Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine: A Comprehensive Overview

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), established in 1982, is an institution dedicated to shaping ambitious students into veterinary leaders. Located on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, RUSVM offers a unique educational and cultural experience in a tropical environment. The university also has administrative offices in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Academic Programs

RUSVM offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Furthermore, since 2014, the university has expanded its academic offerings to include Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in areas such as public health, global animal health, and conservation medicine. These graduate programs are designed to provide cutting-edge education, preparing students for careers in veterinary research.

DVM Program Structure

The DVM program at RUSVM is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The curriculum consists of seven semesters of preclinical training on the St. Kitts campus, followed by a year of clinical education. This clinical year can be completed at one of over 20 AVMA-accredited veterinary schools in the United States or at the AVMA-accredited Atlantic Veterinary College in Canada.

Postgraduate Studies

RUSVM's Postgraduate Studies program, accredited by the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board, offers MSc and PhD degrees in various research areas supported by the university.

Campus and Facilities

The RUSVM campus in St. Kitts spans 50 acres and features a range of facilities designed to provide a comprehensive learning environment. These include:

High-tech classrooms
Small and large animal surgery suites
A hands-on gross anatomy lab with multimedia technology
A large animal teaching facility
Two surgery teaching laboratories
A large animal hospital with recovery stalls
Extensive large animal paddock and kennels, housing more than 350 animals

The availability of numerous animals on campus provides students with valuable hands-on experience, enhancing their education.

Faculty and Students

The majority of the 70-member faculty at RUSVM hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and/or PhD credential, with many being board certified in clinical specialties. RUSVM attracts students from around the world, with a significant number being citizens or permanent residents of the United States. These students are eligible to apply for financial assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. RUSVM enrolls students three times per year, in September, January, and May.

Research and One Health Initiative

Research is integral to RUSVM's mission. The university is committed to the One Health concept, recognizing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. RUSVM's research focuses on areas such as:

Safe food production
Control of emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases

RUSVM encourages student involvement in research through its Research Centers, fostering a thirst for knowledge and promoting advancements in animal and human health.

Collaborative Programs

RUSVM has established collaborative programs with other institutions to provide students with additional pathways to veterinary education. One such program is the 4+4 program with Gannon University, which allows qualified students to earn a bachelor's degree from Gannon and a DVM degree from RUSVM.

Read also: Sul Ross State University History

Gannon University 4+4 Program Requirements

GU Undergraduate Entry Requirements:
- Completion of four years of science courses at the high school level (biology and chemistry courses are required, while physics is highly recommended)
- Completion of four years of math courses at the high school level
- Cumulative high school GPA of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Class rank in the top 25% of high school class
- Evidence of academic and personal potential and a desire to become a veterinarian
RUSVM Entry Requirements:After four years of undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree from Gannon University and satisfying the following requirements, the eligible candidate is evaluated by RUSVM for admission.
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- GPA of 3.0 or higher in all courses designated by RUSVM as prerequisites of admission
- No F, D, or C- grades in a prerequisite course designated by RUSVM. Courses with these grades must be retaken.
- GRE is highly recommended but not required. Applications with the GRE (regardless of score) will be given priority in the review process.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation, one letter from an academic instructor, preferably a science instructor, and one letter from a veterinarian familiar with the student’s job/volunteer performance.
- A minimum of 150 hours of experience working/volunteering in a professional veterinary practice working with animals or conducting veterinary research. It is preferable that all experience has taken place under the supervision of a practicing veterinarian, but comparable experience may be considered.
- Formal application to the DVM program through the RUSVM online application or the VMCAS application service. Student applicants are subject to all published timelines and due dates for the application process.
- Personal essay indicating applicant interest and experience in veterinary medicine
- Complete a personal interview with an RUSVM admissions representative
- Any additional requirements as outlined through the affiliation agreement between Gannon University and RUSVM; students accepted to the program will have access to all requirements specified in the agreement through the Pre-Health Advising Program Director at Gannon University.

RUSVM will designate four (4) seats in each RUSVM semester class for eligible Gannon students during the admissions process. Candidates must submit a completed application to RUSVM sixty (60) days prior to the class start date as follows: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Thirty (30) days before the start of the semester, RUSVM will release all reserved seats for use in general admissions. Eligible individuals who are not accepted at least thirty (30) days before the start of the next semester are guaranteed a seat in a future semester if a seat is not available in the semester applied for. Reserved and non-reserved seats are granted on a rolling admissions basis. Additional students may be considered on an individual basis and at the discretion of RUSVM.

Elective Courses

RUSVM offers a variety of elective courses to allow students to specialize in areas of interest. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including:

Disaster Management: Provides knowledge of hazard and risk assessment, types of disasters, disaster planning and management, and the roles of agencies involved in disaster management.
Introduction to Sea Turtle Medicine: Covers sea turtle natural history and biology, husbandry, nutrition, diagnostics, therapeutics, anesthesia, surgery, emerging diseases, and ongoing research.
Special Topics in Research: Introduces students to various research experiences, ranging from involvement in on-campus research projects to working at other institutions or field investigations.
Parasitic Zoonoses: Covers major animal parasites with zoonotic potential, focusing on water-borne, meat-borne, vector-borne, fish-borne, snail-borne, crustacean-borne, and plant-borne parasites.
Introduction to Shelter Medicine: Provides students with an understanding of the role of veterinarians in the health and well-being of shelter animals, including population medicine, infectious disease control, zoonotic diseases, spay/neuter programs, and animal cruelty cases.
Introduction to Veterinary Animal Behavior: Introduces the principles of animal learning and behavior-modification techniques, covering common behavioral problems in companion animals and treatment recommendations.
Lab Animal Medicine I & II: Introduces the ethical use of laboratory animals in biomedical research, husbandry and management of vivaria, and information specific to various laboratory animal species.
Clinical Nutrition: An introduction to the concepts of canine and feline clinical nutrition.
Aquatic Veterinary Medicine I & II: Provides a general understanding of aquaculture practices and the importance of aquatic veterinary medical knowledge. AVM-1 focuses on pre-clinical areas, while AVM-2 focuses on clinical areas, such as the pathobiology and epidemiology of aquatic animal diseases.
Business Management for Veterinarians: Addresses macroeconomic, microeconomic, and personal financial planning topics relevant to the business of veterinary medicine.
Academic Development Program: Targeted towards students whose performance during 1st semester suggests an improvement in learning strategy would be beneficial to maximize the potential of achieving academic success in the curriculum.
One Health & Systems Approach: Defines One Health in a historical context and explores its application to research, policy, and development related to animal, human, and environmental health.
Wildlife Capture & Chemical Immobilization: Covers all aspects of capturing and immobilizing wild animals using various techniques and drugs.

Life in St. Kitts

Studying at RUSVM offers a unique opportunity to live and learn in St. Kitts. The island provides a rich cultural experience alongside educational pursuits.

Outcomes

RUSVM aims to equip veterinary students to become practice- and career-ready graduates. As of 2019, RUSVM has graduated more than 5,500 veterinarians. The university strives to provide the best learning environment to prepare students to become members and leaders of the worldwide public and professional healthcare team, advancing human and animal health (One Health) through research and knowledge exchange.

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