The Graduate Certificate in Foundations in Veterinary Clinical Care will provide an in-depth knowledge of veterinary professionalism, ethics and the welfare of animals, animal behavior, communications, history-taking, physical exam basics, and surgical skills. Student population would include individuals applying to veterinary school, looking to increase their application credentials and knowledge base prior to attending a veterinary program. Veterinary technicians looking to advance their knowledge and skills in the workplace would also benefit from this graduate certificate.

Finally, students who are interested in the Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care, Plan B program can initially apply for the graduate certificate and transfer into the program if they choose to proceed with the whole program.

Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Learning Objectives

Successful graduates will be able to:

  1. Develop expertise in technical communication and demonstrate leadership skills.
  2. Apply communication skills in various clinical situations in veterinary medicine.
  3. Develop skills in approaching clinical cases, including history, physical exam, differential diagnoses, and keeping appropriate medical records.
  4. Categorize ethical situations and apply knowledge of how to approach these cases in veterinary medicine.
  5. Evaluate animal behavior and Fear Free techniques in a clinical setting.
  6. Assess animal welfare and ethical situations as they relate to veterinary medicine.

Effective Spring 2025

Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.

VS 501Animal Behavior and Welfare2
VS 526Foundations I2
VS 527Foundations II2
VS 528Foundations III2
VS 535Practice Management and Team Leadership2
Program Total Credits:10

*This certificate may have courses in common with other graduate certificates. A student may earn more than one certificate, but a given course may be counted only in one certificate program.