Curriculum Digest

Clerkships

Term and Semester Hours

The Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University (SSVM) is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. SSVM operates under the semester system with two semesters (Fall and Spring) making up academic years 1-3. The fourth academic year will begin as soon as semester 6 ends and continue though Summer Semester and the subsequent Fall and Spring semesters.  Collectively, the SSVM curriculum spans 9 semesters. Semesters 1-5 will be 16 weeks long and the beginning and end of each semester will approximate the beginning and end dates of the Rowan University Academic Calendar for Fall and Spring terms. Semester 6 will be only 10 weeks long. Semesters 7, 8 and 9 collectively will make up the 4^th year clinical clerkships and these will start as soon as semester 6 ends in April and end the following May.

Courses are designed primarily in blocks around body systems.  Credit hours are assigned to each block in accordance with the federal definition of “credit hour”.  One hour of direct (classroom) faculty instruction and a minimum of 2 hours of laboratory instruction per week for 15 weeks or the equivalent of 15 hours of direct instruction per credit.  All courses are graded pass/fail. Grading options include Pass/Fail/Incomplete/Withdrawn.

Course Number System

A three-character alphabetic Subject Code (VME) represents the school.  All courses are integrated and therefore not assigned to any department.  This is followed by a 5-character alphanumeric group.  The first three digits indicate the level of the course as follows: 

Semester 1

Normal Form and Function: 4 credit hours (01-510) Lecture and Laboratory

This course emphasizes core foundational knowledge of normal structure and function of domestic species.  Cell structure, differentiation, and physiology are covered. Students are introduced to domestic animal body structure together with the radiographic anatomy of those structures. The course details normal behavior and management of domestic species. Students are exposed to research projects conducted by faculty within SSVM.

Neuromusculoskeletal System: 6 credit hours (01-511) Lecture and Laboratory

This course covers core knowledge of form and function of appendicular skeleton, muscles, and nerves.  Cell types, cell structure and physiological mechanisms of control are emphasized.  Thoracic and pelvic limb comparative anatomy is taught alongside radiographic anatomy.  An overview of the central and peripheral nervous system is provided together with special senses.

Blood and Immunity: 4 credit hours (01-512) Lecture and Laboratory

This course provides an overview of the microanatomy of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Innate immunity, cellular and humoral adaptive immunity together with regulation of the immune response and hypersensitivity reactions are discussed. Mechanisms of immunity against pathogens including vaccinations are emphasized. Erythrogram, erythropoiesis, platelets, and coagulation as well as methodologies used to evaluate these structures are included.

Professional Skills I: 1 credit hour (01-513) Lecture and Laboratory

This six-semester course covers clinical and interprofessional communication, utilization of the Problem-Based Medical Record, teamwork, and collaboration, ethics, reflective practice, intercultural awareness, mindfulness and mental wellbeing, professional identity, practice management and business and personal finances. Each successive course will cover the same topics in increasing depth and complexity.

Clinical Skills I: 1 credit hour (01-1515) Lecture and Laboratory

This six-semester course engages students in the application and integration of knowledge acquired across the DVM program. Using deliberate practice and feedback, the course involves development of manual dexterity, safe handling and restraint and physical exam of common domestic animals (canine, feline, equine, bovine and ovine/caprine). Students will also have immersive observational experiences in clinical practice to better understand the skills they learn within the context of clinical practice.

Semester 2

Cardiopulmonary System: 4 credit hours (01-520) Lecture and Laboratory

The structure and function of the pulmonary system together with the heart and great vessels are covered. Anatomy, microanatomy, and diagnostic imaging of the nasal mucosa, trachea, bronchial tree and lung lobes, heart and great vessels are included. Blood - Gas exchange and physiological regulation of respiration, neural and hormonal control of blood pressure, fluid distribution and homeostasis are covered.

Gastrointestinal System: 4 credit hours (01-521) Lecture and Laboratory

This course compares the structure and function of the alimentary system of domestic species including introduction of dental structures. Comparative anatomy, microanatomy, and diagnostic imaging are covered. Endocrine, paracrine, neurocrine and autocrine functions of the GI tract are discussed. Liver, together with the endocrine and exocrine pancreas are included as they relate to the consumption, digestion, metabolism, and excretion of nutrients. Common diets for each domestic species are included as well as the ability of these diets to meet the nutrient needs of animals in different life stages.

