St. Matthew’s University encourages ambitious, hard-working and curious individuals to apply for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Most importantly, applicants should have a passion for both animals and meaningful healthcare. Becoming a veterinarian is a rewarding endeavor that provides financial benefits and enables students to work closely with animals throughout the course of their careers. If this sounds right for you, begin your application today!

At St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, the DVM program consists of 10 semesters, seven for Basic Science and three for Clinical Medicine. Successful students complete the program in just over three total years.

St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine provides aspiring veterinarians with individualized support from dedicated faculty, extensive student services and rotation options in the U.S. and Canada. Our goal is to foster a learning environment where students receive the personal guidance, academic instruction and hands-on training they need to achieve their DVM degree and career goals. Beneficially, our academic campus is located on Grand Cayman, a notably safe and modern island where students can both focus on their studies and experience the joys of Caribbean living. They also benefit from unique hands-on experience with rare aquatic animals, such as blue iguanas, stingrays, turtles and more!

Earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree provides a host of career options. As you progress in your veterinary studies, you should consistently be evaluating your veterinary medicine preferences and thinking about which veterinary career you would like to pursue. Approximately 80% of veterinarians choose to work in private practice, typically either with small or large animals. Additional career options include working in research, consulting, education, diagnostic laboratories, public health and regulatory medicine.

Veterinary students take the NAVLE during their final clinical year of studies. The NAVLE is notoriously long and candidates are required to answer 360 multiple-choice questions during six blocks of 65 minutes (60 questions each). As with any exam, you should create a study plan that helps you focus on the areas you’re not confident in, while also refreshing you on the topics you already know well.In order to be successful on the NAVLE, you should review study guides online and complete as many practice questions as possible. The exam is computerized and to help you prepare, there is an online mock exam. Prior to taking the exam, St. Matthew’s University recommends that you try a full mock exam to get an understanding of what the real test is like and how to pace yourself throughout it.

In order to practice veterinary medicine in North America, you will need to score at least 70% on the NAVLE. It is vital that you prepare sufficiently for the exam by spending a significant amount of time studying and learning as much as possible during your clinical rotations.If you decide to pursue specialty training, having a good score on the NAVLE can help you obtain a veterinary internship or residency. However, some programs do not require you to have completed the NAVLE before applying. You can learn more by reviewing the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).

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