Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Rocky Vista University – DVM Program Information

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Mission Statement
Application Requirements
Learning Outcomes
Program Highlights
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Rocky Vista University Proposed College of Veterinary Medicine

RVU is seeking a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education, which allows the college to recruit and admit its first class. A Letter of Reasonable Assurance is the first step in the accreditation process. Rocky Vista University has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for a College of Veterinary Medicine at our Montana campus in Billings, MT.

The proposed College of Veterinary Medicine plans to offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). RVUCVM’s veterinary program will qualify graduates to be eligible to take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).

To become a licensed veterinarian in the United States or Canada, graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). At RVU, our innovative curriculum is designed to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence students need to succeed on the NAVLE and launch their careers in veterinary medicine.

In addition to passing the NAVLE, each state has its own requirements for veterinary licensure. State Boards of Veterinary Medicine oversee this process to ensure veterinarians meet the highest educational and ethical standards. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) offers helpful resources for future veterinarians, including guidance on obtaining a license and a state-by-state directory of licensing contacts. As you move through your veterinary education, you’ll have the support and information you need to navigate the licensure process with confidence.

Proposed College of Veterinary Medicine Mission

The mission of RVUCVM is to provide excellence in program delivery across a broad range of species (including food producing, equine, companion animal, and zoo animals), and engage impactful research to prepare competent, practice-ready veterinarians that serve the needs of their communities through evidence-based medicine.

Interim Dean Dr. Neil C. Olson DVM PhD

Office of the Dean:

Montana College of Veterinary Medicine
4130 Rocky Vista Way
Billings, MT 59106
(406) 901-2701

Dr. Olson’s Bio

Proposed Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours and all required prerequisite coursework from an institutionally accredited university to be considered.
Exceptions may be made and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis; including exceptions that pertain to faith-based and/or strong international universities.
In the event of coursework completed at foreign institutions, official detailed course-by-course evaluations must be completed by an approved agency. Please see the list of approved agencies in the RVU Student Handbook and Catalog, under ‘Matriculation’ section.
A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or greater.
Minimum prerequisite course work that must be completed prior to matriculation, as outlined below.
No grade below “C’ will be considered to fulfill requirements. The grade C- is considered below a C and will not fulfill requirements.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Three letters of recommendation are required; one from a faculty member or another individual who can speak to the candidate’s academic preparation and ability to successfully complete a rigorous veterinary medical curriculum, one from a veterinarian who has supervised the applicant in a clinical setting, and one from the applicant’s choice. These letters must be sent through VMCAS (except for the first cohort of applicants which will use a different application service). The RVUCVM Office of Admissions will not accept letters sent directly to RVU or through another letter service such as Interfolio or VirtualEvals.
Veterinary Experience Hours – Must submit the number of hours of experience gained working with a veterinarian.
Animal Experience Hours – Must submit the number of hours of experience gained working with animals.
Essay (personal statement) – Submit a response to standard question within application system.

Contact Rocky Vista University

Contact RVU

Proposed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Learning Outcomes:

The RVU CVM curriculum has been developed in alignment with the Competency-Based Veterinary Education 2.0 model. Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, students will demonstrate competency in the following Program Learning Outcomes:

Engage in Scholarship and evidence-based practice to advance knowledge and educate others
Employ effective Clinical Reasoning and Decision-making in the practice of veterinary medicine
Provide Individual Animal Care and Management to achieve optimal clinical outcomes
Apply Animal Population Care and Management principles to support animal health, welfare, and productivity
Promote Public Health and One Health through evidence-based veterinary practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and consideration of global health impacts
Employ effective Communication in diverse settings to support animal, human, and environmental health and wellbeing.
Demonstrate Collaboration and inclusivity to improve outcomes and facilitate innovative problem-solving
Cultivate Professionalism and Professional Identity through reflection and continuous learning
Apply Financial and Practice Management strategies that ensure personal and professional success

See Full DVM Degree Plan

Proposed DVM Program Highlights

Student smiling at student behind a desk

Hands-On Learning, Comprehensive Support

Our proposed innovative 4-year program is designed to immerse you in real-world medical experiences, blending simulation with anatomy and surgical labs. The program will collaborate with partners like the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter for unique, practical insights. Beyond academics, our Student Affairs team supports your success with learning strategies, mental health resources, wellness programs, student organizations, tutoring, and career planning. This is education built for your growth—inside and outside the classroom.

Proposed Program Requirements

Brand New Facilities, Abundant Clinical Opportunities

Discover our brand-new 60,000-square-foot campus, crafted to enhance wellness, natural light, and a vibrant student community. From this inspiring space, launch your clinical journey across Montana and the Mountain West, with rotations in rural and underserved areas as well as select sites in the Pacific Northwest, California, the Southwest, and other areas of the U.S. With opportunities to make a meaningful difference in diverse communities, this program is your pathway to a rewarding veterinary career.

Study in Montana

Montana Campus

Billings, sitting along the Yellowstone River and the famous Rimrocks, is known as Montana’s Trailhead because it serves as the border between western Montana’s mountains and Eastern Montana’s plains and badlands. Billings is an urban city offering modern amenities, exceptional views, outdoor recreation, and award-winning cuisine. Billings is the medical hub for two thirds of Montana and portions of bordering states. Although Billings is the largest city in Montana, it boasts small-town hospitality! Where you can explore recreation, dining, shopping, and events happening in Billings.

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