Veterinary Health Science

AS and BS Major Options

Veterinary Health Science (AS)

As of Oct. 27, 2023, LMU is no longer enrolling students in the AS Veterinary Health Science program. **This impacts the AS program only--the BS in VHS is NOT AFFECTED.**

Pre-Veterinary Medicine:

The AS in VHS is designed especially for the student that wishes to pursue application to an AVMA accredited veterinary college. After completion of the AS degree, a student will have fulfilled major requirements for application to select AVMA accredited veterinary colleges. This program offers students limited veterinary experience and education using lectures and labs with animal models and cadavers.

Veterinary Health Science (BS)

The BS in VHS is designed to prepare graduates to apply to select AVMA accredited veterinary colleges, graduate programs, as well as to gain employment in related fields, including pharmaceutical sales, animal health management, government agencies, national organization, and education, in addition to applying to graduate school in fields of animal science, public health or other biological sciences.

Veterinary Health Science – LMU-CVM GPA Program

The GPA Program in VHS is designed to prepare students for early entry into LMU-CVM. Enrollment is restricted to those applicants accepted into the LMU GPA Program.

Students accepted into the VHS – LMU-CVM GPA Program must meet academic requirements in order to remain in the GPA Program.

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.35 or higher (3.35 in science & major courses)
  • Complete the CASPer exam
  • Complete 400 hours (or more) in veterinary experience or animal research
  • Complete the Veterinary Medical College Application System (VMCAS) application for the admissions cycle that is applicable to the student’s desired start date in LMU-CVM

Veterinary Health Science Program Goals:

As a division of the Veterinary Health Science & Technology Department, the VHS Program seeks to fulfill the following goals:

  • Provide an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Health Science which meets academic standards necessary for entrance into veterinary college or other graduate degree programs.
  • Provide an educational background that enables graduates to become integral members of scientific or veterinary healthcare teams.
  • Provide students with academic advisement and knowledge regarding entrance requirements of nationally accredited veterinary colleges

Veterinary Health Science Program Objectives:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics as requirements for entrance into veterinary school (AS and BS).
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic veterinary sciences (AS and BS).
  3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of veterinary medicine and the global impact veterinary medicine has on our world today (BS).
  4. Understand the human animal bond (HAB) and its impact on society.
  5. Understand relationship between veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians and technologists, veterinary assistants, and other members of the veterinary health care team.
  6. Recognize the importance of each individual in the veterinary health care team and understand the process required to grow positive relationships with all members of the veterinary health care team (Interdisciplinary approach).

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

VHS-101: Intro to Veterinary Medicine

Credits 1.0

This course is designed to give students an overview of veterinary medicine from its origin to the present time. The course will include, but not be limited to, the following: regulatory and government bodies, biosecurity, one health/one medicine concept, public health, professional associations, education and licensing requirements for veterinarians, careers in veterinary medicine, disease management, animal welfare, and veterinary ethics. Fall, Spring.

VHS-194: Pre-Vet Career Seminar

Credits 2.0

This course is open to those students that qualify academically for the guaranteed early admission pathway to LMU-CVM.  It offeres exposure to the veterinary medical profession through topics and speakers relevant to a career pathway in the veterinary medical field.  Practicing veterinarians from a variety of clinical settings, upper-level students and veterinary students will share about the profession.  Prerequisites: ACT Math > 24, ACT Reading > 24 (or analogous SAT scores). Fall.

VHS-211: Animal Anat & Phys I

Credits 3.0

This is the first of a two-course sequence examining the structure, function, and interdependence of the animal body systems important in health and disease. Terminology and nomenclature of the veterinary field will be emphasized. This course includes a study of the anatomy and physiology of cells and tissues as well as the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems. In conjunction with classroom instruction, the anatomy and physiology lab component for this course requires students to apply knowledge from the classroom to hands-on and critical-thinking application exercises. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) in BIOL 111 and 112 with labs Corequisite: VHS 211L (1 cr hr). Fall.

