D.V.M. Program

On completing your D.V.M. degree at Cummings School through either the Legacy Curriculum or the New Curriculum, you will enter the profession with a strong understanding of the scientific and comparative basis of health and disease, and with advanced skills in clinical reasoning and clinical practice. You will possess the knowledge, ability, skills, and attitudes to promote the health of individual animals, of populations, and of society, across a spectrum of care. You will be well-prepared to pursue the myriad of career opportunities available in veterinary.

The D.V.M. program, built on a foundation of multi-species comparative medicine, incorporates different ways to learn and consider clinical, population health, and research problems, all in a One Health context. At the same time, the program is structured so that you will have the opportunity to pursue and build knowledge and expertise in your area of primary interest.

You will acquire the knowledge and develop the skills to be an independent learner, a problem solver, a critical thinker, a professional, and a technically proficient clinician. You will learn to be a confident, collaborative, and compassionate communicator, the key to success in any veterinary career.

You will have the resiliency and the intellectual curiosity needed to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world and to meet professional and societal expectations. You will be a lifetime member of the Cummings School Community. Join us in healing animals, helping people, and changing lives.

1. Assess health and disease of animals and populations.
2. Utilize clinical reasoning to devise a differential diagnosis and treatment plan.
3. Perform basic clinical procedures and treatments competently and confidently.
4. Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills to questions ranging in scale from the case-specific to the global level.
5. Effectively communicate and collaborate with the healthcare team, diverse clientele, community partners, lay public, and other stakeholders.
6. Understand and exhibit professional and ethical conduct.
7. Contribute to a community that values and fosters diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and access (DEIJA). Recognize and address challenges when they arise.
8. Apply financial and business knowledge, skills, and attitudes to support the full spectrum of veterinary care and diversity of careers within the veterinary field. 
9. Demonstrate enthusiasm to continue learning through identifying, critically assessing, integrating, and sharing knowledge and research.
10. Engage with civic responsibilities and commit to social justice, recognizing the interconnectivity of animals, people, and the environment.
11. Display resiliency in the face of challenges that arise within the profession and life

Central Massachusetts has a lot to offer. Location. Convenience. Variety. Find out what’s to love about Worcester.

Career opportunities for veterinarians abound and go well beyond the companion animal health care provider that comes initially to mind. Veterinarians provide medical care for companion animals, food- and fiber-producing animals, horses, exotic animals, captive aquatic animals, wildlife species and laboratory research animals. In addition to primary clinical care, veterinarians engage in biomedical research and pathology and participate in protection of the public health both in the United States and abroad. It is truly a diverse profession.