasadena, follows one guiding principle when it comes to choosing eighth-grade students for the high school veterinary science program: the more curious, the better.

“We’re really looking for those kids who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty,” she said. “Veterinary science is a unique industry, and we love finding those remarkable kids who want to develop their minds for veterinary science.”

Andrews teaches a customized version of the Veterinary Science Certificate Program offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service through the Department of Animal Science . At her school, students undergo a four-year pathway that culminates during their senior year with an industry-based certification exam.

The exam, once passed, guarantees graduates are ready and qualified for work as a veterinary assistant. They can then enter directly into a veterinary assistant job and assist in treating animals’ injuries and illnesses, or they can apply the knowledge and experience gained for a multitude of other pathways in the life sciences.

When taken through their high school, students achieve certification for nothing more than the $50 cost of the exam. And the program’s approval by the Texas Education Agency has made incorporating the program into new schools easier than ever.

Gaining veterinary assistant certification

In participating high schools, veterinary or agricultural science teachers lead students through the required coursework as part of a typical day. The students can also receive career and technology or science credits by taking the courses.

“We teach a series of classes, from principles of agriculture and small animal management all the way up to advanced animal science,” Andrews said. “The students then take the practicum course, which is where they work directly with DVMs or licensed veterinary technicians, then sit for their certification exam.”

Samantha Valdez, a current veterinary assistant and previous student of Andrews, enrolled in the program already believing — but not quite sure — a veterinary career path would be right for her.

“In high school, what was really appealing was that it was something new,” she said. “Every young kid wants to do something to start their career early, to get ahead and get that life experience. I would go to my normal English, math and other classes, then I would go to the veterinary science classes and get to learn all the basics of being a vet assistant.”

She said it allowed her to experiment and start early with something she loved, knowing that if it turned out she didn’t like it, she would still have the chance to try new things before graduation.

To graduate from the program and earn a completion of program certificate, students must complete 200 hours of coursework and 225 clinical hours, during which students apprentice under professional supervision and gain 100 necessary skills , such as understanding the basics of essential food nutrients and how to obtain a patient’s history. 

After meeting these requirements, students are eligible to take the veterinary assistant certificate exam . Those who pass the 100-question exam receive a certificate designating them as a veterinary assistant.

“In those 225 hours of clinical apprenticeship, students obtain all of these skills to make them job ready,” said Nikki Boutwell, program coordinator of the Veterinary Science Certificate Program. “Once they take their exam, they’re able to go straight into the workforce. The certification identifies these graduates as industry ready and job trained. It shows that these people have the knowledge and skills to walk into a clinic and perform the duties of a veterinary assistant.”

Statewide certification, worldwide use

Although the program was designed with Texas in mind, it’s used in classrooms and for personal study across the U.S. and internationally.

The veterinary science program is one of two programs within AgriLife Extension that meet the industry-based certification standard granted by the Texas Education Agency. The standard ensures the curriculum adequately prepares students for success in the workforce and/or postsecondary education.

Schools also benefit from including industry-based certifications because they contribute to academic accountability ratings, which are a key metric for assessing a school’s performance.

Though the veterinary science program standards and requirements are uniform, the actual implementation of the curriculum is intended to be customized. In Pasadena, Andrews uses it as a four-year program, but it can also be set up as a one-year track. Schools can also decide which state-approved courses to include.

“What’s really cool about our program is that a school can set up their own pathway and decide how they want to offer it,” Boutwell said. “We assist teachers and schools to help them set up their program in a way that works for them.”

By working with veterinary professionals, students also build a professional network.

Valdez, for instance, earned hours as a senior intern at a vet clinic that would eventually lead to a full-time job offer. She’s been with that clinic for four years now.

Opportunities following veterinary science education

Boutwell said the program can be used as a starting point for many different career paths.

She explained that some students opt to use the knowledge and skills for pursuing an associate, undergraduate or graduate degree in veterinary, animal or biomedical sciences. After Valdez earned her certification, she went on to pursue an associate’s degree and found she already had a solid foundation for much of the coursework because of the program’s classes.