Urogenital and Endocrine Systems: 6 credit hours (01-522) Lecture and Laboratory

Renal anatomy and physiology are covered in this course. This will include glomerular filtration, excretion of toxins and reabsorption of solutes and ions. The role of the kidney in fluid distribution, acid-base balance, and regulation of blood pressure is emphasized. The structure and function of the reproductive tracts in domestic animals including the gross anatomy, microanatomy, and diagnostic imaging is presented. The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in the control of reproduction, thyroid, and adrenal function is included.

Professional Skills II: 1 credit hour (01-523) Lecture and Laboratory

This six-semester course covers clinical and interprofessional communication, utilization of the Problem-Based Medical Record, teamwork, and collaboration, ethics, reflective practice, intercultural awareness, mindfulness and mental wellbeing, professional identity, practice management and business and personal finances. Each successive course will cover the same topics in increasing depth and complexity.

Clinical Skills II: 1 credit hour (01-1525) Lecture and Laboratory

This six-semester course engages students in the application and integration of knowledge acquired across the DVM program. Using deliberate practice and feedback, the course involves development of manual dexterity, safe handling and restraint and physical exam of common domestic animals (canine, feline, equine, bovine and ovine/caprine). Students will also have immersive observational experiences in clinical practice to better understand the skills they learn within the context of clinical practice.

Semester 3

Pathobiology I: Introduction 4 credit hours (02610) Required

This course covers principles of pharmacology with an emphasis on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and basic drug calculations. Overarching principles in anatomic pathology, and general toxicology together with research principles including research integrity, conflicts of interest, research design, care and use of animals used in research are included.
Lecture and Laboratory

Pathobiology II: Cardiopulmonary and Gastrointestinal System 8 credit hours (02611) Required

This course studies bacterial, viral, parasitic, and toxicological agents of disease in domestic animals as well as mechanisms of disease production. Pathological and clinical-pathological responses to insults as well as evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and control of these agents are highlighted. This course focuses on infectious agents that target the cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal systems. Critique of a research topic related to course content is expected.
Lecture and Laboratory

Introduction to Surgical Techniques: 3 credit hours (02612) Required

This course will introduce students to preoperative planning and surgical techniques with an emphasis on
sterile technique and suture handling. The extensive use of models will allow students to begin building clinical skills.
Lecture and Laboratory

Professional Skills III: 1 credit hour (02613) Required

This six-semester course covers clinical and interprofessional communication, utilization of the Problem-Based Medical Record, teamwork, and collaboration, ethics, reflective practice, intercultural awareness, mindfulness and mental wellbeing, professional identity, practice management and business and personal finances. Each successive course will cover the same topics in increasing depth and complexity.
Lecture and Laboratory

Semester 4

Pathobiology III: Neuromuscular, Renal, Reproductive, and Integumentary Systems: 8 credit hours (02620) Required

This course is a continuation of Pathobiology II with a focus on neuromuscular, renal, reproductive, and
integumentary systems. Pathological and clinical-pathological responses to insults as well as evaluation, diagnosis, treatment of infectious agents that target these systems are highlighted. Diseases that affect multiple organ systems that do not fit in previous categories are covered this semester. Students will critique a research topic related to course content.
Lecture and Laboratory

Population Medicine: 4 credit hours (02621) Required

This course focuses on the principles of epidemiology, biosecurity, and preventive health management of
populations. One Health concepts prepare students for the role of veterinarians in the diagnosis and prevention of zoonotic diseases, food security, food safety, animal welfare, antimicrobial usage, and prevention of antimicrobial resistance. Research related to animal populations is discussed.
Lecture and Laboratory

Introduction to Anesthesia: 2 credit hours (02622) Required

This course introduces students to pain management, sedation, and anesthesia. The physiology of pain response is integrated with the pharmacological principles of pain management and anesthesia. Introduction to anesthetic machines, patient monitoring, and fluid therapy is covered.
Lecture and Laboratory

Dentistry: 2 credit hours (02624 ) Required

Clinically relevant dental anatomy, nomenclature and charting is covered. Diagnostic procedures, prophylaxis and management of both periodontal and dental diseases is discussed. The extensive use of models will allow students to continue building clinical skills.
Lecture and Laboratory

Professional Skills IV: 1 credit hour (02623) Required

This six-semester course covers clinical and interprofessional communication, utilization of the Problem-Based Medical Record, teamwork, and collaboration, ethics, reflective practice, intercultural awareness, mindfulness and mental wellbeing, professional identity, practice management and business and personal finances. Each successive course will cover the same topics in increasing depth and complexity.
Lecture and Laboratory

Semester 5

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery I: 8 credit hours (03710) Required

