Our curriculum integrates basic and clinical science to provide students the framework for integrating all of their accumulating knowledge to be applied to the clinical setting. The students develop their knowledge of all species in both normal and abnormal states, building their skills from basic coursework into the clinical applications. The veterinary graduate is equipped to not only treat diseases of animals but also to solve disease problems that affect both animals and humans. With the increase in frequency of zoonotic diseases and the focus on “One Health,” this is an increasingly important part of veterinary education.

Sensitivity to the human-animal bond has become a very important component of clinical veterinary medicine, and can have a major impact on the success of the veterinarian in a private practice setting. At Saint Nicholas University: School of Veterinary Medicine, we believe that learning to balance hard scientific skills with accomplished people skills is vital to the veterinarian’s success.

During the first seven (7) semesters, students participate in a series of basic and clinical sciences courses that provide the knowledge that will lead to success in the clinical application later in their clinical practice training. Relevance of basic science information to solutions of clinical problems is key to the educational process. Students learn the role of veterinary medicine in the community and the effect that disease has on animals and the family involved as well as the potential for transmission of zoonotic agents from animals to humans.

Each credit in the Veterinary Basic Science curriculum is equivalent to either 15 lecture hours or 30-45 laboratory session hours. Laboratory sessions provide the opportunity for students to develop the ability to make observations and improve their analytical skills. Also, some students learn more quickly in this “hands on” experience.