Journey into the world of veterinary science

Are you a student interested in learning veterinary science or an educator considering adding it to your school’s curriculum?

“At my high school, we learned the basics of veterinary assistant requirements like grooming, nail trimming, ear cleaning; and they also added some agriculture,” she said. “In college, I had more agriculture classes, and seeing some of the material before helped me a lot. It made those classes a breeze.”

The hours of hands-on training are also useful for applications to graduate programs. When applying to veterinary school, students are typically expected to already have 500 to 1,000 hours of clinical experience.

The early start also helps students find out for themselves if a veterinary pathway is something they would actually enjoy for a career, as Valdez did.

Andrews said many students might come into this type of program because of their love for animals, but the ones who stick to it are those willing to get their hands dirty — and who aren’t squeamish about performing the medical tasks required. The low cost also makes the program exceptionally appealing for low-income students.

“As the veterinary industry faces a shortage of qualified employees, there’s never been a more important time to educate youth in veterinary science and usher them into the world of animal care,” Boutwell said. “We’re trying to help these students make career choices and gain experience so that they can prepare for after high school and find what they want to do for a career.”

Media Inquiries

Laura Muntean , media relations coordinator [email protected] 601.248.1891

Are you interested in this content, need high resolution photos or assistance getting connected with an expert to learn more? Please contact our media relations team at [email protected] .

You May Also Like

Thompson named Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Canyon resident director

Equine owners advised to act against EEE

Texas State 4-H Horse Show builds horsemanship skills, lifelong friendships

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service | Texas A&M AgriLife Research | Texas A&M Forest Service | Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab | College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Texas A&M AgriLife

Phone: (979) 803-1287 [email protected]

More Information

• Resources for Press and Media
• Story Suggestion

Find Us on Social Media

About texas a&m university.

share this!

August 21, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

trusted source

Exploring the benefits of AI in veterinary medicine and education

by Courtney Price, Texas A&M University

A researcher at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) is discovering new ways for veterinarians to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in both the clinic and the classroom.

Dr. Candice Chu, an assistant professor in the VMBS Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, has developed a study tool for veterinary students based on ChatGPT technology called VetClinPathGPT.

The tool helps students in learning clinical pathobiology, a field of veterinary medicine that focuses on disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Using the tool, students can "chat" with AI to ask questions about terms and concepts or even ask the tool to provide a list of study questions.

Chu has also published a list of ways for AI to increase efficiency and expand the abilities of educators and clinicians in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science .

"AI is a powerful assistant that can help clinicians, educators and students reduce the time they spend on repetitive work ," Chu said. "By reducing repetitive tasks, individuals can spend their time on the most important parts of their work, like completing assignments or helping students and patients."

Improving veterinary education with AI

Chu believes AI will become a regular part of the veterinary medicine classroom.

"Imagine having a microscope connected to a camera with AI capability, so students can look down at their slides and essentially have a clinical pathologist there to explain what they're seeing," Chu said. "They could ask the AI, 'What's that cell?' and it could tell them not only the type but also how to identify it.

"Veterinarians are in high demand and it's a good thing to have lots of students in the classroom," she said. "But one instructor cannot work with every student individually at the same time, so in my ideal world, AI would be able to help with that."

For now, Chu is helping to bring AI to veterinary education by creating tools like VetClinPathGPT that provide students with a virtual study partner.

"One of the best ways for students to use AI is to upload their course readings to an AI tool and ask it to make study questions based on the text," she said. "Once you read a passage, you can test your knowledge or use the AI to help you prepare for an exam."

Educators can also use AI to reduce the time they spend on repetitive tasks like writing exam questions.

"The key to getting high-quality, relevant answers to your prompts is to make sure that the information uploaded to the AI is reliable," Chu said. "For example, VetClinPathGPT doesn't use just any information from the internet—it uses the eClinPath website, an online textbook developed by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine."

The future of veterinary medicine

Chu also expects to start seeing AI used in clinical settings to help with tasks that take away time from working with patients, like record-keeping.

"It would be very helpful to have a tool that could go through medical records and pull examples from cases," Chu said. "Imagine having a tool that could fill out medical records while you're talking with a patient's owner."

