Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program
St. Matthew’s University proudly educates and supports aspiring veterinarians and future animal health leaders.
Inquire NowOverview
St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM) offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree through an accelerated program that can be completed in just over three years. Students complete their basic science studies in Grand Cayman before progressing to clinical rotations at affiliated sites in the U.S., Canada and in the U.K. With multiple start dates throughout the year, the DVM program combines classroom learning, laboratory instruction and hands-on clinical training to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality animal care and pursue careers in veterinary medicine.
Why Choose SMUSVM?
3+ Year DVM Program
Obtain your DVM degree in just over three years with start dates in January, May or September.
Network of 450+ Graduates
SMUSVM alumni practice veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada and internationally.
Listed Veterinary School
SMUSVM received its American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) listing in 2005.
20+ Years of Education
We’re committed to providing aspiring veterinarians with comprehensive education and training.
Basic Science
Students spend seven semesters in the Basic Science program, when they experience classroom and lab-based learning on our Grand Cayman campus, including access to the state-of-the-art Clinical Teaching Facility.
Clinical Medicine
Successful DVM program students then spend three semesters in the Clinical Medicine program, during which they can undertake clinical rotations at a veterinary school in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. or another country.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Basic Science Curriculum
Semester 1
Total credit hours: 18
4 Credits
This course will introduce students to basic anatomical concepts, including anatomic terminologies and directional terms. The course focuses on comparative gross anatomy of the canine, and to a lesser extent bovine, feline and porcine. In the laboratory, embalmed canine cadavers will be fully dissected and compared with prosections of other species. Lecture/tutorials will reinforce observations in the laboratory and will highlight structures of clinical importance to the practice of veterinary medicine, as well as to research and other areas of veterinary interest.
The course will be integrated with radiographic anatomy and live animal palpations of the canine and equine. The topics for this course include osteology, thoracic limb, thorax, abdomen, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.
5 Credits
This course introduces the first-semester veterinary student to veterinary histology (microscopic anatomy) and embryology (developmental anatomy) of mostly domestic animals. Since animal bodies are made of organs, tissues and cells, this course will provide essential background knowledge for the understanding of several other courses in the veterinary curriculum (e.g. physiology, pathology and medicine).
Following a brief review of cell biology, the basic tissue types (epithelia and connective tissue) will be covered. This will provide the background for a discussion of early embryonic development, followed by a systems-based approach to the microscopic and developmental anatomy of domestic animal species.
5 Credits
Veterinary Physiology I provides a basic introduction to the functions of the different systems of the animal body through lectures, in-class discussions, review of journal articles and other relevant exercises. The course aims to provide knowledge of how the different body systems function independently and interdependently in a healthy animal. It also provides knowledge that helps students understand normal functional parameters and how diseases alter them.
The knowledge acquired from this course will help students understand the genesis and progression of the disease process so that one day they can treat diseases. You must know what a normal body function is before you can understand the mechanism of any disease and the progress (prognosis) of any form of disease treatment.
3 Credits
The course will give a review of innate and acquired immunity, and their components, including both the humoral and cellular arms of the immune response. The course is designed to help students understand the animal body defense mechanisms at cellular and molecular levels. The role of host defense mechanisms and the development of acquired immunity after infection will be discussed.
The use of different immunological tests in diagnosing animal diseases, malfunctions of the immune response and the role of vaccines in disease prevention will be covered.
11 Credit
This course will provide students with a forum to discuss major current issues facing veterinary medicine in a discussion/seminar format. The course will also introduce practice and business management concepts to begin preparing students for the business aspect of veterinary medicine.
Semester 2
Total credit hours: 17
5 Credits
This course is a continuation of Anatomy I (VB 101). The tutorials, laboratories, radiographic anatomy and live animal palpation will follow a similar format and approach as in VB 101. The topics include the comparative gross anatomy of the pelvic viscera (urogenital organs), pelvic limb, perineum, and head and neck. Neuro-anatomy and avian anatomy are integrated into this section.
4 Credits
This course will focus on the control, physiological mechanisms, and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and non-ruminant and ruminant digestive systems. The basic physiology of birds, reptiles and fish, and how specific aspects of physiology differ between these taxa and mammals, will also be presented.
4 Credits
This course will provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills and resources in veterinary parasitology to benefit from clinical training and to apply directly as entrylevel professionals in any branch of veterinary medicine.
