Rocky Vista University – DVM Program Information
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
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) degree to prepare students for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and licensure to practice.
Proposed Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university must be completed prior to matriculation (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.
- GPA: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00.
- Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants must complete the following college-level prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher. Grades of “C-” or below will not satisfy the requirements.
- Biological Sciences
- Biology with laboratory | Inorganic Chemistry with Laboratory | Organic Chemistry with Laboratory | Genetics
- Physical Sciences
- Biochemistry | Physics with Laboratory
- Mathematics
- Introduction to Statistics | Algebra, pre-calculus, or higher
- Communication
- English Composition | Oral Communication/Speech
- Behavioral & Social Sciences
- Psychology | Sociology
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): While completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is planned to be optional for applicants, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is expected to be a competitive admission program. Preference will be extended to applicants with a cumulative GRE of 310 or higher.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation will be required.
- Experience: Applicants with research experience, veterinarian-supervised experiences, and other animal experiences are preferred.
- Biological Sciences
Contact Rocky Vista University
Proposed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Learning Outcomes:
We are developing an evidence-based curriculum designed so that upon successful completion of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, students will be able to:
- Accurately diagnose animal patient conditions using applicable veterinary resources.
- Create comprehensive treatment plans for animal patients, including patient referral when appropriate.
- Provide appropriate pain management/anesthesia to ensure compassionate care for animal patients.
- Exhibit proficiency in basic surgery skills required for proper case management.
- Exhibit proficiency in basic medicine skills required for proper case management.
- Provide effective emergency/intensive care case management.
- Apply principles of animal health promotion to common veterinary circumstances (such as biosecurity, prevention/control of disease, including zoonoses, and principles of food safety).
- Practice veterinary medicine with integrity through ethical, professional conduct using excellent communication skills.
- Provide compassionate, inclusive service through attentiveness to individuals’ unique circumstances.
- Contribute proactively to the advancement of animal welfare.
- Critically analyze new information/research findings relevant to veterinary medicine.
- Apply emerging innovations in veterinary practice.
Proposed DVM Program Highlights
Hands-On Learning, Comprehensive Support
Hands-On Learning, Comprehensive Support
Our proposed innovative 3-year program is designed to immerse you in real-world medical experiences, blending simulation with anatomy and surgical labs. 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 RequirementsBrand New Facilities, Abundant Clinical Opportunities
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, and the Southwest. With opportunities to make a meaningful difference in diverse communities, this program is your pathway to a rewarding veterinary career.
Contact UsStudy 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.
Learn MoreDVM Building Renderings
Contact Us
Colorado Campus
8401 S. Chambers Road
Englewood, CO 80112
303-373-2008
Utah Campus
255 E. Center Street
Ivins, UT 84738
435-222-1236
Montana Campus
4130 Rocky Vista Way
Billings, MT 59106
406-901-2700