Program Overview

Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care

The Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care is designed to build on undergraduate training in life sciences, providing advanced knowledge and technical skills necessary for administering routine veterinary care to cats and dogs. This program is designed to be completed in five semesters and includes education and training in performing basic medical and surgical skills, with an emphasis on client communication to strengthen the spectrum of care delivery.

Program Description

The program equips graduates to pursue licensing as veterinary professional associates (VPA) in the state of Colorado, through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). VPAs will work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, focusing on front-line assessments, including identification of abnormal findings on physical examinations and diagnostic tests, complementing and enhancing the efficiency and proficiency of the veterinary healthcare team.

Curriculum

• The curriculum includes performing basic medical and surgical skills.
• Training emphasizes client communication, which strengthens the spectrum of care delivery.
• The program is designed to be completed in five semesters.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree completed at an institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; a bachelor’s degree in science is not necessary if the prerequisite courses are fulfilled.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; exceptions may be made for applicants in the 2.5-2.99 range.
• Official transcripts
• Minimum of 150 hours of verifiable post-high school veterinary work or volunteer experience at the time of application submission
• Prerequisite courses
• Summary of experience (detailed resume-style document) that describes the types of experiences you have had that relate to your goal of becoming a veterinary professional associate
• Minimum two references; one reference must be from a person who has recently supervised your veterinary experience
• Lived experience statement
• Three essays, maximum of 3,000 characters each; one veterinary experience essay, one personal experience essay, and one online learning experience essay
• Application fee

International Applicants

Applications from international students are accepted provided they meet all admission requirements plus those regulations established by the university for foreign students. Students must also include proof of financial backing for the duration of the program.

• English proficiency requirements:
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer-based test), or 80 (internet)
  • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5

Application Deadlines

• April 1: Application deadline (for Fall 2026 start date)

Department of Clinical Sciences

The Department of Clinical Sciences offers high-quality education programs for professional veterinary medical students, graduate veterinarians, and the public through the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, a faculty and veterinary medical center of excellence. Faculty and staff are dedicated to advanced medicine, excellent teaching, compassionate care, and discoveries benefiting the health of pets and people.