VHS-212: Animal Anat & Phys II

Credits 3.0

This is the second of a two-course sequence examining the structure, function, and interdependence of the animal body systems important in health and disease. Terminology and nomenclature of the veterinary field will be emphasized. This course includes a study of the anatomy and physiology of the urinary, gastrointestinal, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems, as well as the special sense organs. In conjunction with classroom instruction, the anatomy and physiology lab component for this course requires students to apply knowledge from the classroom to hands-on and critical-thinking application exercises. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) in VHS 211 and lab. Corequisite: VHS 212L (1 cr hr). Spring.

VHS-230: Rual & Comp Anim Handle & Husb

Credits 3.0

The rural animal husbandry and handling portion of this course will focus on the practical aspects of behavior, nutrition, breeding, reproduction, health, economics, and management of horses, large and small ruminants, poultry, pigs, and other hobby type, rural farm animals will be discussed. The companion animal husbandry and handling portion of this course will provide information on basic animal care and husbandry of small animals including pocket pets. Course topics include behavior, vaccinations, common diseases, and nutrition. The semester will be split into two sections, one for rural animal material and one for companion animal material. Corequisite VHS 230L (1 cr hr), VHS 211 or 212 w/lab. Fall and Spring.

VHS-230L: Rural/Comp Anim Hand/Husb Lab

Credits 1.0

Rural Animal Handling – demonstrate and allow the practice of humane and safe capture, restraint, and handling of horses, large and small ruminants, poultry, pigs, and other hobby farm type rural animals.

Companion Animal Handling – demonstrate and allow the practice of humane and safe capture, restraint, and handling of small animals for common procedures such as examination, vaccine administration, and phlebotomy.  Corequisite:  VHS 230 (3 cr hr).  Corequisite:  VHS 211/lab or VHS 212/lab.

VHS-240: Pre-Vet Experience I

Credits 1.0

This is the first of two experiential learning courses in the veterinary health science curriculum.  In this course, the student will complete work experience at an approved veterinary clinical or scientific setting. The student must submit written reports throughout the course detailing time spent in the setting and description of activities.  Submission of an experiential portfolio is required.  Prerequisite: Successful completion (B- or better) in VHS 194 and approval of Department Chair. Spring.  Guaranteed Professional Admission (GPA) Students Only.

VHS-300: Vet Parasitology & Entomology

Credits 3.0

Common internal and external parasites of domestic animals. Parasitic life cycles, pathology, control measures. Prerequisites: VHS 212, VHS 212L. Co-requisite VHS 300L.

VHS-310: Wildlife Diseases

Credits 3.0

Survey of wildlife diseases with emphasis on disease mechanism and etiology, pathobiology, epidemiology, and significance of disease. This course will describe the common diseases affecting North American wildlife and explore disease at the interface of human, wildlife, and domestic animals. Prerequisite BIOL 112/112L.

VHS-320: Junior VHS Science Seminar

Credits 3.0

This junior seminar course will cover select current topics in veterinary medicine through lecture and guest speaker visits. Students will gain experience with professional skills such as resume writing and interview skills. Students will investigate a research question relevant to the field of veterinary medicine using primary literature sources (e.g. JAVMA, AJVR, etc). The student will write a research paper exploring the research question they have chosen. A faculty mentor with expertise in the field chosen will be assigned. The critique will be summarized and presented to an audience of peers and faculty. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of ENGL 102 or equivalent and Junior standing. Corequisite: VHS 320X. Fall and Spring.

VHS-330: One Health

Credits 3.0

Review of the history, concepts, disciplines and organizations that define the One Health concept. Examination of the collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment. Prerequisites:ENGL 102 and Junior Standing. Fall.

VHS-340: Pre-Vet Experience II

Credits 1.0

This is the second of two experiential learning courses in the veterinary health science curriculum. In this course, the student will complete work experience at an approved veterinary clinical or scientific setting. The student must submit written reports throughout the course detailing time spent in the setting and description of activities. Submission of an experiential portfolio is required. Prerequisite: Successful completion (B- or better) in VHS 194, 240 and approval of the Assistant Dean.