The biological basis of major parasitic diseases relevant to veterinary medicine, including zoonotic infections, and strategies for the diagnosis, prevention and control of these infections will be covered. Parasitic organisms among the protozoa, arthropods and helminths will be within the scope of the course.
4 Credits
The course covers basic and pathogenic bacteriology and mycology. The objective of the course is to give veterinary students a thorough introduction to the theoretical and practical basis for the study of bacterial and fungal pathogens of animals. Lectures cover descriptions of the organisms themselves, as well as virulence, pathogenesis, diagnosis and control of animal pathogens.
Zoonotic potential of some of the microbes and food safety issues are also discussed. To relate concepts of lectures to practicals, laboratory exercises are carried out using microbiological techniques for isolation and identification of disease causing bacteria.
Semester 3
Total credit hours: 18.5
3 Credits
The course focuses on the global principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system. Additionally, categorical classes of anti-infectives, anti-nematodal, antineoplastic, gastrointestinal and dermatology drugs will be presented.
Upon completing this course, students will have obtained the pharmacologic knowledge base that can positively impact therapeutic choices that influence treatment, cure, prevention and mitigation of disease states and conditions in animals. Legal and regulatory issues that affect the practice of veterinary pharmacy will be emphasized. Additionally, current topics in veterinary medicine and veterinary pharmacy will be discussed.
3 Credits
This course examines diseases and their processes in tissues and organs of domestic animals. The general disease processes of cells and tissues – degeneration, necrosis, inflammation, growth abnormalities and neoplasia – are studied, as well as the healing process. This course begins the study of the diseases of the various organ systems.
3 Credits
This course investigates the basic properties and clinical aspects of important domestic and foreign animal viruses. Topics discussed include the nature, taxonomy, replication and pathogenesis of important virus families, as well as clinical and pathological characteristics, methods of diagnosis, epidemiology, and methods of treating, preventing and controlling the spread of specific viral diseases of veterinary significance.
4 Credits
The course provides a basic introduction to the fundamentals of epidemiology and public health through lectures, class discussion, review of journal articles and other exercises.
The aim of the course is to provide the knowledge and skill set that a day-1 ready graduate can use to successfully understand, create and implement preventive measures to mitigate disease and contamination in the clinic, on the farm, in the wider community, in food production systems and retail establishments, while mitigating environmental impacts.
0.5 Credit
This course will focus on the preparation of resumes and cover letters for employers, and managing financial/ business issues, including student debt. Attendance is mandatory to achieve a Pass grade.
3 Credits
This course is the first in a series of clinical skills courses and is intended to introduce students to the clinical aspects of veterinary medicine, with a primary focus on dogs, cats and horses. Additionally, an emphasis is placed on performing a complete physical exam.
Other topics covered include breed identification, husbandry and preventive medicine practices, restraint and handling techniques, and an introduction to medical records. Field trips and practical labs are an important component of this course.
2 Credits
This course will examine fundamental principles related to the development of behavior in domesticated animals and demonstrate how knowledge of animal behavior is relevant to clinical practice. Students will learn how to apply behavior and welfare principles to facilitate safe and humane animal handling, care and management.
The course will promote behavioral wellness and positive human-animal interactions, and prepare students for advanced coursework in applied animal behavior, such as clinical treatment of problem behaviors.
Semester 4
Total credit hours: 17
4 Credits
The second in the pharmacology series, categorical classes of drugs presented are: CNS depressants, anesthetics, analgesics, histamine, serotonin, behavioral management, prostaglandins, anti-convulsants, cardiovascular, acid/base, renal, blood, endocrine and ophthalmic. Students will learn/practice accurate drug dosing calculations.
Upon completing this course, students will have obtained the pharmacologic knowledge base that can positively impact the therapeutic choices that influence treatment, cure, prevention, and mitigation of disease states and conditions in animals.
5 Credits
This course continues the discussion of anatomic pathology with a focus on disease processes in specific domestic species (dogs, cats, horses, livestock) and specific organ systems, including: bones and joints, skeletal muscle, nervous, eye and ear, integument, alimentary, liver, pancreas, peritoneum, urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, endocrine, and reproductive.
The course also includes six hours of necropsies of domestic and exotic animals.
4 Credits
Students learn the fundamentals of veterinary clinical pathology testing and interpretation in common biochemistry/endocrinology and cytopathology results.