Students participate in in-depth discussions of medical and surgical diseases of dogs and cats including
pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and appropriate use of referral. Disorders of the
cardiovascular, respiratory, hemolymphatic, ophthalmic, integumentary, neuromuscular, and orthopedic
systems are covered. Clinical pharmacology, clinical pathology, and diagnostic imaging are included in each system as appropriate.
Lecture and Laboratory

Large Animal Medicine and Surgery 1: 8 credit hours (03711) Required

Students participate in in-depth discussions of medical and surgical diseases of bovine, camelids, small
ruminants, swine, poultry, and equine species including pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and appropriate use of referral. Disorders of the cardiovascular, respiratory, hemolymphatic, ophthalmic, integumentary, neuromuscular, and orthopedic systems are covered. Clinical pharmacology, clinical pathology, and diagnostic imaging are included in each system as appropriate.
Lecture and Laboratory

Anesthesia-Surgery Procedures I: 3 credit hours (03712) Required

This course covers anesthetic and surgical management of routine procedures in multiple species. Students gain experience using models and live animals.
Lecture and Laboratory

Professional Skills V: 1 credit hour (03713) Required

This six-semester course covers clinical and interprofessional communication, utilization of the Problem-Based Medical Record, teamwork, and collaboration, ethics, reflective practice, intercultural awareness, mindfulness and mental wellbeing, professional identity, practice management and business and personal finances. Each successive course will cover the same topics in increasing depth and complexity.
Lecture and Laboratory

Semester 6

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery II: 6 credit hours (03720) Required

Students participate in in-depth discussions of medical and surgical diseases of dogs and cats including
pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and appropriate use of referral. Disorders of the reproductive, gastrointestinal, renal, and endocrine systems are covered. Clinical pharmacology, clinical pathology, and diagnostic imaging are included in each system as appropriate.
Lecture and Laboratory

Large Animal Medicine and Surgery II: 4 credit hours (03721) Required

Students participate in in-depth discussions of medical and surgical diseases of bovine, camelids, small
ruminants, swine, poultry, and equine species including pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and appropriate use of referral. Disorders of the reproductive, gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, and endocrine systems are covered. Clinical pharmacology, clinical pathology, and diagnostic imaging are included in each system as appropriate.
Lecture and Laboratory

Exotic and Lab Animal Medicine: 3 credit hours (03722) Required

This course is an introduction to exotic companion and zoo animal medicine with an emphasis on basic clinical procedures, clinical signs, diagnostic features and treatment of diseases commonly found in these species. This course will also review US regulations on the use, care, and welfare of animals in zoological collections, aquaria, and research laboratories. The basic framework for managing exotic species in general practice will be provided.
Lecture and Laboratory

Anesthesia/ Surgery Procedures II: 3 credit hours (03724) Required

This course is a continuation of Anesthesia/Surgery Procedures I. Anesthetic and surgical management of routine procedures in multiple species are covered. Students gain experience using models and live animals.
Laboratory Only

Professional Skills VI: 1 credit hour (03723) Required

This six-semester course covers clinical and interprofessional communication, utilization of the Problem-Based Medical Record, teamwork, and collaboration, ethics, reflective practice, intercultural awareness, mindfulness and mental wellbeing, professional identity, practice management and business and personal finances. Each successive course will cover the same topics in increasing depth and complexity.
Lecture and Laboratory

Semesters 7, 8, and 9 - Clinical Year Clerkships

Anesthesia: 2 credit hours (04801) Required

This is a comparative clerkship offered at SSVM teaching hospital where students gain experience in sedation, anesthesia, and pain management in a variety of small animal patients. Additional objectives emphasized during this clerkship include teamwork, management of controlled substances, and record keeping.
Clerkship

Dentistry: 2 credit hours (04802) Required

This clerkship is designed to provide experience in dentistry and oral surgery. Students may choose large or small animal focus depending on area of interest. Students are expected to perform an oral examination, obtain, and interpret intraoral radiographs, discuss therapeutic options, and perform basic periodontal procedures and extractions. Regional nerve blocks and appropriate post-operative analgesia will be discussed. This clerkship can be completed at SSVM teaching hospital or at an approved affiliate practice.
Clerkship

Diagnostic Imaging: 2 credit hours (04803) Required

This clerkship provides in-depth training in radiology, ultrasound, and cross-sectional imaging with an emphasis on radiation safety, production, and interpretation of diagnostic imaging in clinical practice. This clerkship is offered at SSVM teaching hospital.
Clerkship

Diagnostic Pathology: 4 credit hours (04805) Required

This clerkship provides students with a focused experience in veterinary anatomic pathology and diagnostic
laboratory services. This clerkship is completed at New Jersey State Diagnostic Lab.
Clerkship 

