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.
For more information: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/
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
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| VMED 6300 | Foundational Toolkit I | 9 |
| VMED 6308 | Support & Movement I | 6 |
| VMED 6309 | Circulation & Respiration I | 6 |
| VMED 6310 | Reproduction & Development I | 4 |
| VMED 6304 | The Hippiatrika: Becoming a Veterinary Clinician I | 6 |
| VMED 6306 | Of Clouds and Clocks: Becoming a Veterinary Scientist I | 3 |
| VMED 6302 | Capstone I | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| VMED 6301 | Foundational Toolkit II | 6 |
| VMED 6311 | Defense & Barriers I | 4 |
| VMED 6312 | Digestion & Metabolism I | 6 |
| VMED 6313 | Elimination & Detoxification I | 4 |
| VMED 6314 | Cognition, Senses & Responses I | 6 |
| VMED 6305 | The Hippiatrika: Becoming a Veterinary Clinician II | 6 |
| VMED 6307 | Of Clouds and Clocks: Becoming a Veterinary Scientist II | 4 |
| VMED 6303 | Capstone II | 4 |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| VMED 6400 | Foundational Toolkit III | 6 |
| VMED 6408 | Support & Movement II | 6 |
| VMED 6409 | Circulation & Respiration II | 7 |
| VMED 6410 | Reproduction & Development II | 4 |
| VMED 6404 | The Hippiatrika: Becoming a Veterinary Clinician III | 6 |
| VMED 6406 | Of Clouds and Clocks: Becoming a Veterinary Scientist III | 3 |
| VMED 6402 | Capstone III | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| VMED 6401 | Foundational Toolkit IV | 3 |
| VMED 6411 | Defense & Barriers II | 4 |
| VMED 6412 | Digestion & Metabolism II | 6 |
| VMED 6413 | Elimination & Detoxification II | 4 |
| VMED 6414 | Cognition, Senses & Response II | 6 |
| VMED 6405 | The Hippiatrika: Becoming a Veterinary Clinician IV | 6 |
| VMED 6407 | Of Clouds and Clocks: Becoming a Veterinary Scientist IV | 4 |
| VMED 6403 | Capstone IV | 4 |
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.