2 Credits
The course provides a basic introduction to the fundamentals of communication and understanding of veterinary ethics through lectures, in class discussion, role playing assignments, review of relevant articles and other exercises.
The aim of the course is to provide the knowledge and skill set that a day-1 ready graduate can use to successfully understand, create and implement effective communication skills, obtain a thorough clinical history from a client and follow essential ethical responsibilities in a clinic setting, on the farm, in the wider community or wherever their veterinary career takes them.
2 Credits
This is the second in the series of Clinical Skills courses intended to introduce students to the practical aspects of veterinary medicine. Livestock Clinical Skills is designed as an introduction to farm animal clinical practice. In this course, students are introduced to the basics of working with food and fiber producing animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, New Word camelids, and swine.
The course is presented as a series of lecture and laboratory sessions that begin with an introduction to production medicine, followed by species-specific sections covering husbandry and management practices, handling and restraint, physical examination, basic clinical procedures, preventive medicine, and the characteristics and identification of common breeds.
Semester 5
Total credit hours: 18
2 Credits
This lecture course will introduce students to the principles of general and local anesthesia in both small and large animal species. A review of the most commonly used drugs for sedation, analgesia and anesthesia will be completed with a focus on the clinical advantages, disadvantages and side effects of each drug class.
The components of the anesthesia machine will be discussed using the trace of the oxygen molecule from source to waste gas line to highlight the basics of any anesthesia machine that the student will come across in practice. Anesthetic delivery circuits and other inhalant anesthesia delivery equipment will also be covered. The course will also review anesthesia monitoring practices, with a focus on detection of anesthetic emergencies and complications, and how to respond correctly.
Various patient medical conditions, plus diagnostic and surgical procedures, will be discussed as to anesthetic requirements, risks and complications that may develop. Finally, common anesthetic protocols and plans for general practice situations will be reviewed and a final assignment of a Patient Plan for Anesthesia will be required to assess the student’s understanding of these principles.
2 Credits
This course is designed to introduce students to basic principles of veterinary surgery and teach common surgical procedures. This will be the basis of surgical knowledge that students will be expected to retain and expand upon in their Small and Large Animal Surgery courses and Surgical Externship. This class is a combination of lectures and labs given throughout the semester.
3 Credits
Basic and clinical aspects of the more common poisonings that affect domestic animals/birds and wildlife will be considered. Emphasis will be given to intoxication resulting from drug interactions, pesticides (rodenticides, insecticides, herbicides), heavy metals (arsenic, copper, lead, iron, zinc, etc.), poisonous plants, mycotoxins, gases, feed additives, poisonous and venomous animal toxins, household toxins, prescriptions/recreational/over the counter medications, selected industrial pollutants and forensic considerations.
4 Credits
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of diagnostic imaging, with emphasis on radiographic interpretation and ultrasound. Brief introduction to other imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and nuclear medicine (NM), as used in veterinary medicine, will also be provided.
3 Credits
This course has been designed to introduce students to concepts of small and large animal clinical nutrition. The aim is to provide detailed knowledge of key concepts, nutritional disorders, the diverse aspects of feeding behavior and practices, and Semester VI nutritional management of various species.
Students will learn the basic nutrient requirements for large and small animal species, how to interpret common feed types, to calculate energy requirements, read pet food labels, and to understand regulations on pet food. Key nutritional factors and the relation to various disease states will be addressed in certain species.
4 Credits
The course presents material on the normal and abnormal reproductive function of dogs and common livestock species, including cattle, sheep, swine, goats and horses.
Laboratories on breeding soundness and semen morphology of dogs are included. Special attention is made toward dystocia correction of livestock, stallion handling and management, assisted reproduction technologies, and breeding soundness of mares and cows. Pelvic examination of cattle and horses are emphasized.
Semester 6
Total credit hours: 17
6 Credits
Small Animal Medicine I is presented in a bodysystems format and employs team-teaching by groups of experienced small animal clinical educators, each of whom is an internal medicine specialist and content expert in the respective topic. Gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, urinary, endocrine-metabolic, hematological, dermatologic and respiratory diseases of domestic dogs and cats are covered with respect to etiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, examination and diagnosis, management, prognosis, and prevention.
Application of the problem-based approach to case diagnosis and management is emphasized.
