The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is a six-year graduate degree program consisting of a two-year preparatory (pre-vet) and a four-year proper curriculum. The program provides theoretical knowledge and practical experience in animal production and diagnosis, as well as in the prevention, treatment, and control of clinical disorders and diseases in companion animals (pets), exotic animals (wild or zoo) and farm animals. It teaches students the anatomy and physiology of the animal body as well as the different common animal diseases. The program also focuses on training students in diagnostic procedures, radiology and imaging technology, animal pharmacology, physical examination procedures, preventive medicine techniques and skills for communicating with animal owners.

Recommended Undergraduate Program

Students who wish to pursue the DVM program should complete the pre-veterinary program before proceeding to the four-year veterinary proper. However, students who do not hold an undergraduate program in those fields but still wish to pursue the program are encouraged to take at least 18 units of courses in the relevant fields.

Subjects and Curriculum

• Animal Economics and Production

• Principles of Animal Nutrition

• Principles of Breeding and Genetics

• Veterinary Anatomy

• Veterinary Microbiology

• Veterinary Pathology

• Veterinary Physiology

• Veterinary Pharmacology

• Veterinary Surgery

• Veterinary Clinics

Admission Requirements

Qualifications

• The student must complete the two-year pre-veterinary program

• The student must pass the National Veterinary Admission Test (NVAT). 

• The student must pass the Graduate Admissions Test of the university

Basic Requirements

• Undergraduate Transcript of records (Original and Photocopy)

• Recommendation letters from former professors, deans, or colleagues

• Letter of intent

• Most recent medical and dental health record

• Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate

• Copy of undergraduate diploma

• (1) Latest 2”x2”ID Picture

Areas of Specialization

• Parasitology

• Pharmacology

• Animal Medicine

• Microbiology

• Physiology

Program Outcome

Graduates of the DVM program are expected to be able to:

• Discuss the biological principles and mechanisms underlying animal health and diseases

• Apply diagnostic methods and interpret results for accurate disease diagnosis

• Prescribe medications and implement treatment to remedy diseases, ailments, and abnormalities of animals

• Apply various principles and mechanisms to prevent and control animal diseases and other related problems

Practical Exposure

A student of the DVM program needs to complete two sets of practical exposure: the Internship and the Field Experience. The Internship and the Field Experience are more or less the same. Both of these programs allow students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and practice their skills in actual settings. They are supervised by a designated authority in the establishment who must be a Veterinary Medicine Doctor as well. 

Board Exam

To become a Licensed Veterinarian in the Philippines, a graduate of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine needs to pass the Veterinary Medicine Licensure Examination conducted by the Board of Veterinary Medicine under the supervision of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the DVM program may pursue a career path in public and private medical facilities, educational institutions, government agencies, and private sectors. They may apply as a swine, poultry, and livestock veterinarian, public health veterinarian, companion animal veterinarian, equine veterinarian, wildlife veterinarian, zoo veterinarian, veterinary researcher, academic faculty, or a private practice veterinarian.