Admissions Contact Information

Phone: 909-469-5335
Email: admissions@westernu.edu
Address: 309 E. Second St. Pomona, CA 91766
Website: http://www.westernu.edu/veterinary/

Background Information

• When was the school founded? The College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1998

• What is the mission of the institution? The College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to serving society and animals through the preparation of students for the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary public health and/or veterinary research in an educational program of self-directed learning, reverence for life and clinical education through strategic partnerships. Instruction and clinical opportunities are provided in a wide variety of domestic species, including food animal, equine and companion animals. The college sustains a vibrant, diverse faculty by encouraging advancement through personal and professional development and research. This creates an environment of competent, caring, ethical professionals, where cooperative learning, public service, and scholarship can flourish in an arena of excellence.

• Is it a public or private University? Private

• Do they have any special facilities? They have the Veterinary Science Center, Diagnostic Laboratories, and Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center.

​Ranking​

• U.S. News and World Report Ranking: No published ranking. 

• Accreditation: ​Yes, they were granted full accreditation on March 3rd, 2010.

​Required Coursework

- Organic Chemistry with Lab (3 credits)

- Biochemistry preferably with Lab (3 credits)

- Statistics (3credits)

- Microbiology (3 credits)

- Upper Division Physiology (3 credits)

- Genetics or Molecular Biology (3 credits)

- Upper Division Biological and Life Sciences with Lab, examples are zoology, cell biology, molecular biology, reproduction, anatomy, and embryology (9 credits)

- Humanities/Social Sciences (9 credits)

- General Physics with lab (6 credits)

- English Composition (6 credits)

​Coursework Criteria​

• All of the prerequisite courses must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalence abroad, completed with a grade of C or better, and completed by the spring term prior to matriculation.

​​Veterinary Program​

• How many years is the program? 4 years 

• What is the average class size? 100-105

• What concentrations are offered? WesternU graduates will be capable of immediate, positive participation in the professional field of their choosing; small animal/exotic/equine/large animal/zoo clinical and/or ambulatory practice; production (dairy, poultry, aquaculture) practice; shelter medicine; wildlife medicine; federal/state/local government; basic/clinical research; international consultation and more.  

• What other degrees are offered? DVM, MSHS, PhD, and various graduate programs.

• What is the NAVLE pass rate? N/A

• What are some student activities? They have 89 clubs through the general university and the veterinary college ranging from cultural and religious, specialty-based, nationally affiliated professional organizations and honors societies.

• What professional development do they offer graduates? They have the CVM career center that helps graduates look for job opportunities or if you want to advertise that your clinic has a job opening.

• What academic support programs do they have? Dedicated clinical and basic science faculty with many years of teaching experience are committed to working closely with you to help you succeed in our rigorous program. You will have a faculty advisor who serves as a mentor throughout your academic career by providing advice, referrals, letters of recommendation, and other support. Additionally, you can draw on the expertise of the Learning Enhancement & Academic Development Office (LEAD). LEAD staff arrange for individual and group peer-tutoring sessions, one-on-one stress relief sessions, and workshops on topics such as time management, test-taking skills, and learning styles.

• What is the curriculum? WesternU's four-year DVM curriculum uses a problem-based learning approach, and is guided by a reverence-for-life philosophy. Your education will include not only wellness care, primary and tertiary care, but also client communication, collegial exchange, and business training. Problem-based learning (PBL) is significantly different from the traditional lecture-based format. In WesternU's PBL curriculum, groups of approximately 7 students actively engage in the learning process while faculty facilitate and provide subject-matter knowledge. Working independently and in small groups, students explore case studies to learn basic science and clinical concepts. As a student, you'll learn to uncover answers, assess the quality of information, learn basic science knowledge and communicate effectively as you explore 64 carefully selected cases during your first and second year in the program. Although the transition from a traditional to a problem-based learning style can be challenging, students and alumni say it is extremely rewarding and worth the effort!