6 Credits
The Food Animal Medicine and Surgery course uses a problem-oriented approach to veterinary medicine, focusing on bovine (dairy, beef and feedlot), ovine, caprine, camelid (both New and Old World species), porcine and poultry. Key diseases are examined in detail, covering their etiology, pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, differential diagnoses, treatment options (both medical and surgical), prognosis and prevention. Ample case studies and clinical scenarios are discussed for each organ system.
The course places special emphasis on topics of national and international importance, including the economic impact of diseases, zoonotic diseases, antibiotic use in food animals, the role of animals in climate change, sustainable agricultural practices, optimal husbandry practices and animal welfare issues.
3 Credits
This course covers the anatomy, physiology, husbandry and medicine of commonly kept exotic companion animals, including birds, small mammals and reptiles. Discussion topics include clinical diagnostic techniques (including animal handling and restraint, physical examination, clinical sampling, imaging, necropsy), infectious and noninfectious diseases, and medical and surgical approaches to treating these diseases.
2 Credits
This is the last in a series of clinical skills courses that are held in semesters 3, 4 and 6. These courses are designed to introduce students to clinical practice and provide the opportunity to develop many of the clinical, communication and practical skills that are necessary to practice the art of veterinary medicine. In Clinical Skills 3, we will review the basic techniques involved in examining patients, and provide knowledge and experience in more advanced techniques for patients that may have specific medical issues.
The course will be given as a series of discussions, assignments, labs, student presentations, group case work-ups and shadowing opportunities. Towards the end of the semester, students will be involved with a communications lab in conjunction with the Ethics and Communication course, during which VCS611 students will work up a mock case with a 4th semester student playing the role of the client.
Semester 7
Total credit hours: 19.5
6 Credits
In Small Animal Medicine II, specialty topics, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and emergency and critical care, are presented by experienced clinical educators with specialtyboard certification in their respective fields.
6 Credits
Small Animal Surgery covers the common surgical conditions of dogs and cats. Lecture sessions detail the clinical presentation, diagnosis and surgical management of soft tissue and orthopedic injuries and diseases. In the laboratory, the students first review the techniques of small animal ovariohysterectomy, castration and exploratory laparotomy, introduced and performed on cadavers in the Principles of Surgery course.
This is followed by soft tissue cadaver labs, entailing gastrotomy, gastropexy, intestinal resection and anastomosis, cystotomy, and splenectomy. Basic orthopedic procedures, such as cruciate repair and femoral head and neck resection, are practiced. The principles learned in these lectures and labs are re-enforced through a required surgical externship.
7 Credits
The general principles of the practice of equine medicine and surgery are presented in a combination of lectures and practical sessions organized in a body-systems format. The common medical and surgical conditions of domestic horses are discussed with respect to etiopathogenesis, clinical signs, examination and diagnosis, management, and prevention.
Application of the problem-based medical record is emphasized as a fundamental approach to case diagnosis and management. Classroom learning is facilitated with case-based discussions and hands-on laboratories focused on physical examination, diagnostic techniques, and basic medical and surgical procedures.
0.5 Credit
Students will continue individual professional development by exploring employment contracts, interviewing strategies and negotiating skills as they pertain to veterinary medicine. Job queries will be explored, as well as current salary and benefits typical for new veterinary graduates.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Clinical Rotations
St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine partners with veterinary schools in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. to help students pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree transition from academic learning to real-world practice through clinical medicine rotations.
View the map below to see our affiliated Colleges of Veterinary Medicine in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
PAVE and ECFVG Licensure
In order to practice in the United States, graduates of St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine must be certified by either the Programmatic Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE), a component of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), or the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG), a committee of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). After successfully completing either of these programs, the student is eligible to take the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE).
The process for these two pathways is somewhat similar but not identical. Both require proof of competency in English, either by proof of education in an English speaking high school or via exam (TOEFL or IELTS).
About PAVE
For the PAVE program, the candidate can take the Qualifying Exam (QE) during either semester 6 or 7 on campus. Success in passing the QE then allows the student to have a state that accepts PAVE certify them to take the NAVLE. If you are following the PAVE program, the student can then take the NAVLE near the end of their clinical program. The NAVLE exam is given in November/December and in April each year.
An important point is that if you have passed the PAVE QE prior to doing your clinical training year in an AVMA accredited school/college, you have fulfilled the clinical competency requirement and do not need to take any further exams related to clinical competency.
