Master of Veterinary Clinical Care

Master of Veterinary Clinical Care (MVCC)

The Master of Veterinary Clinical Care (MVCC) program is for credentialed veterinary technicians who desire to have advanced knowledge in patient case management, evidence-based medicine and clinical practice, critical thinking, practice management, clinical skills, and professional skills.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care (MVCC) program at Lincoln Memorial University is to provide advanced academic learning in veterinary technology through graduate coursework to prepare graduates for advanced veterinary nursing careers.  The mission is achieved by:

• Graduating students with a Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care degree
• Enhancing the learning of licensed technicians through evidence-based medicine, advanced patient care management, and specialized veterinary technology and nursing skills
• Providing preparation for advancing patient care and extended care of the veterinary health care team

MVCC Program Overview

The MVCC offers veterinary technicians exciting career growth opportunities, enabling them to transition into advanced, skills-focused, or leadership roles within the veterinary industry. Designed with 100% online flexibility, the program is ideal for working professionals who wish to further their education while maintaining their careers. Students gain specialized knowledge in evidence-based medicine, patient care management, and the latest veterinary technology trends, equipping them with the advanced expertise needed to excel in the dynamic field of veterinary healthcare.

This program currently does not lead to additional licensure qualifications.

MVCC Admissions Standards and Application Process

Admissions Standards

All applicants to the MVCC must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university
• Be a credentialed veterinary technician with proof of licensure*
• Minimum 2.80+ GPA**
   

The LMU-CVM MVCC Program Director and Graduate Admissions Committee may recommend applicants with exceptions to these admissions requirements subject to the LMU-CVM Dean who has final approval.

*Applicants who meet all other admissions criteria but work in a state that does not provide veterinary technician credentialing may contact CVMGradPrograms@LMUnet.edu for eligibility.

**Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.8 may be considered for the program but will be admitted under automatic academic probation for their first semester.

Required Prerequisite Coursework

All applicants to the MVCC program must demonstrate successful completion of the following required prerequisite coursework before their intended starting semester with a course grade of C+:

Required Application Materials

To apply to the MVCC program, the following must be completed and/or submitted:

1. PostbacCAS Application
2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended
   • Foreign transcripts, including from previous DVM programs, must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silney & Associates, Inc. before submission.
3. Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s work and ability and can, therefore, evaluate their potential for success in this graduate program
4. One (1) personal essay (500 words) that professionally articulates a response to the following prompts: Why do you feel the MVCC program is the next step in your career, and what do you hope to contribute to your field after graduation? Please include specific examples from your career and/or education to support your response.
5. One (1) problem-solution essay (500 words) that professionally articulates a response to the following prompt: What do you see as primary barriers to technician utilization and technician retention in the veterinary profession? How do you feel technicians could be better utilized within the current scope of practice?
6. Application Fees (PostbacCAS)
7. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
8. Proof of Veterinary Technician Licensure or Credentials

Application Process & Notifications

Application Submissions

Term of Enrollment

Admitted applicants are expected to begin the program in the Fall term of their acceptance but may request a deferment for up to one (1) year under special circumstances.

MVCC Academic Progress, Standards, and Policies

Requirements for Graduation

Successful completion of an MVCC requires

• Completing a minimum of 30 credit hours
• Completing all degree requirements with a > 2.85 overall GPA

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Any MVCC student found to have performed below a 2.85 GPA in a semester will be placed on academic probation for the following semester and may remain on academic probation until their cumulative program GPA meets the standard.

MVCC Curriculum

The Master of Veterinary Clinical Care (MVCC) is a fully online, asynchronous program available on a full-time or part-time basis, requiring 30 graduate credit hours to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. These credits include core (24) and elective (6) credits. The program may be completed in 3 consecutive semesters.

Enrollment Status as Determined by Credit Hours

• Full-time status is a minimum of nine (9) graduate credits in a Fall or Spring semester.
• Part-time status is anything less than nine (9) graduate credits in the Fall or Spring semester.

Students must be registered for a minimum of six (6) credit hours to qualify for financial aid. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services for more information if necessary.

Maximum Timeframe for Program Completion

MVCC students must complete their studies within five (5) years after initial registration.

Extensions for any program completion timeframes require approval of the MVCC Program Director and the LMU-CVM Dean. The student bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring completion of all degree requirements.