VHS-350: Issues in Equine Industry

Credits 3.0

This course will cover several facets of the equine industry. Focus will be place on the economic impact of the industry on a local, regional, and national scale. Topics included will be discipline diversity, equine welfare, employment opportunities, and current problems facing the industry. Ethics and concerns regarding horse use will be investigated. Fall. EVEP Students only.

VHS-360: Advanced Animal Anatomy

Credits 3.0

This course is an in-depth study of macroscopic comparative anatomy of common veterinary species (canine, feline, bovine, equine, and small ruminant). Body structure will be studied by region and organ systems. Form-function relationships will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) in VHS 211 & 212 w/labs Corequisite: VHS 360L (1 cr hr).

VHS-370: Animal Nutrition

Credits 3.0

This course provides an in-depth study of the classification and function of nutrients, digestive processes, characterization of feedstuffs, and interpretation of pet food labels. Common nutritional diseases will be covered. The course includes feeding principles that can be applied to all domestic species. The first part of the course emphasizes fundamentals of nutrition and applications for beef/dairy cattle, swine, equine, and poultry; the later part of the course covers basics of proper application for life stage feeding, therapeutic nutrition, and critical care nutrition for dogs and cats. Prerequisite: CHEM 111, Junior Standing. Spring.

VHS-380: Animal Repro Anat & Physiology

Credits 3.0

Comparative anatomy, physiology, and endocrinology of the male and female reproductive systems of common domestic species. Covers processes of reproduction, gestation, and parturition. The student will understand and apply aspects of anatomy and physiology of animal reproduction, aspects of animal reproductive physiology and endocrinology, the differences/similarities of different species in the reproductive aspect, understand different strategies in management practices to control different reproductive processes. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of VHS 212 with lab. Corequisite: VHS 380L(1 cr hr) Spring.

VHS-380L: Animal Repro Anat & Phys Lab

Credits 1.0

This course covers the microscopic and macroscopic anatomy, of the male and female reproductive systems of common domestic species.  Course will emphasize the structure and function of reproductive systems  that are described in the corequisite VHS 380.  Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of VHS 212/ VHS 212L  Spring.

VHS-390: Human Animal Bond

Credits 3.0

Course covers the impact of the human animal bond to our society today. Students will be required to design an interdisciplinary community project that will benefit both humans and animals. Course will include information of how to manipulate the human animal bond for human physical, sociological, and psychological benefits. Spring.

VHS-400: Zoonotic Diseases Vet/Pub Hlth

Credits 3.0

Principles of public and veterinary health. Methods of evaluation of health and disease in populations with techniques for disease outbreak investigation. Epidemiology of zoonotic diseases emphasized. Prerequisites: VHS 300, VHS 300L. Fall

VHS-410: Equine Management

Credits 3.0

Practical aspects of behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, disease prevention, biosecurity, economics and business management of the equine species. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of VHS 212 with lab, VHS 230 with lab, and VHS 370. Spring.

VHS-450: Livestock Health and Management

Credits 3.0
  1. Practical aspects of behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, disease prevention, biosecurity, economics and business management of livestock and poultry. Emphasis on herd/flock health management. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of VHS 212 with lab, VHS 230 with lab, and VHS 370. Spring.

VHS-480: Companion Animal Mgmt

Credits 3.0

This course is a study of practical aspects of behavior, nutrition, breeding, reproduction, health, economics, and management of dogs, cats, and other animals generally considered human companions. Successful completion (C- or better) of VHS 212 with lab, VHS 230 with lab, and VHS 370. Fall.

 

VHS-497: Veterinary Senior Seminar

Credits 3.0

This capstone course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to identify issues reflected in the current technical and professional veterinary literature. These issues will be analyzed by student participants in such a way to enhance continued understanding and appreciation of research in veterinary medicine. Spring.