At the present time, most U.S. states (exceptions include Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada) and Puerto Rico, all provinces in Canada, as well as Australia and New Zealand, accept the PAVE program as a basis for licensure. For more complete information, visit AAVSB.
About ECFVG
For the ECFVG program, after meeting the English requirement, the candidate must pass the Basic and Clinical Sciences Exam (BCSE). Completion of this exam then permits you to take the NAVLE during your clinical year.
After graduation, the candidate must then take and pass the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE). The primary site for this exam is the Oquendo Center in Las Vegas and some U.S. Veterinary Schools also administer this exam. Read more about the ECFVG program at AVMA.
Students who intend to practice outside the U.S. must meet the licensing requirements of the country in which they want to practice.
Academic Calendar
View our academic calendar, including key enrolment, graduation and tuition due dates.
SMUSVM Catalog
Our catalog provides a comprehensive overview of the DVM program, policies and much more.
DVM Program Admissions Requirements
If you’re interested in joining the SMUSVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, review the admission requirements below and prepare the supporting documents needed to start your application:
Prerequisite Courses
| Course | Length of Study | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Biology or Zoology* | 1 academic year | 6 credit hours |
| General Chemistry* | 1 academic year | 6 credit hours |
| Organic Chemistry* | 1/2 academic year | 3 credit hours |
| Biochemistry | 1/2 academic year | 3 credit hours |
*These courses must include an attached laboratory work.
Supporting Documents
- Official transcripts from each college, university and/or professional school attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (max. 500 words)
- Official GRE scores (recommended but not required)
We recognize that veterinary medicine involves working with people as well as animals. Knowledge of the humanities, including literature, art, history, ethics and philosophy, can complement scientific training and benefit the practice of veterinary medicine. Applicants whose primary language is not English may also be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an equivalent English proficiency examination.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Tuition and Fees
Pursue your DVM degree at St. Matthew’s University and benefit from the cost-effective tuition and fees that make our comprehensive veterinary education notably accessible. Successful DVM program applicants also benefit from financial support eligibility for grants and scholarships.
Dedicated Veterinary Faculty
St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine’s faculty are dedicated to educating, supporting and challenging students to reach their full potential in veterinary medicine. Faculty members bring advanced academic and professional qualifications, relevant expertise and teaching experience to the DVM program. With a supportive learning environment and opportunities for personalized guidance, students can build the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality animal care.
Student Success Stories
Breanna Clooney, DVM
Class of 2020
Medical Director at VCA Central Saanich Animal Hospital
British Columbia, Canada
Rylee Nelson, DVM
Class of 2025
Associate Veterinarian at Legacy Veterinary Clinic
Arkansas, United States
DVM Program FAQs
SMUSVM welcomes ambitious, dedicated and curious individuals who are passionate about animal health to apply for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The program provides students with a comprehensive veterinary education that combines scientific knowledge, hands-on training and clinical experience to prepare them for a rewarding career in veterinary medicine. As a veterinary medicine degree program in the Caribbean, St. Matthew’s University offers students the opportunity to develop the skills needed to provide compassionate care and make a meaningful impact in the field of animal health. If this sounds like the right path for you, begin your application today!
St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine provides aspiring veterinarians with individualized support from dedicated faculty, extensive student services and rotation options in the U.S. and Canada. Our goal is to foster a learning environment where students receive the personal guidance, academic instruction and hands-on training they need to achieve their DVM degree and career goals. Beneficially, our academic campus is located on Grand Cayman, a notably safe and modern island where students can both focus on their studies and experience the joys of Caribbean living. They also benefit from unique hands-on experience with rare aquatic animals, such as blue iguanas, stingrays, turtles and more!
At St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, the DVM program consists of 10 semesters, seven for Basic Science and three for Clinical Medicine. Successful students complete the program in just over three total years.
Veterinarians can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including private practice, animal hospitals, livestock care, wildlife and conservation, public health, research, academia and government. Some choose to specialize in areas such as surgery, internal medicine or emergency care, while others focus on animal welfare or disease prevention. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree provides the foundation to pursue these career paths and make a difference in animal health and well-being.
SMUSVM students complete their clinical rotations at affiliated veterinary schools and clinical sites in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. These rotations allow students to apply their veterinary knowledge in real-world settings and gain hands-on experience caring for animals under professional supervision.
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