Veterinary Medicine, VMD

The School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet), an integral part of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary university, exists to better the health and welfare of animals and humans. The synergy generated by Penn Vet’s interaction with the University community and the biomedical establishment in the Delaware Valley creates unique challenges and opportunities to excel in teaching, research and service.

Offering the VMD, Penn Vet is committed to innovative educational programs to train veterinarians and biomedical scientists; pioneer research and the discovery of new knowledge in the basic and applied sciences; and maintaining a strong commitment to specialized veterinary medical care and service.

Curriculum

Our students benefit from Penn Vet’s commitment to making veterinary medicine more inclusive.  Their educational experience is also enriched through interactions with the vibrant, multifaceted biomedical establishment in and around both the University of Pennsylvania and the larger Philadelphia region, with its many facilities in healthcare, research, and technology.

The Integrated Core: Years One & Two 

The curriculum begins with a mirror-structured, two-year core. Year One "Animal in Health" focuses on the form and function of healthy animal and Year Two "Animal in Disease" delves into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

The VMD Curriculum

Year 1
Fall
VMED 6300Foundational Toolkit I9
VMED 6308Support & Movement I6
VMED 6309Circulation & Respiration I6
VMED 6310Reproduction & Development I4
VMED 6304The Hippiatrika: Becoming a Veterinary Clinician I6
VMED 6306Of Clouds and Clocks: Becoming a Veterinary Scientist I3
VMED 6302Capstone I4
Spring
VMED 6301Foundational Toolkit II6
VMED 6311Defense & Barriers I4
VMED 6312Digestion & Metabolism I6
VMED 6313Elimination & Detoxification I4
VMED 6314Cognition, Senses & Responses I6
VMED 6305The Hippiatrika: Becoming a Veterinary Clinician II6
VMED 6307Of Clouds and Clocks: Becoming a Veterinary Scientist II4
VMED 6303Capstone II4
Year 2
Fall
VMED 6400Foundational Toolkit III6
VMED 6408Support & Movement II6
VMED 6409Circulation & Respiration II7
VMED 6410Reproduction & Development II4
VMED 6404The Hippiatrika: Becoming a Veterinary Clinician III6
VMED 6406Of Clouds and Clocks: Becoming a Veterinary Scientist III3
VMED 6402Capstone III4
Spring
VMED 6401Foundational Toolkit IV3
VMED 6411Defense & Barriers II4
VMED 6412Digestion & Metabolism II6
VMED 6413Elimination & Detoxification II4
VMED 6414Cognition, Senses & Response II6
VMED 6405The Hippiatrika: Becoming a Veterinary Clinician IV6
VMED 6407Of Clouds and Clocks: Becoming a Veterinary Scientist IV4
VMED 6403Capstone IV4

The Clinical Curriculum: Years Three & Four

In three-week blocks, students will work directly with many of the world's leading veterinarians as they see and treat patients together. Blocks of elective classroom and lab courses interspersed throughout allow students to build on their knowledge in a range of diverse topics.

Completion of all core courses and 160 elective credits is required for graduation. Elective credits will be completed through a combination of didactic courses and clinical rotations during years three and four.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.