Master of Veterinary Clinical Care-Small Animal

Master of Veterinary Clinical Care (MVCC-Small Animal)

The Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is introducing the Master of Veterinary Clinical Care-Small Animal (MVCC-SAM) program beginning in fall 2026. The program is designed to develop the necessary skills for licensed technicians seeking career advancement as Veterinary Professional Associates (VPA) in states introducing VPA pathways. The program builds upon the Master of Veterinary Clinical Care-Legacy (MVCC-Legacy) program, introducing 38 additional credits utilizing a distance-enhanced learning model. 

All applicants will apply for the MVCC-SAM Pathway, which allows incoming graduate veterinary technicians to declare their interest in the MVCC-SAM program. The first 30 credits of the MVCC-SAM program are 100% online and satisfy the Master of Veterinary Medical Technology (MS VMT) degree, which serves as a prerequisite for matriculation into the MVCC-SAM program. As such, all applicants interested in pursuing the MVCC-SAM will be automatically enrolled in the MS VMT program. Students who satisfy the MVCC-SAM Pathway requirements will receive provisional acceptance into the program in their final year of the MS VMT degree, contingent on their successful completion of the MS VMT degree. 

Upon successful matriculation into the MVCC-SAM program, students will complete the remaining 38 credits in person with some hybrid (online) offerings. 
 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Veterinary Clinical Care-Small Animal (MVCC-SAM) 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-SAM Program Overview

The Master of Veterinary Clinical Care-Small Animal (MVCC-SAM) is a flexible, distance-enhanced program available on a full-time or part-time basis, requiring 68 graduate credit hours to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. The curriculum is designed to provide veterinary technicians with advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the evolving field of veterinary healthcare, combining comprehensive coursework with hands-on clinical experience. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for mid-level positions in veterinary settings, enhancing small animal care while supporting the success of veterinary clinics and organizations. The MVCC-SAM program ensures that students graduate with the expertise, confidence, and experience to make a meaningful impact in the small animal veterinary healthcare sector. 

This program does not currently lead to additional licensure qualifications. 
 

MVCC-SAM Admissions Standards and Application Process

MVCC-SAM Admissions Standards and Application Process

MVCC-SAM Pathway Admissions Standards

All applicants to the MVCC-SAM 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-SAM 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.
   • • Transcripts from Ross University’s DVM program can be ordered directly from the institution without a transcript evaluation service
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-SAM 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

Previous DVM Enrollment

In addition to the admissions standards listed above, any applicant who has previously been enrolled in a DVM program must provide transcripts and a letter of explanation describing their discontinuation in the DVM program to be eligible for the MVCC-SAM.
 

MVCC-SAM Admissions Standards

Applicants who qualify for the MVCC-SAM Pathway are automatically enrolled in the Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology (MS VMT) program. The MS VMT serves as a prerequisite for matriculation into the MVCC-SAM program and satisfies the first 30 credits of the MVCC-SAM degree. To gain admission to the MVCC-SAM, students must satisfy the following requirements in their final year of study in the MS VMT program: 

• Maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA 
• Complete a phone interview with the MVCC-SAM Program Director 
• Submit an updated CV and proof of licensure to the CVM Office of Graduate Programs 
• Submit one (1) letter of recommendation to the CVM Office of Graduate Programs 

Applicants who meet these standards will receive a provisional acceptance into the MVCC-SAM program contingent on their successful completion of the MS VMT degree.

Application Process & Notifications

Application Submissions

Application Decisions
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, with all notifications sent by July 20.

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.

In-Person Required Onboarding

Criminal Record Report
Have an updated criminal record report from the university-approved vendor before starting in-person coursework. These reports are purchased at the expense of the student. Failure to comply with this mandate will result in the student’s progression in the program and may result in an enrolled student being withdrawn from his/her present program. The student will sign a disclosure and release form indicating knowledge of this policy and their belief that they do not have any criminal history that would disqualify them from clinical experience or patient contact.

The CVM Office of Graduate Programs will communicate with MVCC-SAM students prior to the start of in-person coursework to complete this requirement.

Vaccination Requirements
Provide proof of vaccination uploaded through the university-approved vendor prior to the start of in-person coursework by the deadline communicated by the Office of Graduate Programs. Students who desire an exemption from any of the required vaccines must complete and upload an LMU-CVM Vaccination Waiver; otherwise, students will not be allowed to continue in the program.

Required vaccines include rabies*, varicella, Tdap, and MMR. Additional vaccines may be required if the student lives in University Housing.

1. Rabies vaccination must include at least an initial 2-dose series following the CDC schedule recommendation. If this was completed more than one year prior to beginning the in-person coursework/lab, proof of protective titer or booster vaccination must be completed and submitted.
2. Students not providing proof of rabies vaccination, titer, or a completed waiver prior to the start of in-person coursework/lab will NOT be able to participate in live animal labs, which may lead to course failure.

Clinical Experience
Prior to the clinical experience, students must provide proof of a protective rabies* titer (at least 1 year after the initial series) or booster vaccination (between 3 weeks and 3 years after initial series). Students will submit documentation of protective titer or booster vaccination through the university-approved vendor.

1. Students must have recently signed (within 2 years) the LMU-CVM Vaccination Waiver on file if they do not want to receive immunizations.
2. Failure to provide proof of a protective titer, booster, or waiver prior to the start of the clinical experience will result in the student NOT being able to participate in live animal experiences and may result in final grade repercussions, potentially leading to course failure.

*Rabies vaccination requirements and interpretation of titers are based on current CDC recommendations.

Student Health Insurance
Veterinary students must have health insurance coverage. Health insurance is provided through Lincoln Memorial University. Students are automatically enrolled in the program starting in the first semester they attend in-person coursework/lab. Students with existing coverage must submit documentation through the insurance waive-out portal of the LMU United Healthcare website at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the academic year.

Technical Standards and Essential Functions Acknowledgement & Certification Form
All MVCC-SAM students are required to acknowledge their understanding of the essential functions policy with or without accommodation and meet the technical standards prior to attending in person.

The technical standards and essential functions require that all candidates possess the physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities necessary to complete all required aspects of the curriculum and are, therefore, required for admission, promotion, and graduation. Although these technical standards and essential functions serve to delineate the necessary minimum physical and mental abilities of all candidates, they are not intended to deter any candidate for whom reason accommodation will allow completion of the MVCC-SAM curricula. The LMU-CVM does not discriminate on the basis of disability and will make reasonable accommodations to facilitate enrollment and participation of qualified individuals with disabilities so long as those accommodations do not 1) fundamentally alter the education program, 2) pose a direct threat to the student, patients, or others, or 3) otherwise create an undue hardship on the LMU-CVM.

MVCC-SAM students are required to acknowledge their understanding of the Technical Standards & Essential Functions policy and certify their ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation to meet the LMU-CVM technical standards. The Acknowledgement and Certification Form must be returned to the CVM Office of Graduate Programs prior to attending in person.

MVCC-SAM Academic Progress, Standards, and Policies

Requirements for Graduation

Successful completion of an MVCC-SAM requires

• Completing a minimum of 68 credit hours
• Completing all degree requirements with a > 2.85 overall GPA

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Any MVCC-SAM 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-Small Animal (MVCC-SAM) is a flexible, distance-enhanced program available on a full-time or part-time basis, requiring 68 graduate credit hours to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. These credits include core (62) and clinical (6). The program may be completed in 5 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-SAM students must complete their studies within six (6) years after initial registration. 

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