CVM Frequently Asked Questions- October 2024

Progress on South Carolina's first college of veterinary medicine continues! Construction of the CVM campus is moving along quickly in anticipation of welcoming our first class of students in the Fall of 2026, pending accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. We've engaged with a variety of stakeholders who are interested in following our growth. Below are some frequently asked questions we've received recently!

Questions from Future Veterinarians

What kind of degree will Clemson College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) students earn?
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is a professional degree program, similar to a law or human medical degree. Our students will typically enter our program after graduating with a four-year undergraduate degree and/or completing specific undergraduate prerequisite credits. The Clemson DVM is a four-year program. Years one-three will involve preclinical training, and students will spend their fourth year completing a variety of clerkship rotations within the Clemson CVM clinical training network (partner veterinarians around the state) as well as working with the Clemson large animal ambulatory service. This partial distributive clinical training model will be similar to an apprenticeship where students work closely with veterinarians as educators and role models. During this time, students will also be able to explore specific areas of interest such as radiology, pathology, large animal or zoo medicine.

What will the first three years of the degree entail?
The curriculum will focus on healthy animals (year one), diseased animals (year two) and case-based clinical studies (year three). Woven in this learning will be a focus on professional development skills such as communication, well-being, financial literacy, ethics and clinical skills including performing anesthesia and surgery.

After graduation, how will I find a job?
Job placement rates for DVMs are extremely high. Clemson CVM students will be prepared to work as a veterinarian upon graduation and after passing their licensing exams. They may also choose to continue their education with more specialized training. No matter which path they choose, CVM's Office of Academic Affairs will work one-on-one with each student to help them navigate the process.

I am interested in veterinary medicine, what different career paths do I have?
The DVM degree will open many doors in the world of veterinary medicine and related fields. Students can pursue large or small animal medicine, mixed animal practice, equine practice, specialty practice, public health, education, industry, government, or research.

Questions from Future CVM Staff Members and Partner Veterinarians

How can I join the CVM team?
Hiring is ongoing. Over the next year, we will post dozens of faculty and staff positions. We are currently hiring six faculty positions. We are also hiring a Director of Development. More details are posted on the CVM website.

How large will the campus be?
The CVM campus will be located on West Queen Avenue across the road from the Clemson Equine farm and the T. Ed Garrison Arena. The 15-20-acre site will house the CVM Hub (primarily offices, classrooms and other collaborative spaces), the Clinical Teaching building (hands-on teaching labs), Research building, and Ambulatory building (mobile truck based large animal veterinary service that will serve the Clemson University and local farms.) The Equine Teaching building will be on Clemson's Equine Farm. The new Farm Animal Teaching Building will be located on the Clemson LaMaster Dairy property.