Veterinary Medical Science (VMS) Program

 

Download the VMS application.

Program Overview

Building on more than 17 years of preparing students for a career in clinical veterinary medicine and laboratory animal sciences, Drexel University College of Medicine now offers a post-baccalaureate Veterinary Medical Science (VMS) Certificate program.

The VMS Preparatory Program - The only one in the nation - is a one-year, post-baccalaureate program.

The VMS program is the right choice if:

  • You need to enhance your veterinary school application by strengthening your skills in the basic sciences.
  • You are interested in a one-year, intensive post-baccalaureate program.

    • Curriculum

    The curriculum has been designed to augment students' understanding of the basic sciences  and ensure success in their professional careers as clinical veterinarians. 

    FIRST YEAR - FALL SEMESTER (VMS program)

    Course Number Course Description

    Credits
    IMSP 510  Medical Biochemistry I

    7.5
    IMSP 520 Medical Physiology I

    3.5
    MLAS 606   Clinical Laboratory Techniques and Concepts

    1.0
    MLAS 505 Microbiology with Laboratory

    4.0
    MLAS 525 Animal Anatomy

    2.0
     

    Total

    18.0


    FIRST YEAR - SPRING SEMESTER (VMS program)

    Course Number Course Description

    Credits
    IMSP 511

    Medical Biochemistry II

    0.5
    IMSP 521 Medical Physiology II

    3.5
    MLAS 529 Molecular Genetics

    2.0
    MLAS 530 Epidemiology & Biostatistics

    3.0
    MSPP 513 Special Topics in Anatomy  

    4.0
     

    Total

    13.0

    Students who successfully complete the VMS program have the option to complete the Master of Laboratory Animal Science (MLAS) degree by taking additional courses for two semesters and performing the summer practicum. These additional courses are as follows:

    SECOND YEAR – FALL SEMESTER (MLAS program)

    Course Number Course Description

    Credits
    MLAS 510 Clinical Orientation to Lab Animal Facilites

    1.0
    MLAS 523 Organizational Management

    3.0
    MLAS 536 Animal Models in Biomedical Research

    1.0
    MLAS 531 Embryology  

    3.0
    MLAS 610 Diseases of Laboratory Animals

    3.0
     

    Total

    11.0

     SECOND YEAR—SPRING SEMESTER (MLAS program)

    Course Number Course Description Credits
    MLAS 535 Biology and Care of Laboratory Animals

    4.0
    MLAS 521 Architecture, Engineering and Planning of Animal Facilities

    4.0
    MLAS 501 Laboratory Animal Seminar

    2.0
    MLAS 520 Financial Management in Lab Animal Science

    3.0
     

    Total

    		 13.0

    SECOND YEAR – SUMMER SESSION (MLAS program)
     

    Course Number

    Course Description

    Credits
    MLAS 801 Practicum 12.0
     

    Total

    		 12.0

    Who Should Apply?

    The VMS program was designed for individuals who are seeking to improve their credentials to gain admission to veterinary schools in the United States.

    VMS is best suited to:

    • Students who applied and barely missed being accepted to veterinary schools and wish to improve their credentials before re-applying
    • Students with borderline science GPA but good GRE scores who are planning on applying to veterinary school.

    Application Procedures

    Candidates for admission must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a focus on animal science or a related field, such as biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, microbiology, zoology or pre-veterinary studies. In addition to the completed application, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation (two from science profressors and one from a veterinarian), a statement of goals, and all official transcripts. Applicants must also submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

     Download the VMS application.

    Drexel University College of Medicine
    Office of Professional Studies in the Health Sciences
    245 North 15th Street, Mail Stop 344, Room 4104 NCB
    Philadelphia, PA 19102
    Telephone: 215-762-4692
    Email:  medicalsciences@drexelmed.edu