Program Overview

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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program

St. Matthew’s University proudly educates and supports aspiring veterinarians and future animal health leaders.

Program Overview

The goal of St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM) is to prepare our veterinary medical students to be skilled and caring veterinarians through our comprehensive Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. This supportive learning environment helps them develop the knowledge, abilities and commitment to lifelong learning that is necessary to successfully provide impactful care for patients and their families. Whether they choose to practice as a generalist or specialist in the field of veterinary medicine, our graduates demonstrate the ability to treat diverse animals and conditions, incorporate new knowledge and methods into their practice, and effectively adapt to the ever-changing professional environment.

3+ Year DVM Program

Obtain your DVM degree in just over three years with start dates in January, May or September.

Network of 400+ Graduates

SMUSVM alumni practice veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada and internationally.

20+ Years of Education

Since 2005, we’ve built a reputation for comprehensively training future veterinarians.

AVMA Listed Veterinary School

SMUSVM received its American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) listing in 2005.

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.

Basic Science Curriculum Overview

The Basic Science Curriculum consists of:

Semester I

• VB101 Veterinary Anatomy I | 4 credits
• VB103 Veterinary Histology and Embryology | 5 credits
• VB105 Veterinary Physiology I | 5 credits
• VB120 Veterinary Immunology | 3 credits
• VCS110 Professional Development I | 1 credits

Semester II

• VB201 Veterinary Anatomy II | 5 credits
• VB205 Veterinary Physiology II | 4 credits
• VB207 Veterinary Parasitology | 4 credits
• VB211 Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology | 4 credits

Semester III

• VB301 Veterinary Pharmacology I | 3 credits
• VB303 Veterinary Pathology I | 3 credits
• VB305 Veterinary Virology | 3 credits
• VB307 Veterinary Public Health/Epidemiology | 4 credits
• VCS310 Professional Development II | 0.5 credits
• VCS311 Veterinary Clinical Skills I (Companion Animals) | 3 credits
• VCS321 Animal Welfare and Behavior | 2 credits

Semester IV

• VB401 Veterinary Pharmacology II | 4 credits
• VB403 Veterinary Pathology II | 5 credits
• VCS405 Veterinary Clinical Pathology | 4 credits
• VCS407 Veterinary Ethics and Communication | 2 credits
• VCS411 Veterinary Clinical Skills II (Livestock) | 2 credits

Semester V

• VCS501 Veterinary Anesthesiology | 2 credits
• VCS503 Principles of Veterinary Surgery | 2 credits
• VCS505 Veterinary Toxicology | 3 credits
• VCS507 Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging | 4 credits
• VCS509 Veterinary Clinical Nutrition | 3 credits
• VCS511 Theriogenology | 4 credits

Semester VI

• VCS601 Small Animal Medicine I | 6 credits
• VCS605 Food Animal Medicine & Surgery | 6 credits
• VCS607 Exotic Companion Animal Medicine | 3 credits
• VCS611 Veterinary Clinical Skills III (Clinical Rotations) | 2 credits

Semester VII

• VCS701 Small Animal Medicine II | 6 credits
• VCS703 Small Animal Surgery | 6 credits
• VCS705 Large Animal Medicine & Surgery | 7 credits
• VCS710 Professional Development III | 0.5 credits

Clinical Medicine

Successful DVM program students then spend three semesters in the Clinical Medicine program, during which they can undertake clinical rotations at an associated veterinary college in the U.S. or Canada.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Clinical Medicine Rotations

St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine has arrangements with U.S. and Canadian Colleges of Veterinary Medicine to provide DVM students with the important bridge from academic to real-world settings during Clinical Medicine rotations.

Externships and agreements

• Canada: University of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Veterinary College
• United States: Iowa State University, Mississippi State University, University of Illinois, University of Missouri, Washington State University

Licensure

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).

Academic Calendar

2025

• Spring 2025: Classes Begin - January 6, 2025, Last Day of Classes - April 18, 2025, Diploma Date - June 14, 2025
• Summer 2025: Classes Begin - May 5, 2025, Last Day of Classes - August 15, 2025, Diploma Date - October 4, 2025
• Fall 2025: Classes Begin - September 1, 2025, Last Day of Classes - December 12, 2025, Diploma Date - February 14, 2026

2026

• Spring 2026: Classes Begin - January 5, 2026, Last Day of Classes - April 17, 2026, Diploma Date - June 13, 2026
• Summer 2026: Classes Begin - May 4, 2026, Last Day of Classes - August 14, 2026, Diploma Date - October 10, 2026
• Fall 2026: Classes Begin - August 31, 2026, Last Day of Classes - December 11, 2026, Diploma Date - February 13, 2027

DVM Program Admissions Requirements

The following is a partial list of DVM program application requirements:

• Successfully complete required pre-requisite courses (including biology, chemistry and biochemistry)
• Submit transcript(s)
• Submit two letters of recommendation
• Submit a personal statement outlining your goals and passions (500 words max.)

DVM Program 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.

Student Success Stories

• Breanna Clooney, DVM, Class of 2020, Medical Director at VCA Central Saanich Animal Hospital, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
• Jessica Miller, DVM Student, United States

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should consider a DVM program?

St. Matthew’s University encourages ambitious, hard-working and curious individuals to apply for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Most importantly, applicants should have a passion for both animals and meaningful healthcare. Becoming a veterinarian is a rewarding endeavor that provides financial benefits and enables students to work closely with animals throughout the course of their careers.

How many years is veterinary school?

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.

Why study veterinary medicine at St. Matthew’s University?

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!

What career opportunities do veterinarians receive?

Earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree provides a host of career options. As you progress in your veterinary studies, you should consistently be evaluating your veterinary medicine preferences and thinking about which veterinary career you would like to pursue. Approximately 80% of veterinarians choose to work in private practice, typically either with small or large animals. Additional career options include working in research, consulting, education, diagnostic laboratories, public health and regulatory medicine.

How can veterinary students prepare for the NAVLE?

Veterinary students take the NAVLE during their final clinical year of studies. The NAVLE is notoriously long and candidates are required to answer 360 multiple-choice questions during six blocks of 65 minutes (60 questions each). As with any exam, you should create a study plan that helps you focus on the areas you’re not confident in, while also refreshing you on the topics you already know well.

In order to be successful on the NAVLE, you should review study guides online and complete as many practice questions as possible. The exam is computerized and to help you prepare, there is an online mock exam. Prior to taking the exam, St. Matthew’s University recommends that you try a full mock exam to get an understanding of what the real test is like and how to pace yourself throughout it.

Why is the NAVLE important for veterinary students?

In order to practice veterinary medicine in North America, you will need to score at least 70% on the NAVLE. It is vital that you prepare sufficiently for the exam by spending a significant amount of time studying and learning as much as possible during your clinical rotations.

If you decide to pursue specialty training, having a good score on the NAVLE can help you obtain a veterinary internship or residency. However, some programs do not require you to have completed the NAVLE before applying. You can learn more by reviewing the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).