Clinical Elective Clerkships: 2 credit hours (04817) 4 Clerkships Required

This series of 4 clerkships provides students with the opportunities to explore areas of interest in more detail. Clerkships may include a combination of primary care, specialty care, or public practice. Students must have their elective clerkships approved by the office of Academic Affairs at least 3 months before the clerkship begins. Forms are available in the Office of Academic Affairs.
Clerkship

Emergency and Critical Care: 4 credit hours (04806) Required

This clerkship focuses on the management of emergent and critical cases presented to the SSVM teaching
hospital. Students will be expected to prioritize situational urgency and formulate plans to stabilize emergent cases. Management of postoperative and other critical patients in the intensive care unit will provide experience with technical and nursing procedures as well as compassionate client communication.
Clerkship

Large Animal Primary Care: 6 credit hours (04807) Required

During this clerkship, students will accompany ambulatory clinicians from SSVM teaching hospital on farm calls where they will participate in routine herd health visits, reproductive examinations, nutritional evaluation, and disease prevention on horses, cattle, sheep, goats, camelids, and swine. Learning objectives will include demonstrated knowledge of vaccinations, parasite control, mastitis prevention and routine procedures.
Clerkship

Large Animal Focus: 2 credit hours (04808) Required

This clerkship will allow students to experience 2 weeks at a large animal hospital or university-facilitated
production animal facility. We have agreements with Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center and BW Furlong & Associates for this experience. Students may petition to go to another large animal hospital or veterinary school.
Clerkship

Primary Care: Small Animal General Practice: 4 credit hours (04809) Required

This clerkship is offered at the SSVM teaching hospital primary care clinic and emphasizes the health and wellness of dogs, cats, and small mammals. Primary case responsibility for more common diseases affecting these species including history taking, physical examination, problem identification, selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests and treatment planning are core learning objectives. Routine surgical procedures will be performed during this clerkship. Identification of situations in which referral is appropriate, time management, client communication and record keeping are also considered.
Clerkship

Beyond Private Practice: 2 credit hours (04810) Required

This rotation is designed to provide students the opportunity to explore career options for veterinarians in areas other than private practice. Students will select a two-week experience in one of the following: federal, state, or local governments; industrial corporations (pharmaceutical and biological companies, contracting laboratories); non-profit institutions (research institutes, zoos, wildlife centers); or international organizations in the United States or overseas or academic intuitions. Students will work with their faculty advisor to identify learning objectives for each rotation.
Clerkship

Shelter Medicine: 4 credit hours (04811) Required

This clerkship will provide students surgical experiences through a High Quality; High Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) stationary service model for the animals of Gloucester County Animal Shelter (GCAS) and other area shelter and rescue organizations and a mobile unit owned and operated by SSVM. Students will be responsible for all clinical services from admission to discharge. One Health and access-to-care initiatives will focus on wellness and preventative care clinics, municipal vaccine clinics, and mobile spay/neuter services to provide veterinary care to target populations of animals. Other activities may include shelter consultation or mock consultation visits, research or case study work, shelter design workshops, daily rounds topic discussions and off-site activities to expand on other shelter topics such as cruelty investigation and veterinary forensics.
Clerkship

Small Animal Internal Medicine: 4 credit hours (04812) Required

This clerkship offered at the SSVM teaching hospital specialty hospital provides primary case responsibility for a spectrum of more complicated clinical diseases affecting dogs and cats. History taking, physical examination, problem identification, selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests, and treatment planning are core learning objectives.
Clerkship

Small Animal Surgery: 4 credit hours (04813) Required

This clerkship focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic management of small animal surgical patients
presented to the SSVM teaching hospital. In addition to history taking, physical examination, diagnostic testing and interpretation, there is an emphasis on treatment planning in context to animal welfare, client expectations, and economic considerations. Surgical management of both soft tissue and orthopedic diseases will be included.
Clerkship

Specialty Medicine 1: 2 credit hours (04814) three Clerkships Required

Students will select three clerkships with a specialist approved by the American Board of Veterinary Specialists. Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Exotics, Oncology and Dermatology are available at the SSVM teaching hospital. Other specialties may be approved though petition to the Office of Academic Affairs. (Note, large animal focus students can request a specialist with large animal focus). The Specialty Medicine Clerkship will be repeated three times for a total of 6 weeks and a maximum of one clerkship (2 weeks) can be completed within the same specialty.
Clerkship

Specialty Medicine 2: 2 credit hours (04815) Required

Same as above.
Clerkship

Specialty Medicine 3: 2 credit hours (04816) Required

Same as above.
Clerkship