Vet Prep Program
We want to see you succeed, and to help you do that, we offer a one-semester Veterinary Preparatory (Vet Prep) program that teaches the basics knowledge, skills and terminology to set you up for success (and even give you a head start) in your DVM.
There are four key components of the Vet Prep program, all of which are designed to improve your chances of earning your DVM.
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Strengthen your basic sciences while providing a positive learning environment
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Introduce you to key concepts through examples of specific veterinary cases
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Expose you to basic live animal examinations (clinical applications), as there’s no better way to learn than getting hands on
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Work with you individually on techniques and skills in preparation of the rigor of the DVM program
Vet Prep doesn’t just prepare you for the DVM program. It can allow you to get involved in research and student organizations. Our current SAVMA president, Junior Saint Preux, and his predecessor, Thalita Evangelista Leite, are both proud Vet Prep alums. Meanwhile, read Shaye Antal’s experience in Vet Prep and how it not only built her confidence, but also allowed her to become involved in research opportunities even before starting her DVM.
Vet Prep Courses
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| VPRP 902 | Clinical Applications | 1 |
| VPRP 905 | Medical Mathematics and Introduction to Pharmacology | 3 |
| VPRP 906 | Introduction to Microbiology | 3 |
| VPRP 907 | Cellular Biology & Homeostasis | 3 |
| VPRP 908 | Transition to Veterinary Student Life | 1 |
| VPRP 909 | Animal Structural Biology | 3 |
| VPRP 910 | Case Based Learning | 2 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
vet prep course descriptions
Clinical Applications (1 credit)
Provides the student with a clinical setting to integrate material that is taught in other vet prep courses. Within this clinical setting the concepts of anatomy and physical examination will be demonstrated and then practiced by the student. This course integrates with the Case-based learning course. Clinical skills will be focused on small animals, however other species will be introduced to emphasize comparative anatomy of common domestic species. The students will begin learning the process of acquiring information from a physical exam and applying it in order to formulate a clinical profile for an animal. Animal handling, restraint, and physical exam techniques will be demonstrated and practiced. Students are also introduced to the concepts of veterinary medical record keeping, problem-based medical record and the SOAP format.
Medical Mathematics and Introduction to Pharmacology (3 credits)
Reviews basic mathematics and teaches abbreviations common to medication administration, and methods of solving problems related to drug dosage and intravenous infusions, toxicology calculations, ionization of drug calculations, pharmacokinetic calculations and basic statistics, as well as learning the general principles of pharmacology.
Introduction to Microbiology (3 credits)
The main goal of this course is to provide vet prep students an overview of basic concepts in microbiology and infectious diseases. The students will gain fundamental knowledge in bacteriology, virology, parasitology and immunology. In addition, the students will be given a brief overview of special topics in microbiology such as pathogens involved in emerging diseases, food safety microbiology, zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, high consequence and economically important animal and human diseases.
Cellular Biology & Homeostasis (3 credits)
A survey course focusing on properties of enzymes, carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism; water and water balance, membrane physiology and intercellular communication (transporters and receptors), acid-base fundamentals, endocrine system and an introduction to micro-anatomical identification of cells.
Transition to Veterinary Student Life (1 credit)
Designed to help students adjust to island life and professional school while promoting mindfulness practice, and overall wellness, including developing study and organizational skills necessary to attain success at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. The course also serves as an introduction to veterinary medicine and required core competencies, as well as gives opportunity for students to learn more about the various disciplines within the profession from a variety of experts. The course is Pass/Fail based on class participation and attendance.
Animal Structural Biology (3 credits)
Introduces students both to veterinary, medical and lay terminology that encompasses basic gross anatomy and physiology, and to describe the integration of structural and functional relationships of major body systems in a manner to comprehend clinically relevant cases that may be encountered in veterinary medicine. The depth and scope of the course is to inspire and prepare students for entry into the RUSVM veterinary program.
Case Based Learning (2 credits)
This course will use clinical cases and One Health scenarios to emphasize basic and important biomedical/biological content that is either being covered in other vet prep courses (horizontal integration) or that will be covered in courses within the curriculum including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, etc. This course is facilitated by several faculty from diverse disciplines giving you a comprehensive overview of veterinary medicine. In this course, you can expect group or individual assignments and in-class quizzes. Active participation and attendance are mandatory. The more effort you put into this class, the more you will benefit!