Introduction to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at Long Island University's Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine is a 4-year degree program, organized into 2 academic semesters per calendar year, totaling 8 semesters. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in veterinary medicine, preparing them for a successful career in the field.

Program Structure

The DVM program is divided into four years, each with a unique focus:

• First Year: Emphasizes structure and function, animal handling and restraint, and building clinical skills.
• Second Year: Focuses on morphological and physiological manifestations of disease, with an emphasis on infectious diseases.
• Third Year: Concentrates on clinical medicine, with a focus on clinical signs, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment of common diseases of domestic animals.
• Fourth Year: Provides supervised opportunities for students to enhance professional and clinical skills through clinical rotations at various hospitals and veterinary facilities.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for the DVM program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of at least 60 credits of full-time postsecondary education at a recognized university or college providing university-equivalent courses.
• Preference is given to applicants who have completed a baccalaureate degree with an overall grade point average (GPA) above 3.2; the minimum overall GPA is set at 2.8.
• Applicants must complete all pre-veterinary pre-requisite course work with a C grade or better to be accepted into the program.
• The pre-requisite courses must be taken within the previous 6 years, except for Statistics or Calculus, and English Composition.

Curriculum

The DVM curriculum is comprehensive and includes a wide range of courses, such as:

• Veterinary Anatomy I and II
• Veterinary Physiology I and II
• Veterinary Histology
• Veterinary Immunology
• Animal Welfare and Behavior
• Veterinary Skills lab I and II
• Integration I and II
• Systemic Pathology I and II
• Clinical Pathology
• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Veterinary Toxicology
• Public Health and Food Safety
• Small Animal Medicine I and II
• Production Animal Medicine and Surgery
• Exotics and Laboratory Animal Medicine
• Equine Surgery
• Theriogenology
• Veterinary Skills V and VI

Clinical Rotations

In the fourth year, students participate in clinical rotations, which provide hands-on experience in various aspects of veterinary medicine, including:

• Production Animal Medicine Clerkship
• Small Animal Medicine Clerkship
• Small Animal Surgery Clerkship
• Anesthesia Clerkship
• Clinical Pathology Clerkship
• Anatomic Pathology Clerkship
• Diagnostic Imaging Clerkship
• Emergency/Critical Care Clerkship
• Elective Clerkships
• Community Practice Clerkship
• Experiential Learning Externship
• Spay/Neuter Clerkship
• Equine Medicine Clerkship
• Production Animal Medicine Clerkship
• Exotic Companion Animal Medicine Clerkship

Tuition Information

Long Island University is committed to providing students with a high-quality, affordable education. The university has capped tuition rate increases at 2% or less since 2014, and this commitment will continue through 2020. LIU is approved for its students to participate in the US Direct Loan Program.

Transfer Admission

Veterinary students who have been enrolled in a veterinary college/school accredited by the Council on Education of the AVMA may apply for transfer to Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine. Applicants in good standing with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 at the school of origin are eligible to transfer, provided space is available and they meet admissions requirements.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the DVM program, students must:

• Satisfactorily complete the full prescribed curriculum.
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 or "C" cumulative GPA in all coursework.
• Settle all accounts with the university, including the graduation fee.
• Demonstrate good ethical and professional character.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1926 as the Brooklyn Law School
• Expanded to become Long Island University in 1954
• Currently has 6 campuses across New York State
• Enrolls over 20,000 students
• Notable achievements:
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report
  • Recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences
  • Home to the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country

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Student Life:

Extracurricular Activities:

Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational groups

Clubs:

Examples include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the International Student Association

Sports Teams:

NCAA Division I athletics in 16 sports, including basketball, football, and soccer

• Student Support Services:

  • Academic Advising
  • Career Counseling
  • Health and Wellness Center
  • Counseling and Psychological Services

• Campus Facilities:

  • Modern academic buildings
  • State-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Student centers with dining, recreation, and study spaces
  • On-campus housing available at most campuses

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Academics:

• Academic Resources:

  • Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Faculty of over 1,000 full-time and part-time professors
  • Research centers and institutes in various fields

• Teaching Methodologies:

  • Traditional lectures
  • Small group discussions
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Online and hybrid courses

• Academic Support Services:

  • Tutoring
  • Writing Center
  • Math Lab

• Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:

  • Honors College
  • Global Studies Program
  • Experiential Learning Program

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

Reputation:

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

Specialized Facilities:

State-of-the-art facilities for health sciences, business, and education

Industry Connections:

Partnerships with leading companies and organizations

Notable Alumni:

Includes politicians, business leaders, and entertainers, such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and actor Alec Baldwin

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Services:

Counseling:

Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention

Health:

Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, vaccinations, and health education

Housing:

On-campus housing available at most campuses, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses

Library Resources:

Over 1 million volumes in the university libraries, as well as access to online databases and research tools

Technology Support:

IT Help Desk provides technical assistance and support for students

Career Development:

Career Services offers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance