Finding Veterinary School

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

As a veterinary school with breakthrough educational programs, top-notch clinical care services and innovative research, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University (TCSVM) is a reputable and well-respected educational institute not only in the United States, but all over the world as well. Founded in the year 1978, the school is the only one of its kind in the six-state New England region.

Located in North Grafton, Massachusetts, and a few kilometres away from Boston, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine primarily caters to individuals aspiring to acquire a degree as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or DVM. They also offer 5 other graduate programs as well.

There are three hospitals inside the school which are used primarily for educational purposes. These hospitals are Tufts Wildlife Clinic, The Hospital for Large Animals and The Foster Hospital for Small Animals. The school also owns and operates a satellite clinic in Walpole, Massachusetts known as Tufts VETS, as well as the Tufts Ambulatory Service, which is primarily based in Woodstock, Connecticut.

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is well-known for its outstanding contributions to the following areas of veterinary medicine:

  •  Zoonotic infectious diseases
  •  Animal nutrition, Hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases, pulmonary diseases and reproductive neurosciences
  •  Community-based efforts in controlling Indonesia’s problem with the Avian Influenza virus and participatory disease surveillance
  •  Renewable animal agriculture, wildlife conservation and public health

The school recommends signing-up for their Student Research Training Programs, particularly the faculty research interests, which can be found in the Faculty Profile pages.

With regards to accreditation, the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA/COE) has awarded one to Cummings School in March 2005. The school’s passing rate in the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination or NAVLE for the past 5 years is very impressive at 98.2%, which is way beyond the standard set by the AVMA Council on Education at 80% for all graduating seniors.

Degree Programs

Based on historical data, around 80 students are usually enrolled in the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree program. Statistics also show that students from this program have constantly been performing well in competitive internships and residencies. The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine offers the following graduate programs as well:

  • A combined DVM/MS in Laboratory Animal Medicine Program
  • A combined DVM/MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program
  • A combined DVM/MPH with Tufts University School of Medicine Program
  • A MS in Animals and Public Policy Program
  • A PhD in Biomedical Sciences Program

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine allows its students to have a custom-fit education using the school’s core curriculum, which works hand in hand with their selectives and electives. They have also pioneered other educational programs which aim to go beyond the limits of veterinary medicine:

  •  International Veterinary Medicine
  •  Wildlife Medicine

Cummings School is consistently taking an active part in studying the health of humans, animals and the environment in both national and international ecosystems, which is made possible through the Tufts Center for Conservation Medicine. A comprehensive analysis of the role of animals in our community is also taking place through the school’s Center for Animals and Public Policy. Their efforts to integrate the diversified elements of the curriculum in medicine, surgery and ethics are also being realized through the assistance of a shelter medicine program and other new initiatives.

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine aims to provide top-notch education to a distinct breed of aspiring veterinarians, particularly those who have excellent academic background and have solid personal, academic and professional experiences, as well as individuals who possess a genuine passion for veterinary medicine. Individuals seeking admission in Cummings School will need to have acquired at least three full academic years or its equivalent in an AVMA-accredited college/university. An accumulated course work of at least 90 semester hours is also a pre-requisite upon enrollment. Individuals who have previously acquired a Bachelor’s degree usually have better chances of being accepted in the school.

Online application here: https://apply.embark.com/Grad/Tufts/Vet/23/