While the technology for such things exists, the problem is making sure that the AI tool doesn't compromise the privacy of medical records.

"Training AI tools to accurately read patient medical records would mean needing to share medical records with a developer, which violates patient privacy laws," Chu said. "The same is true for a clinician who wants to use AI to identify important information in a patient's file. If you have to spend a lot of time redacting all of the personal information, you're probably just going to go through the records yourself."

But in Chu's opinion, it's only a matter of time before someone creates AI tools that meet the needs of hospitals, clinicians and their patients.

"There are already ways to build a custom version of ChatGPT and make it private so no one else can use it," she said. "Another option is to have an AI tool that only exists locally on your computer or your clinic's network."

A partnership, not a takeover

From Chu's perspective, using AI will always be a partnership between human and artificial intelligence.

"Neither are perfect on their own, so bringing them together increases our ability to diagnose, teach and learn," she said. "One thing I tell people is not to worry that AI will replace you; it's the person who knows how to use AI who will replace you. I think that in the future, knowing how to incorporate this technology will be a basic requirement to be an efficient and competitive veterinary educator in the job market."

In addition to her work on study tools, Chu is also partnering with the VMBS Gastrointestinal Laboratory and the Texas A&M Institute of Data Science on a machine learning project to see if AI can help diagnose acute pancreatitis in dogs.

She's also been invited to give a keynote lecture at the American College of Veterinary Radiology Scientific Conference this fall, and will share her research on AI at two other fall conferences—the Texas Taiwanese Biotechnology Association Symposium and the American College of Veterinary Pathologists Annual Meeting.

"This technology is still very new, so there are many opportunities for innovation," she said.

Provided by Texas A&M University

Explore further

Feedback to editors

Doughnut-shaped region found inside Earth's core deepens understanding of planet's magnetic field

10 hours ago

Study combines data and molecular simulations to accelerate drug discovery

Biodiversity loss: Many students of environment-related subjects are partly unaware of the causes

11 hours ago

How stressed are you? Nanoparticles pave the way for home stress testing

Researchers identify genes for low glycemic index and high protein in rice

13 hours ago

New discoveries about how mosquitoes mate may help the fight against malaria

New study highlights expansion of drylands amidst impact of climate change

14 hours ago

Novel chemical tool aims to streamline drug-making process

Heat waves impair bumblebees' ability to detect floral scents, study finds

Higher-order topological simulation unlocks new potential in quantum computers

Relevant physicsforums posts, will cryosleep ever be a reality, any suggestions to dampen the sounds of a colostomy bag.

Aug 28, 2024

The predictive brain (Stimulus-Specific Error Prediction Neurons)

Aug 27, 2024

Any stereo audio learning resources for other languages?

Aug 25, 2024

Cannot find a comfortable side-sleeping position

Therapeutic interfering particle.

Aug 24, 2024

More from Biology and Medical

Related Stories

Researchers explore generative AI benefits and shortfalls in medical education

Aug 5, 2024

Can AI add value to medical education and improve communication between physicians and patients?

Aug 16, 2024

Artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine raises ethical challenges

Dec 14, 2022

Statistical analysis can detect when ChatGPT is used to cheat on multiple-choice chemistry exams

Aug 14, 2024

AI tool recognizes serious ocular disease in horses

Apr 24, 2024

Is the genie out of the bottle? Can you trust ChatGPT in scientific writing?

Oct 19, 2023

Recommended for you

New research busts the myth that crossbred 'designer dogs' are healthier than pedigrees

Aug 29, 2024

Dogs understand words from soundboard buttons, study reveals

Chromatin structure found to play a key role in canine social behavior evolution

Ten years of research shows chlamydia vaccine can save lives of wild koalas

Aug 8, 2024

Horse miscarriages offer clues to causes of early human pregnancy loss

Blowflies found to carry bird flu virus

Aug 1, 2024

Let us know if there is a problem with our content

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form . For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines ).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

E-mail the story

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Phys.org in any form.

Newsletter sign up

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

More information Privacy policy

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience

We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.

E-mail newsletter